Canada Day at the Cabin: Free Celebration at Uncle Tom’s Cabin Historic Site

Uncle Tom's Cabin Historic Site

Saturday, July 1, 2017 from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Join us at Uncle Tom’s Cabin Historic Site on Canada Day for a barbecue, Black history talk and blues concert.

Enjoy great tunes, delicious food and a journey through our province’s past as we mark the 150th anniversary of Confederation. This event is presented as part of the Ontario Heritage Trust’s MyOntario – A vision over time, a conversation among Ontarians about our experiences, identities, values and aspirations.

  • 11:30 a.m. – “Cultural Diversity at Historic Dawn:” Author and historian Marie Carter explores the many cultural roots that contributed to the early development of Dresden and the Dawn Settlement.
  • 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. – Enjoy a barbecue cookout provided by Leila’s Legacy Restaurant.
  • 1 p.m. – Uptown Jazz and Blues Show: Diana Braithwaite and Chris Whiteley, with special guest Donovan Locke from the Toronto AllStar Big Band, present a dynamic blend of traditional and contemporary blues music.

Guests are asked to bring their own lawn chairs.

Uncle Tom’s Cabin Historic Site is located in Dresden, approximately three hours west of Toronto. Owned and operated by the Ontario Heritage Trust, the site commemorates the life of Josiah Henson, a former slave, who escaped to Canada via the Underground Railroad. Henson rose to international fame after Harriet Beecher Stowe acknowledged his memoirs as a source for her novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Settling in southwestern Ontario, Henson worked to improve life for the Black community and helped to establish the Dawn Settlement. He would go on to become an internationally recognized abolitionist, preacher and conductor on the Underground Railroad.

Throughout the year, the museum will present MyOntario – A vision over time. Share the places, memories, photos, artifacts, artworks and traditions that inspire you! Join the conversation and look for special MyOntario activities at Ontario Heritage Trust sites across the province.

Cost: Free admission

For more information, please contact:

Steven Cook
Site Manager, Uncle Tom’s Cabin Historic Site
29251 Uncle Tom's Road
Dresden, Ontario
Telephone: 519-683-2978
Email: utchs@heritagetrust.on.ca

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