The Amherstburg Freedom Museum celebrated their 49th Anniversary this past weekend. This landmark is sure to be a huge stepping stone for next year’s celebration of 50 years.
This commemoration was marked by a celebratory family-friendly event. The museum welcomed a few special guests to kick off the celebration. Brenda Mccurdy started off the day by introducing the guest speakers. Remo Mancini commenced the celebration with a short and simple speech, focusing on three central words.
“The first word is grateful. I am grateful to be here. Grateful so many people from Amherstburg were here, celebrating. The second word is joyful. There were big smiles, congratulatory words. It was joyful from beginning to end. And the last word is blessing. It was a blessing back in 1975, and the fact that it survived despite everything going on in Amherstburg is a blessing,” said Mancini.
“I have one more word, I would like to add: future. How do we ensure that this is not lost? How do we ensure the next generations take this on? Our involvement as leaders is important, it’s to ensure the future,” added Essex MP Chris Lewis.
Essex MPP Anthony Leardi also brought greetings. Leardi mentioned the importance of recognizing history, and visiting historical sights such as the Amherstburg Freedom Museum. Congratulations were offered to the Museum, and all those involved in the museum’s success.
Elise Harding-Davis was welcomed to speak. Harding-Davis recalls the earlier days, before the museum was built. Harding-Davis, a former curator of the museum, recalled all the communal support, and the amazing atmosphere established by the Museum’s founder, Mac Simpson.
“Black history wasn’t respected, or dignified, before. The day this museum opened, Sept. 20, 1981, the pride levels were off the charts. This was all a collective dream. This is still a collective dream,” said Harding-Davis.
After the speeches were finished, everyone was welcome outside for some refreshments, food, and fun activities, including face painting, coloring, enjoying the live music, among others.
“We are looking forward to next year’s landmark of 50 years. We have many events planned leading up to 50 years,” says curator Mary-Katherine Whelan.
The next big event will be the Christmas at the Museum, held Dec. 8, and open to all. Ticket information will be coming at a later date.
The Amherstburg Freedom Museum is located at 277 King St. For information, call 519-736-5433 or visit www.amherstburgfreedom.org
Anniversary marked at Amherstburg Freedom Museum
By Hailey Zimmerman
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