Black Loyalist Heritage Centre

Black Loyalist Heritage Centre One of Canada’s best kept secrets...Discover the Black Loyalist Heritage Centre today! Have fun examining the artifacts excavated here in Birchtown.
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Come and enjoy a guided tour, search for your ancestral roots and learn about these courageous Nova Scotians - where we tell the story of the largest and most influential communities of free Black people in the world outside of Africa from 1783 to 1792 in Nova Scotia. We are located on a stunning 2 acre property overlooking the world's third largest natural harbour, Shelburne Harbour. At the Black

Loyalist Heritage Centre you can explore the amazing archaeological pit which embodies this extraordinary narrative of the past and present. Follow the journey of one of these brave men or women from enslavement to freedom with our Trace A Name Activity. Climb up the Shaw Turret where you can learn about Black immigration into Canada and where they settled in Nova Scotia; enter the Lindsey Gallery and dive into the multi-media presentation of the Black Loyalist journey from Africa to the US then to Nova Scotia and back to Africa. Explore the virtual copy of Carlton's Book of Negroes and search for your ancestor who may have experienced part of this incredible journey. Before you leave our centre please take the time to create a virtual quilt square that will tell us about your experience and how the story has impacted you and what you have learned. Please continue to explore our site and visit our historical buildings where you can view the Bunce Island Exhibit and movie, explore the heritage trail and visit the pit house. You can also visit the National Historic Monument commemorating the 1783 Black Loyalist Landing of Nova Scotia. As you explore our site you will experience peacefulness knowing you are walking in the footsteps of our ancestors as the southeast breeze blows through your hair and Acker's Brook babbles in the background. Be prepared to spend some time with us.

Juneteenth reminds us of the importance of freedom, resilience, and inclusion. As we reflect on this historic day, let u...
06/19/2026

Juneteenth reminds us of the importance of freedom, resilience, and inclusion. As we reflect on this historic day, let us continue to build communities where every voice is valued, every story is respected, and everyone feels they belong. Together, we can create a more inclusive future for all.

06/18/2026
Step back in time and experience history like never before - our newly reconstructed replica of a Black Loyalist pithous...
06/17/2026

Step back in time and experience history like never before - our newly reconstructed replica of a Black Loyalist pithouse-similar to the homes many Black Loyalists and their families lived in after arriving in Nova Scotia in 1783.

Our unique, immersive exhibit is ready 💃🏼 and offers everyone a glimpse into the resilience, determination, and resourcefulness of the early Black Loyalist settlers. As you step inside, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the challenges they faced and the communities they built.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Nova Scotia Culture Tourism & Heritage(Support for Culture) and Our Contractor-
James Wolkins -A proud black loyalist descendant who has 20years carpentry experience, he owns and operates Wolkins Custom Carpentry-A Company that has employed several Black Loyalist descendant over the years and still some today.

Also before starting his own company 10years ago, he worked one on one with Adam Firth -A Black Loyalist Descendant for 10years.

In James words, “It has been an honor to help with this project, it was a lot of hard work to construct, I can’t imagine how hard it was back without modern tools”.

Come visit, explore, and connect with the remarkable story of the Black Loyalists through this powerful hands-on experience. We look forward to welcoming you!
Monday- Friday -: 9.30am - 4pm☺️.

06/15/2026

We love it when people find their ancestors name🙏🙌🏽👏💯☺️

Free? 50% discount? YES💃🏼💃🏼💃🏼👏👏👏We are Canada 🇨🇦 Strong 💪 Come on in
06/12/2026

Free? 50% discount? YES💃🏼💃🏼💃🏼👏👏👏We are Canada 🇨🇦 Strong 💪 Come on in

06/12/2026

TGIF - Short Interview with our dear Kady Hartley ❤️💃🏼🥰.

Support History… and Maybe Make a Little History of Your Own! Another Great way to support the Black Loyalist Heritage C...
06/11/2026

Support History… and Maybe Make a Little History of Your Own!

Another Great way to support the Black Loyalist Heritage Centre and have a chance to win some cash? That’s where our 50/50 Draw comes in!

Half the pot goes to the lucky winner, and the other half helps us preserve, share, and celebrate the remarkable stories of the Black Loyalists and African Nova Scotians.

Think of it as a rare opportunity to be both a philanthropist and a potential jackpot winner at the same time. 😄

Buy a ticket, support a great cause, cross your fingers, and let luck do the rest.

Our historic Pit House reconstruction is almost complete , bringing an important piece of Black Loyalist history back to...
06/10/2026

Our historic Pit House reconstruction is almost complete , bringing an important piece of Black Loyalist history back to life. We sincerely thank Nova Scotia Culture Tourism and Heritage (CCTH Support for Culture) for supporting this project.

Visit us to see the progress and experience this unique part of our heritage firsthand.

Hours- 9.30am- 4pm

It’s happening this Thursday June 11th 2026- Mark your Calendars
06/09/2026

It’s happening this Thursday June 11th 2026- Mark your Calendars

Save the date 🙏🙌🏽

06/08/2026

Eleven years ago, the Black Loyalist Heritage Centre opened its doors in Birchtown as a space to preserve and share the powerful legacy of Black Loyalists in Nova Scotia.

This year features We and the Sea, our seafarers exhibition, which highlights the deep maritime connections of African Nova Scotians - stories of lives shaped by the Atlantic.

We invite you to visit and experience how these histories continue to flow through Birchtown today.

https://youtu.be/dthALu6dhRk

Address

119 Birchtown Road
Shelburne, NS
B0T1W0

Opening Hours

Monday 9:30am - 4pm
Tuesday 9:30am - 4pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 4pm
Thursday 9:30am - 4pm
Friday 9:30am - 4pm

Telephone

+19028751310

Website

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