2004
HOMECOMING REPORTS

In spite of the inclement weather that we experienced last year, good times and good memories were still shared!  Apparently, last year was only the second time in 79 years that the celebrations were cancelled!  But the weather did not deter folks from "coming home".  The museum was the place to be!  I was pleasantly surprised to see so many familiar and unfamiliar faces -people who in the past have never quite found time to check out the displays.  You should always find the time to re-connect with your roots. 80 enthusiasts attended our sixth History & Genealogy conference, Again they were treated to knowledgeable and entertaining speakers.  Thanks to Afua Cooper, Pat Neely-McCurdy, Professor James Walker, Tony Burroughs, Donald Simpson, Orloff Miller and James Hill.  We are sincerely appreciative of your wisdom and expertise that you shared with us.

At our "Family Feud" baseball tournament, the Robbins, Gillier, Travis, Prince, Shadd, Robert 1, Robert 2, and Boswell families competed for the opportunity to have their name engraved on the trophy.  And at the end of the day, the Shadd, Prince, Robert 1, and Gillier teams were headed for the final games on Labour Day Monday, but due to the rain, the games were cancelled.  So all the teams were declared winners and will have their names engraved on the trophy.  Thanks again to all the participants and families for supporting your favourite team!

Our Labour Day dance was a bit untraditional last year.  Buxton's Next Generation organized the first Party in the Park.  There was a talent show, a live band - "Felonious Monk" and our own "D.J. Cold Sweat" had the tunes playing and people dancing the night away.  We would like to applaud the Buxton youth for their enthusiasm, their dedication, and continued support in keeping our rich legacy alive.

The theme for our re-enactment was "Memories Thru the Years".  People traveled thru time - from 1883 - 1970.  One of the highlights was The North Buxton Maple Leaf Band and the "hula goon hula" dancers from Club Tahiti.  It was truly an entertaining evening.

The number of bus tours was down last year due to economic developments in Canada and the United States.  But there was an increase in "drop-in" visitors, especially families who were interested in learning more about the UGRR.

Staff and board members participated in workshops sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism, The Chatham Capitol Theatre, The Chatham Cultural Centre, York University, Cultural Strategic Development Fund, Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership, Economic Development, and Motor Coach Development.  These workshops provide invaluable training and expertise, which are beneficial towards marketing, maintaining and preserving the rich heritage housed here.

The museum once again participated in the "Communities in Bloom" initiative.  The Ontario Works Volunteers planted tulips and grass seed.  We were successful in a grant application through HRDC, which enabled us to hire six staff and a supervisor for a year.  Rodney Schram & Mark Piotrowski were hired for data entry.  Our census records, collector rolls, and some of our original documents have been entered onto the computer.  This initiative is done in partnership with York University, the Harriet Tubman Centre - to facilitate a broad program of research that will collect, organize and digitize materials on early Black Settlements, the UGRR and links with the United States.  We would like to gratefully acknowledge Prof. Paul Lovejoy for the computers, scanner, digital camera, and video camera.  Maureen Hales and Lori Gardner were hired to assist with developing a school-based curriculum program for our recently restored 1861 school-house.  Nathan Shadd and Brad Gibson were hired for maintenance repairs to the various buildings.  Joyce Middleton and Audrey Prince are sharing the supervisory position.  They have truly enhanced our facility and programs.

Hopefully as you read this, our latest dream will become a reality and our 1850's log cabin will be moved on site.  The Architectural Conservation of Ontario was contacted to make recommendations on moving.  The cabin will be used as another interpretative tool to make the experience complete.  Thanks again to everyone who made donations for this project especially Marjorie and the late Robert Pratt and Ethel Henderson for their generous donation of this historical building.  Your continued support is appreciated.

Some of the our displays were at the Chatham & Detroit Chamber of Commerce events; the William Still family reunion in Philadelphia; some of our artefacts and display units were on loan to Museum London; the Roots Festival; numerous photographs and documents were utilized in other exhibits, such as, "And Still I Rise..," which was sponsored by the Workers Arts and Heritage Centre in Hamilton; photos were also used in the Under­ground Railroad Freedom Centre in Cincinnati, Ohio; some of our tin-type photos were featured in a movie, "Cinnamon Hill", which was an award winning film that premiered in Montreal, California, New York, Vancouver and Toronto.

Staff and board members made presentations to a variety of schools and institutions such as: to local elementary and high schools; high schools in London and Toronto; the Heritage Film Festival in Chatham; York Univer­sity at the Harriet Tubman Centre; Christ Cathedral Church in Ottawa; the Smithsonian; Durham County Genealogy conference; Chapters book store in Windsor; Heritage Festival in St Thomas; Early Years prevention program, sponsored by Children's Integrated Services.

We are very fortunate to have established an excellent rapport with our local media.  We have endeavoured to reach larger markets, we have continued support from businesses and other affiliated sites, and partnerships have been cemented.  A promotional video was produced by COGECO; interviews were done on CBC - Fresh Air; TVO - @issue; C.FAX 1070 radio in British Columbia; TVO - More to Life; CBC also produced a web site, which featured our 1866 church and the museum.  Our own Toni Parker was featured in an educational video that was produced by Susan Poizner and was aired on CBC and PBS.

Duane Newby has maintained our award winning website.  He has linked our site with notable universities and related sites.  Thanks Duane.

As you wander the park grounds, you might notice some changes -such as the newly painted bleachers; some trees and flowers that were planted.  Thanks to Nathan and Brad.

I would like to welcome our summer students - Blair Newby, Toni Parker, and Michelle Robbins are working at the museum and Chris Prince who is assisting with the co-coordinating of the Labour Day festivities.  They bring their enthusiasm, their pride, and knowledge with them,

Please drop by the school for a visit to witness a typical period lesson.  And visit the museum for our special Sunshine Club exhibit. Our theme this year is "Homecoming".  So welcome home!

 Shannon Prince, Curator

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website created July 2008; updated November 2009; by Lori Gardner