THE BLACK LOYALIST HERITAGE SOCIETY

The Black Loyalist Heritage Society, located in Birchtown, Nova Scotia, is a dynamic, charitable society committed to discovering, interpreting, safeguarding and promoting the history and heritage of the Black Loyalists in North America.

The Black Loyalist Heritage Society is the only national, charitable organization self-entrusted to ensure the chronicles and contributions of the Black Loyalists takes its place with other communities that shape Canada’s cultural mosaic.

In 1989, a handful of people met to discuss the history and genealogy of the Black Loyalists in Shelburne, Nova Scotia. The group, for the most part, identified themselves as descendants of the first settlers. They were concerned that the local community was unaware of the contributions made by their ancestors. They began collecting family data and other significant historical information and before long, the group was formally incorporated in 1991 as the Shelburne County Cultural Awareness Society. After a few years the group realized that its main objectives and undertakings had focused on discovering and preserving Black Loyalist history, so in 1999, the Society changed its name to the Black Loyalist Heritage Society.

The group of individuals worked hard to build membership and interest in the Society and continue to create awareness of Birchtown’s historical significance. The group was also instrumental in blocking a proposed land fill to the Birchtown area which could have destroyed any evidence of the early Black Loyalist settlers. For over 20 years, the Black Loyalist Heritage Society has been building awareness of the significance of both the story of the Black Loyalists and Birchtown itself. We have increased our capacity to deliver an appealing visitor experience. In addition, we have engaged with the broader community and cultivated vital partnerships to develop a larger vision for Birchtown. We have embarked on a journey to retrace the steps of Black Loyalist ancestors and to create a path for future generations to discover this remarkable narrative.

OUR VOLUNTEER BOARD

The volunteer board provides the governance structure to lead and direct the Black Loyalist Heritage Society in its planning and operations of the Birchtown Historical Site. The Board of Directors are comprised of individuals who have an interest in the Society’s objectives, actively celebrate the survival and determination of our ancestors and believe in the promotion for universal recognition of the ancestry of the Black Loyalists as a nascent Canadian heritage community, having been among the earliest original settlers of Canada.

Officers and directors are elected annually from the membership. The active directors are:

PRESIDENT

Sheila has been involved with the Black Loyalist Heritage Society since the late 1980s.   She played an instrumental role as one of the founding members of the Shelburne County Cultural Awareness Society and has been a steady, guiding force as an executive member leading up the inception of what is now the BLHS, where she presently holds the position of Vice-President.

Sheila’s heritage dates back several generations to her Black Loyalist descendants and several generations back to her Aboriginal lineage.  Her wealth of experience, advice and solid direction has contributed significantly to the success of the BLHS in so many ways. Serving in several capacities over the years in positions that include President, and Vice-President, her leadership and influence have served to establish and guide the BLHS to success.  Her solid leadership continues to this day through her mentorship of new Board members, the Executive Director and staff. She also serves on two BLHS Sub-Committees – Audit and Risk, and Fundraising – the latter of which is known for their tremendously successful and delicious “Annual Apple Pie Fundraiser”. 

Sheila retired from the Roseway Hospital in Shelburne, N.S. in 2015 after a successful and meaningful career spanning 35 years.  Sheila is an active member of the Anglican Christ Church, where she sits on the Church Council and is a member of the Church Choir.  She has also served as an Associate Member the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 63 over a 25 year period, during which time she held positions including Vice-President, Treasurer and Secretary. Sheila enjoys music, crafts, cooking and baking and spending time with her family.  Sheila and her husband Jim reside happily in Shelburne, where she has lived all of her life. 

VICE PRESIDENT

Paul Blades was born in Shelburne, N.S. He graduated from Shelburne Regional High School, Shelburne Regional Vocational School and Nova Scotia Institute of Technology (achieving a Red Seal in Automotive mechanical) before beginning his 35-year career in the Automotive Industry Sector in various operational, managerial and leadership roles. Paul is recently retired and has returned to his hometown with his wife, who was also born and raised in Shelburne.  Paul has two grown sons of mixed race and it’s important for him to know their heritage beyond one generation. His desire to be a member of the BLHS Board of Directors stems from his desire to give back to his community and his belief that everyone deserves to learn and be able to embrace all elements of their heritage and knows that the BLHS is integral to sharing that information with Black Loyalist descendants locally and internationally – struggles and triumphs.    

TREASURER

Garet joined the BLHS in 2017 and accepted the nomination of Treasurer.  He is a Senior Accountant at Grant Thornton LLP, where he has been an employee for three years now.  Garet passed his CPA designation exam in December 2016.  He audits a variety of companies which include private sector, non-profits and Acadia First Nations. Garet has been wanting to find a way to give back and volunteer within the black community of Nova Scotia and could not think of a better way to get his foot in the door as well as gain some important board experience by joining the BLHS.

Garet brings a solid knowledge base in the accounting field which includes his ability to interpret financial statements, help facilitate any financial decisions the BLHS may face and he brings forth a youthful perspective for activities and programs.  Garet has also volunteered with the United Way, Movember, and Sport Nova Scotia’s Dragon Boat Festival.

SECRETARY

Barbara Falk is a Black Loyalist Descendent who has been involved with the Society since 1995.  She began as a volunteer assisting the office administration in various ways by running the office efficiently, greeting and dealing with the public.  In 1996, she was hired as the business manager, working with the secretary, assisting with typing, filing, copying, note taking etc.

From 2002-2004 Barb was the assistant Registrar, helping with the Black Loyalist Registry data entry, assisting with the preparation of speeches and presentations attended meetings. After retirement, Barb is now the Chair of the Society’s Fund-Raising Committee and particularly enjoys the annual pie-baking fundraiser that averages sales of over 200 delicious pies to happy customers – this fundraiser generates one of the largest sources of volunteer revenues for the Society. Barb is past Vice-President (2007-2008) of the BLHS, past board Treasurer/Secretary (2009-2011) and served as Vice President once again from 2012 to 2016. 

Barb also participated in the BLHS historical re-enactments as she portrayed the beloved “griot”.  She was a member of the Well Women’s Planning Committee and Executive member and Treasurer of CERJ and PERJ while they were in existence.  She is current Treasurer and Director of the Birchtown Community Centre and an active member and Deacon of the Jordan Falls Baptist Church. Barb is a wife, mother of three and grandmother of six. Barb and her husband Hank reside in Birchtown, NS.

DIRECTOR

A direct descendent of Black Loyalists, Laurie has a personal connection to the history of his ancestors. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History from Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, N.S. Laurie’s career with Nova Scotia’s Department of Community Services spans over 29 years of working in government community outreach. Drawing on a background of strong leadership, and talent management skills, he is accomplished in directing high-performing accountable teams, and developing employee rapport and engagement. 

Laurie is experienced in community outreach, policy analysis, working with non-profits organizations, with skills reaching to academia, program development and government relations. 

Laurie is determined now to draw on his career experience to give back to his community and continue the work of those who came before him – focusing his efforts on ensuring the Black Loyalist history is preserved, protected and shared.

DIRECTOR

Nigel is a lawyer, historian, genealogist, and a direct descendant of the Black Loyalists, with a profound commitment to the mission and objectives of the Black Loyalist Heritage Society. He has focused extensively on the history of the Black Loyalists who established and settled Freetown and the Colony of Sierra Leone in 1792, a dedication that aligns closely with the Society’s goals of preserving and promoting the history of Black Loyalists and their descendants.

As a lawyer specializing in banking, finance, and international project development, Nigel has amassed considerable experience at international law firms. His work involves advising a diverse range of corporate and banking clients on complex international transactions, where he excels in drafting and negotiating documents, strategic planning, and understanding corporate structures. He intends to leverage this expertise to further the Society’s mission.

In addition to his legal career, Nigel is an accomplished historian and genealogist. He has contributed to several prestigious academic journals, including the Journal of Imperial and Commonwealth History and the International Journal of African Historical Studies, where his work has highlighted the contributions of Nova Scotian Settler families. He has delivered lectures and academic papers at significant conferences, including those hosted by The National Archives of the United Kingdom. An Associate Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, Nigel has been recognized for his academic contributions to history.

Nigel’s dedication extends to the preservation of heritage, particularly that of the Nova Scotian Settlers and their Sierra Leone Creole descendants. He is a founding member of two heritage organizations that focus on preserving documents related to Creole heritage and has also initiated the Nova Scotian and Maroon Descendants Association on social media to promote awareness and appreciation of this rich heritage. His extensive personal library contains rare newspapers and documents that are valuable resources for understanding the history of the Nova Scotian Settlers.

As a direct descendant of the Nova Scotian Settlers, Nigel’s personal connection to the history of the Black Loyalists has been a lifelong journey. He has been aware of his family’s lineage tracing back to the Nova Scotian Settlers and Jamaican Maroons, instilling in him a strong commitment to the Society’s mission.

With a robust background in law, history, and genealogy, coupled with a personal passion for the heritage of the Black Loyalists, Nigel is eager to contribute his expertise and insights to the Black Loyalist Heritage Society as a board member.

DIRECTOR

Nicole Brown is an award-winning author, living history expert, and a PhD Candidate in American Studies at William & Mary; she was previously a Program Design Manager at The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.

Nicole’s ongoing academic research analyzes Black literacy in the Atlantic World via interdisciplinary and descendant-engaged scholarship. Her work as a museum professional has also taken her across the globe, presenting on interpretive techniques for “hard” histories at museums and historic sites. Brown recently co-edited a book entitled The Williamsburg Bray School, 1760-1774: A History Through Records, Reflections, and Rediscovery. 

Most recently, Nicole has been collaborating with the BLHC on research regarding the Birchtown Bray School, the precursor to the Old Birchtown Schoolhouse. Brown is excited to support ongoing scholarship  on this school, its teachers and its students.

DIRECTOR

Dr. Rhonda Wolkins is a Black Loyalist Descendent.  Raised in the South end community of the town of Shelburne, she developed an early interest and passion for her heritage. She feels privileged to be part of the mission to promote and safeguard the legacy of Black Loyalists.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Master of Education in Child and School Psychology, Master of Science in Human Resources, Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology, and PhD in Clinical Psychology.  She is currently a Registered Clinical Psychologist in the province of Nova Scotia. Her experiences offer the Board a strong academic background in interpersonal relationships, intrapersonal growth, and community interconnectedness.

Rhonda and her spouse, Chris, have two children, Cohen and Jada. When she not in the arena fulfilling her role as a hockey mom, she spends much of my time in nature and travelling. She is very driven person and endeavours to empower the descendants of Black Loyalists.

DIRECTOR

Since moving to Shelburne, Bill has developed a deep connection to the Black Loyalist Heritage Centre, where his visits have been emotionally transformative. A particularly powerful moment occurred when a friend of Bill’s – a Juno-nominated saxophonist – played “Amazing Grace” on the Centre’s glass floor which is carefully engraved with the names of Black Loyalists who arrived in 1783.  This created for Bill a sacred experience that honored the Black Loyalists’ presence. These moments have ignited Bill’s passion to contribute to the important work of the Black Loyalist Heritage Society.

Throughout his life, Bill has been deeply committed to racial justice, a passion that grew during his time in Toronto, where he founded and chaired Ephraim’s Place Community Centre (EPCC), working closely with Black youth and families, many of whom were gang-involved. His love and deep respect for the communities he served have fueled his desire to address racial inequalities.

In addition to his board service, Bill is in the process of launching panoRRama, an online community focused on racial justice and LGBTQ support, with a major launch anticipated in 2024. His passion for racial justice aligns with the mission of the Black Loyalist Heritage Society, and he looks forward to serving the BLHS Board in whatever capacity is needed.

Drawing on his extensive experience on local, provincial, national, and international boards, including his work with EPCC, Bill is eager to contribute his skills and leadership to advancing the BLHS’s mission. He believes that the combination of his experience and commitment to racial justice will make a valuable contribution to the Society’s ongoing efforts to preserve and promote the legacy of the Black Loyalists.

DIRECTOR

Stan was born and raised in Shelburne and is a direct descendant of the Black Loyalists.

He lives in Shelburne with his spouse of 34 years, Sherry Reid.

Stan holds a Red Seal certifications as a machinist and industrial mechanic and is also a qualified marine mechanic and computerized machining technician and industrial mechanics. Stan has also traveled extensively, training oil company and government personnel in mechanic technology in Eritrea, Papua New Guinea, Malaysia, Bermuda, and Mexico.

In his early career, Stan served as a soldier in the Canadian Army (royal Canadian Regiment) and worked as a scuda diver, merchant seaman, and manager of several restaurants and bars.

As the first Black Mayor of Shelburne, Past President of the Black Loyalist Heritage  Society, and current president of SEED, a volunteer organization focused on delivering clean drinking water to the residents of Shelburne and beyond, Stan rejoins the BLHS Board now as a Director.

He brings with him wealth of knowledge and experience that will contribute immensely to the Society’s vision and goals.

DIRECTOR

Lyndsey P. Beutin is Associate Professor of Communication Studies and Media Arts at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. Her research focuses on the politics of the public memory of slavery and contemporary social movements. She was organized into the multiracial, multi-issue struggle for racial justice in the U.S. South and has been involved with community projects for migrant rights, queer liberation, prison abolition, and historic preservation. Prior to becoming a professor, she worked at non-profit organizations and museums, including Weeksville Heritage Center, which is a Black historic site in Brooklyn, NY that preserves the history of a pre-Civil War free Black community.

For the past several summers, Lyndsey has been collaborating with the Black Loyalist Heritage Centre to design and run creative community workshops and events that elicit and preserve people’s stories and relationships to the histories, landscapes, and waterscapes of Birchtown and Shelburne. These events are part of her research on the relationships among land and Black freedom struggle in Canada and the U.S.

Lyndsey earned her PhD from UPenn and has held fellowships at the African American Studies department at Princeton University and the Carter G. Woodson Institute for African American and African Studies at the University of Virginia. Her book, Trafficking in Antiblackness: Modern-Day Slavery, White Indemnity, and Racial Justice (Duke University Press, 2023), won the 2024 Emerging Scholar Book Award from the Canadian Communication Association and the 2024 Shepherd Book Prize in the Humanities from McMaster.