Explore Chatham-Kent
The Association for the Study of African American Life and History brings us the 2026 National Black History Month theme, "Century of Black History Commemorations” marks 100 years of national observances dedicated to honoring the lives, struggles, and achievements of African Americans.Chatham-Kent is steeped in Black history being one of the last stops along the Underground Railroad bringing slaves to freedom,many settling in the area. During the 19th century, the area was the northern terminus of the Underground Railroad. As a result, Chatham-Kent is now part of the African-Canadian Heritage Tour. Josiah Henson Museum for African-Canadian History, formally known as Uncle Tom’s Cabin Site is a museum of the Dawn Settlement, established in 1841 by Josiah Hensen near Dresden as refuge for the many slaves who escaped to Canada from the United States. John Brown, the abolitionist, planned his raid on the Harper’s Ferry Arsenal in Chatham and recruited local men to participate in the raid. The small village of North Buxton, part of the African Canadian Heritage Tour, played an important role in the Underground Railroad. By the 1850s, the city of Chatham was referred to as the “Black Mecca of Canada". A museum in the city, the Black Mecca Museum, still bears its name. The Buxton Homecoming weekend takes place Labor Day Weekend each year bringing families and their decendents who were part of those original settlers. Black History Month 2026 in Chatham-Kent features a series of events celebrating local Black heritage, including a flag-raising on Jan 30, a Feb 22 Soul Food Dinner and Dance at the Wish Centre and Concerts at St. Andrew’s Church. Key sites like the Buxton National Historic site, Josiah Hensen Museum, and the Black Mecca Museum offer special programming, exhibits and educational tours throughout February. Plan to attend some of these great events. Bring the family and learn about our great Black History.
