One of Canada’s best kept secrets! Discover the Black Loyalist Heritage Centre!
The home of the largest free black settlement in the 1780’s where people voted with their feet for freedom. This unique historical site is nestled in beautiful Birchtown Bay on the western shores of Shelburne Harbour, the third largest natural harbour in the world.
It’s a history few in the region know much about. Come and enjoy a guided tour, search for your ancestral roots and learn about these courageous Nova Scotians.
Preview the centre
Plan Your Visit
Come and enjoy a guided tour, search for your ancestral roots, and learn about the Black Loyalists inside our interpretive centre.
Outside, explore our two-acre property that includes historic buildings, a walking trail and National monument. Depending on the weather, bring a lunch to enjoy at one of our picnic benches.
There is lots to see and do, so be prepared to spend some time with us.
Must See Sites
Lindsay Gallery
In the Lindsay Exhibition Gallery, dive into a multi-media exhibit of the Black Loyalist journey. As you move through the centre, you will see the names of over 3,000 Black Loyalists who were recorded in the Book of Negroes. Look beneath our glass floor at the archaeological pit to see some artifacts discovered right here in Birchtown.
Old School House
Built in the 1830s, this may have been the site of the school that served the early residents of Birchtown. The current building acted as the schoolhouse until 1960 and was turned into the first Black Loyalist Heritage Museum. Step inside to see original school records and other artifacts from the Birchtown community.
Aminata’s Walk
Take a short walk on our heritage trail, named after the central character from the Book of Negroes novel by Lawrence Hill. While walking the trail you will find a replica of a Pit House. Peer inside and see the types of temporary shelters the Black Loyalists lived in upon their arrival here in Nova Scotia in 1783.
St. Paul’s Anglican Church
Constructed between 1888 and 1905, this church sits on the site of the original meeting house used by the first-generation Black Loyalists of Birchtown. Today, St. Paul’s represents the importance of faith within the Black Loyalists communities. Inside take a moment to admire the wooden architecture and beautiful stain glass windows
Black Burial Ground
Oral folklore referred to this as the Black Burial Grounds, though there are no records to show who – if anyone – is buried here. In 1996 a National Monument was erected to honour the Black Loyalists who arrived in Canada following the American Revolution. This area of our site offers visitors a beautiful view of Birchtown Bay.
Shaw Community Compass
Just outside the front doors of the centre, follow the spiral steps that will take you to the Shaw Community Compass. While looking out at Birchtown from this rooftop view, you will find yourself surrounded by names of the various communities established and settled by the Black Loyalists since their arrival in 1783. In the center of the lookout, you will find a map marking where these communities are located across Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.
Coming Soon…
Tell Us How We Did…
The Black Loyalist Heritage Society
Established in 1989, the Black Loyalist Heritage Society is a dynamic, charitable organization committed to discovering, interpreting, safeguarding, and promoting the history and heritage of the Black Loyalists. For over thirty years, the society has worked to ensure the chronicles and contributions of the Black Loyalists takes its place with other communities that shape Canada’s cultural mosaic.
Black Loyalists
Recorded in the Book of Negroes, Black Loyalists arrived in several ports around Nova Scotia and New Brunswick following the end of the American Revolution.
Historic Communities
Since their arrival in 1783, Black Loyalists have established and formed communities across Nova Scotia including Birchtown, Preston, and Upper Big Tracadie.
Artifacts Found
These artifacts date back to the Black Loyalist period, and were discovered across Birchtown, proving the area’s historical significance.
Dollars Raised
Over several years the Heritage Society fundraised money to construct the Black Loyalist Heritage Centre, a state-of-the-art museum honouring the Black Loyalists.
Donors
Generous support from individuals and organizations allowed the society to meet their goal and see the dream of the Black Loyalist Heritage Centre become a reality.
Visitors
Since our grand opening in June of 2015, the Black Loyalist Heritage Centre has welcomed thousands of visitors from across the globe to discover our story.