Photo © Tourism Nova Scotia / Photographer: @daveyandsky
The Black Loyalist Heritage Centre is one of Canada’s best-kept secrets, but it’s hardly hidden away. On the western shores of Shelburne Harbour, Nova Scotia, in the picturesque Birchtown Bay—the third largest natural harbour in the world—this historical treasure is filled with stories about the courageous Black Loyalists who sought freedom and a new beginning in the late 18th century.
In the 1780s, thousands of Black Loyalists—formerly enslaved individuals who sided with the British during the American Revolution—made the bold decision to leave the United States in pursuit of freedom. Many settled in Birchtown, making it the largest free Black settlement of its time. Today, visitors can retrace their steps at the Black Loyalist Heritage Centre.
What to Expect During Your Visit
Whether you’re an avid historian, a genealogist searching for your roots, or simply someone who enjoys immersive storytelling, the centre offers plenty of engaging activities:
- Guided Tours – Gain insight into the lives and struggles of the Black Loyalists through expert-led tours.
- Ancestral Research – Explore historical records to uncover personal connections to the Black Loyalist legacy.
- Outdoor Exploration –Walk through the two-acre property featuring heritage buildings, trails, and a National Monument.
- Picnic with a View – Bring a packed lunch and relax at one of the picnic benches while soaking in the scenic beauty of Birchtown Bay.
Must-See Attractions
Lindsay Gallery
The multi-media Lindsay Exhibition Gallery brings the Black Loyalist journey to life. See the names of over 3,000 Black Loyalists recorded in the Book of Negroes, and peer through the glass floor into an archaeological pit displaying artifacts from Birchtown’s early days.
Old School House
Dating back to the 1830s, this historic schoolhouse preserves the legacy of education within the Birchtown community. Originally a functioning school until 1960, it became the first Black Loyalist Heritage Museum, housing original school records and community artifacts.
Aminata’s Walk
Named after the protagonist of The Book of Negroes by Lawrence Hill, this heritage trail offers a moving experience. A highlight is the Pit House Replica, which gives visitors a glimpse into the temporary shelters that Black Loyalists lived in upon arriving in Nova Scotia in 1783. These pit houses were built with fire pits dug in the centre of the dwelling and a roof fashioned with logs and moss. One of the centre’s biggest attractions, the Pit House is currently undergoing renovations in preparation for summer visitors.
St. Paul’s Anglican Church
Built between 1888 and 1905, St. Paul’s Anglican Church is a spiritual and historical landmark. Located on the site of the original meeting house of the first-generation Black Loyalists, the church features stunning wooden architecture and stained-glass windows.
Black Burial Ground & National Monument
Though no official records confirm burials, local folklore designates this area as a Black Loyalist burial site. In 1996, a National Monument was erected here to honour the Black Loyalists who settled in Canada after the American Revolution. The site also offers breathtaking views of Birchtown Bay.
Shaw Community Compass
Just outside the heritage centre, follow the Shaw Community Compass spiral steps to a rooftop view overlooking Birchtown. Here, you’ll find the names of communities settled by Black Loyalists across Nova Scotia and New Brunswick since 1783, along with a map marking their locations.
Whether you come for the guided tours, the interactive exhibits, or the beautiful landscape of Nova Scotia, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for the history and the stories within one of Canada’s best-kept secrets.
For more details on planning your visit, blackloyalist.com
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Established in 1989, the Black Loyalist Heritage Society is a dynamic, charitable organization committed to discovering, interpreting, safeguarding, and promoting the history and heritage of the Black Loyalists.