SAINT JOHN (GNB) – New Brunswick’s first Black History Heritage Centre is now open to the public. The aim of the centre is to educate residents on the province’s Black history, in a similar way as centres in other provinces.
“The Black community has made a significant contribution to our province’s history,” said Tourism, Heritage and Culture Minister Tammy Scott-Wallace. “This centre is a meaningful way to honour their impact and to display our province’s shared Black history so that others can learn about their important contributions. This fulfills a government commitment.”
The provincial government provided $50,000 to the New Brunswick Black History Society for the development of the centre.
“The Black History Heritage Centre is a dream come true,” said Ralph Thomas, founding member and projects coordinator of the New Brunswick Black History Society. “We are displaying our province’s Black history from as far back as the Atlantic slave trade until today. This is one of the most exciting initiatives I have been a part of, and we are just getting started. We will continue to add to this collection in the years to come for New Brunswickers and those visiting from across the country to enjoy.”
The society is dedicated to research, analysis, documentation and the preservation of New Brunswick’s Black history.
The new centre is located in Brunswick Square and is open to visitors Tuesday through Friday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. More information about the society and the centre is available online.
22-06-21