Ancaster, Ontario, August 1, 2012 -- On behalf of the Honourable Peter Kent, Canada's Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Mr. David Sweet, Member of Parliament for Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale, today paid tribute to Griffin House National Historic Site. A special ceremony was held at the historic site where Mr. Sweet unveiled a Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada commemorative plaque.
"Griffin House is a beautiful and charming building which exemplifies the atypical Black settlement experience during the struggle to escape slavery in the United States," said Mr. Sweet. "I am pleased to celebrate the legacy of this home which has contributed significantly to Canada's cultural history."
A major influx of Black immigrants made their way to pre-Confederation Canada during the 19th century along the Underground Railroad to obtain freedom from enslavement and the restrictive laws for the Black population in the United States. Enerals Griffin was among the Black settlers who chose to come to Canada, arriving at Niagara with his wife in 1829. Griffin bought the house, along with fifty acres of land in 1834, which stayed in his family's possession through the generations until 1988, when it was sold to the Hamilton Conservation Authority.
Griffin House is a typical but now rare surviving example of a four-room house found throughout Upper Canada in this period. In addition to its architectural value, Griffin House is historically significant because it conveys the complexity of the Black experience in British North America during the early years of the Underground Railroad, in that it represents a more elaborate dwelling than was common among Black refugees. Griffin House represents the permanent, long-term settlement of Black immigrants in what is now Canada.
"By sharing the stories of Griffin House we preserve the memory of early Black history in Canada, which is a source of pride for all Canadians," said Minister Kent. "I am proud to celebrate the commemoration of Griffin House as a National Historic Site."
The Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada was established in 1919 and is supported by Parks Canada. It advises the Minister of the Environment regarding the national significance of places, persons and events that have marked Canada's history on behalf of the people of Canada. Parks Canada manages a nationwide network that makes up a rich tapestry of Canada's historical heritage and offers the public opportunities for real and inspiring discoveries.
For additional information, please see the accompanying backgrounder at www.parkscanada.gc.ca under Media Room.
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Information:
Adam Sweet
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
819-997-1441
Media Relations
Scott Currie
Communications Officer
Southwestern Ontario Field Unit
Parks Canada
519-596-2233 x 243
http://www.twitter.com/parkscanada
