 The Heritage
Room at the W.I.S.H. Centre was opened
in 1996 and is dedicated as the 'John Brown Depot.'
Renovated and redesigned in 2005, this self-guided
exhibit contains numerous attractions which include: special
interest artifacts, audio interactive life-sized figures
of three prominent Blacks of early Chatham, and an audio/visual
presentation.
We have resources such as...
 Books and Videos - We specialize in preserving the history of Chatham-Kent’s
Black population and boast a range of primary and secondary
resources. These include genealogical and census records,
original photographs, military records, newspaper articles
and land registries.
Knowledgeable Staff
We are fortunate to have on hand a team of knowledgeable staff who are able to answer questions. Also by appointment you may meet and discuss one-on-one with our our professional historian,
Gwen Robinson.
 Displays
- Chatham: The Black Mecca?
In
the early 1800’s, five Black families settled along
McGregor’s Creek in the tiny town of Chatham, and
then known only as “the Forks.” The village
soon became a haven for runaway slaves and, by 1850, its
population was 1/3 Black.
Once
here, Blacks in Chatham thrived in business, education,
sport, medicine, and literary and cultural arts. News of
their success attracted Blacks to this area from across
North America. The history of Blacks in early Chatham is
not only of local significance. The years of Black contribution
and participation in Southwestern Ontario left a fundamental
impression on the national landscape.
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“Infusing Our Community
with the
Spirit
of Our Ancestors” |
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