Tillsonburg Presentation to Highlight Black History in Oxford County

Tuesday, 14 February 2023 06:58

Almost Forgotten: Black History in Oxford County will take over the Tillsonburg branch of the Oxford County Library on Wednesday February 22nd at 6:00 p.m.

TILLSONBURG - The Oxford County Library and Oxford County Archives are proud to announce a second installment for their local speaker series.

Staff at the Oxford archives and library were tasked with the speaker series last summer. As a group, they decided and agreed on appropriate and informational topics, as well as research local speakers who add to the educational value of the series.

The series began in October 2022. Their first session was titled Tillsonburg 1872: The Action-Packed Story of Town Incorporation. It highlighted how the town of Tillsonburg evolved from a Police Village in 1871 to a Town in 1872.

For the new segment coming to the series, the organizers wanted to stay on theme for Black History Month.

Almost Forgotten: Black History in Oxford County presented will dive into the history of early Black settlers in Woodstock, Ingersoll, and Norwich Township. It will explore how early Black settlers made their way from the Underground Railroad to create a home here in Oxford County.

Matthew Griffis, digital literacy and local history technician at the Tillsonburg branch gave us a peek into the local historian who is presenting the series and why she is passionate about the topic.

"[Heather Rennalls] is a local historian and freelance writer. She’s been researching Black history in Southwestern Ontario for over 20 years. She has published articles in newspapers and magazines, and appeared on CBC Radio and Global News. She lectures and gives presentations to students and the public. That's what this event will be her doing one of her presentations."

The speaker series is scheduled for February 22nd starting at 6:00 p.m. and is being hosted at the Tillsonburg Branch of the Oxford County Library. No registration is required to attend. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information visit the Oxford County Library website.