Buxton National Historic Site (Chatham-Kent, Ontario)
The Raleigh Township Centennial Museum was officially opened in 1967 as part of the township's Centennial celebrations. The Museum's main purpose is to collect, preserve, exhibit, and interpret historical artifacts related to the Elgin (Buxton) Settlement from its founding in 1849 to the late 19th century. A related purpose is to provide the personal histories and genealogies of the original settlers and their descendants through on-going historical research.
The Museum, renamed Buxton National Historic Site & Museum in 1998, is currently owned by the Municipality of Chatham-Kent. The Museum serves the inhabitants of Kent County and Southwestern Ontario, and also attracts visitors and researchers from across Canada and the United States. This Statement of Purpose may not be altered without the consent of the Board of Directors of the Buxton National Historic site & Museum.
UNCLE TOM'S CABIN HistoricAL Site (Chatham-Kent, Ontario)
Uncle Tom's Cabin Historic Site takes its name from Harriet Beecher Stowe's successful 1852 anti-slavery novel Uncle Tom's Cabin, featuring a character named Tom (loosely based on Josiah Henson). Henson's own story is told in his autobiography, first published in 1849.
SHEFFIELD PARK BLACK HISTORY MUSEUM
(CLARKSBURG, Ontario)
It was the dream of Howard Sheffield to gather and preserve the history of his ancestors and share with the family. Community friends also became interested in the history of the black pioneers and settlers of Collingwood and the surrounding areas. His collection of family photos and artifacts attracted donations of more items from white families who grew up with the original homesteaders.
Interest increased and various cultural artifacts were donated to Howard's project. Sheffield Park Museum now became Sheffield Park Black History & Cultural Museum. The museum includes pioneer life and times, the social networking of a community and the preservation of past generations.
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Howard Sheffield's dream was to keep the events of the past visible so we, and future generations, would never forget. The dream continues...