Barbara Worthy

Special to The Lake Report

For the final virtual lecture of 2021, the NOTL Museum is presenting Rochelle Bush and her lecture on “The Lesser Known: Uncovering some of the Black people of Old Niagara and the surrounding area,” on Dec. 15 at 11 a.m.

During the late 18th century and well into the 19th century, Niagara-on-the-Lake was home to a sizable Black population.

Black settlers first arrived after the American Revolution, whether by choice or as enslaved persons. Later they were joined by freedom seekers escaping the harsh realities of a “slave culture” in the southern states.

For almost 150 years, Niagara’s Black community lived, worked, attended church and school, built homes and farms, and ran successful businesses in Old Town.

Bush, resident scholar and trustee for the Salem Chapel British Methodist Episcopal Church in St. Catharines, will explore the histories of some of these Black people who came to Niagara, and those who moved to other places in the peninsula, where their descendants still live today.

The Salem Chapel in St. Catharines is considered to be the oldest Black church in Ontario. In 1999, it received a national historic designation by the federal government.

Its most celebrated member was Harriet Tubman, conductor of the Underground Railroad.

Bush is also the owner/operator of Tubman Tours, dedicated to telling the story of this astonishing freedom seeker.

The NOTL Museum lectures have enjoyed huge popularity among the public, as well as museum members. During the year these lectures have explored topics that range from the history of railways and tennis in Niagara, to treaties, land claims, and women who were not always so saintly.

You can revisit these lectures on the NOTL Museum's YouTube channel. Due to popular demand, the virtual lectures will continue in the new year. Details will be announced in January.