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St. Lawrence Parks Commission Welcomes U.S. Ambassador David L. Cohen for Exclusive Tour of New Black History Exhibit at Upper Canada Village

Friday, October 4, 2024  

Morrisburg, ON – The St. Lawrence Parks Commission (SLPC) was honoured to welcome United States Ambassador to Canada, David L. Cohen, and his wife, Mrs. Rhonda Cohen, to Upper Canada Village for an exclusive tour of the new Black History Exhibit on Saturday, September 21, 2024. 

Unveiled in May 2024, this permanent exhibit is dedicated to commemorating and exploring the rich history of Black Canadians in Eastern Ontario in the 1860s. The exhibit highlights their contributions, resilience, and achievements, offering visitors an important lens into the challenges and triumphs faced by Black communities in the 19th century. The exhibit also emphasizes the powerful historical connections between Canada and the United States, particularly through shared narratives of the enslavement, the Underground Railroad and Black heritage.  

Ambassador Cohen’s visit not only marks a special moment in diplomatic engagement but also underscores the enduring cultural and historical ties between the two nations. His presence at the exhibit brings to light the significance of ongoing conversations about Black history and heritage, and the shared responsibility of both Canada and the United States in preserving these important stories for future generations.     

Quote from Hon. Bob Runciman, Chair of the St. Lawrence Parks Commission:  

“We are honoured to have welcomed Ambassador David L. Cohen and Mrs. Rhonda Cohen to Upper Canada Village for this important visit. The Black History Exhibit holds a special place in our ongoing commitment to presenting inclusive and meaningful narratives of our past. Ambassador Cohen’s interest in the exhibit is a testament to the shared history between Canada and the U.S. and the many contributions of Black communities. We look forward to continuing to tell these essential stories.” 

For more information about the Black History Exhibit or to plan a visit to Upper Canada Village, please visit www.UpperCanadaVillage.com. 

About Upper Canada Village 

Depicting life in a rural English Canadian setting during the year 1866, Upper Canada Village is one of the largest living-history museums in Canada. It was founded in 1961 and features more than 40 historic buildings, many of which were moved to the Village from the “Lost Villages” to preserve them prior to the flooding for the St. Lawrence Seaway development project. Talented historical interpreters bring these buildings to life every day, recreating traditional trades, farming, music and 19th century social life – creating an immersive guest experience that makes every visit to the Village different from the last.  

About St. Lawrence Parks Commission  

The St. Lawrence Parks Commission, an agency of the Government of Ontario, operates facilities stretching from Kingston to the Quebec border, including Upper Canada Village, Fort Henry National Historic Site of Canada (and a UNESCO World Heritage Site); Kingston Pen Tours, Crysler Park Marina, Upper Canada Golf Course, Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary and 10 campgrounds and 6 day-use beach and picnic areas, including the Long Sault and Thousand Islands Parkways.    

To learn more, visit www.parks.on.ca.  

Media Contact 

Amanda Liebeck 

Communications and Media Relations 

St. Lawrence Parks Commission 

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