10/12/2024
DID YOU KNOW… on December 9, 1857, THE Frederick Douglass gave a lecture in Galt, Ontario? He was invited to speak by the Mechanics’ Institute (a precursor to public libraries) and gave a talk titled “The Brotherhood of Nations”.
Because of the cost involved in bringing Mr. Douglass to Galt on the speaking tour, the Institute had to charge a 12 1/2 cent admission fee when lectures were usually free. The event was hosted at the Methodist New Connexion Church, which was located on Main Street, near present-day Ainslie Street. He gave a similar tal in Ayr, Ontario, the following evening, December 10, 1857.
Galt has more Black history to be uncovered and shared... it’s almost as if there needs to be a Black history walking tour here, don’t you think so?!
Local author, David Menary, also wrote a short book about Douglass’s visit to Galt. Given there is very little information about his visit, the book covers a lot of background information about Galt at the time, adjacent history and Douglass’s background as a freedom seeker, abolitionist and Underground Railroad supporter.
Stay tuned for more Black history you didn’t know existed in Waterloo Region!
Portrait Image: NYPL Public Domain Archive (PICRYL.com)
Newspaper clipping from Dumfries Reformer courtesy of Cambridge Archive.
