Amherstburg Freedom Museum launches commemorative coin

The Amherstburg Freedom Museum is selling a commemorative coin for their 50th anniversary.

With the Amherstburg Freedom Museum in its 50th anniversary year, there is a keepsake that is being offered to help people remember the occasion.

A commemorative coin is being sold by the museum with one side of the coin showing the 50th anniversary logo while the other side of the coin shows the original logo and name of the museum, which was the North American Black Historical Museum.

“The coin is all about commemorating the museum and 50 years of sharing Black history,” said Amherstburg Freedom Museum board chair Monty Logan. “It’s something sustainable people can hang on to.”

The cost is $25 per coin.

Logan indicated the coin is something that marks the anniversary but also is a reminder of the museum’s history and how it has grown and evolved over the past five decades.

“We wanted to have an homage to our beginnings in 1975,” said Logan.

The Amherstburg Freedom Museum recalls the history of the Underground Railroad and freedom seekers’ journey to Canada but also curates artifacts of not only that period, but what happened after people came to the area. The history that followed their arrival is also documented.

“We want to make sure we don’t lose that history,” said Logan. “Our tagline is ‘Black History is Universal Inspiration.’”

Proceeds from the sale of the commemorative coins will help benefit the museum and its operation. There are only 500 for sale and Logan said they can purchase one via the museum’s website or come into the museum in-person. The museum is located at 277 King St. 

For more information, visit www.amherstburgfreedom.org or call 519-736-5433.  The Amherstburg Freedom Museum is open Tuesday-Friday from 12-5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 1-5 p.m. but is closed Monday.

The Amherstburg Freedom Museum is also hosting its annual “Ribs & Ragtime” fundraiser June 14 from 4-8 p.m. The outdoor event on the museum’s grounds features dinner and a performance from Black Orchid. Tickets are $60 and available through the museum’s website.

Other 50th anniversary events include the Walter Perry Emancipation Golf Classic Aug. 9 at Coachwood Golf & Country Club in McGregor and a 50th anniversary gala Sept. 20 at the Caboto Club in Windsor with Bishop Paul. S. Morton as the keynote speaker. 

Amherstburg Freedom Museum launches commemorative coin

By Ron Giofu