Close
Close
Browser Compatibility Notification
It appears you are trying to access this site using an outdated browser. As a result, parts of the site may not function properly for you. We recommend updating your browser to its most recent version at your earliest convenience.
Skip to Content

Owen Sound Tourism Logo

Contact Us Main menu icon
City WebsiteContact Us
Translate
Click to open Twitter Click to open Facebook Click to open YouTube Click to open Instagram
I'd Like To...
  • Explore
    • Accommodations
    • Camping or RV Site
    • Meetings and Conferences
    • Top 10 Attractions

    Image1

    Black History

    More
    Home/Black History
    • Open new window to share this page via Facebook Facebook
    • Open new window to share this page via LinkedIn LinkedIn
    • Open new window to share this page via Twitter Twitter
    • Email This page Email
    • Black History
      • Black History Cairn
      • British Methodist Episcopal
      • Emancipation Festival
      • Quilt Codes
    • Events Calendar
    • Festivals and Events
    • Galleries and Museums
    • Heritage
    • Library
    • Live Music
    • Theatre and Film
    • Videos

    Quick Links

    From about 1830 to the end of the American Civil War, escaped slaves made their way across the Canada-U.S. border through the Underground Railroad, a secret route that led to freedom. (There was no actual railroad involved). Many were headed for the Village of Sydenham (Owen Sound), the last "terminal" of the railroad, and settled here, finding work and raising families.

    With the arrival of the earliest settlers such as Richard Ringo and John "Daddy" Hall, the City's first town crier, Black people have worked hard to make a place for themselves where they could live and raise their children in freedom and peace.

    In honour of these settlers, a commemorative cairn in Harrison Park was unveiled on July 31, 2004 at the annual Emancipation festival and picnic. The picnic has been held every year since 1862, always on the first weekend in August, marking the anniversary of the British Emancipation Act of August 1, 1834. It is believed to be the longest-running Emancipation event in North America.

    Grey Roots Museum & Archives currently has an exhibit, Black Roots in Grey, that outlines the steady progress made by Black community members to gain a foothold in their communities, despite prejudice and discrimination.

    The exhibit honours such local Black figures as former Owen Sound Mayor and Ontario MP Ovid Jackson, musician and entertainer Tommy Earlls, and others. It also outlines the early beginnings of the Emancipation Picnic and follows its growth and evolution into the three day weekend celebration many of us know as the Emancipation Festival. The exhibit will be on display until at least May, 2017.

    Owen Sound's Historic Walking Tour includes several stops that help illustrate the city's Black history, including the Kennedy Foundry site, Molock House, the British Methodist Episcopal Church, Pettigrow/Urquhart house, the Farmer's Market building, Tone Yoga Studio (a former Congregational Church) and Harrison Park. 

    Visitor Information Centre

    Owen Sound operates a full-service Visitor Information Centre on the waterfront, housed in a historic railway depot at 1155 1st Ave. West, Owen Sound. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff will help with all your visitor needs, from maps and guides to souvenirs and trip planning. Call 519-371-9833 or 1-888-675-5555.

    Stay Informed. Sign-up for our eNewsletter

    Owen Sound Tourism logo

    © 2017 City of Owen Sound

    Tourism Office
    1155 First Avenue West
    Owen Sound, Ontario,
    N4K 4K8

    Toll Free: 1-888-675-5555
    Tel: 519-371-9833
    Feedback

    Email: vacation@owensound.ca

    Designed by eSolutionsGroup