Sheffield Park Black History & Cultural Museum Worth the Visit

The June 2014 meeting of the Grey County Historical Society was held at the Sheffield Park Black History and Cultural Museum at 241 Clark Street Clarksburg, Ontario. Carolynn Wilson acted as the host to the group. After a brief business meeting, Carolynn shared the story of the museum. The museum moved from its location near Collingwood after the death of her uncle who had begun the museum on his property. The current site was originally a Nazarene church camp so it consists of two large buildings and the smaller buildings that once were the cabins for the campers.

We began from the Doll House / Black Memorabilia  building where we saw a large display of dolls, books and postcards. There were also some items from the Cedar Inn Restaurant and Tourist Resort that had been operated by Ildia and Wilfred Sheffield, Sr.

At the African Beginnings building, which has been recently reinforced, we transitioned from Africa to the plantations to freedom by the Underground Railroad. Be sure to take time to look at all the details of the Underground Railroad that is displayed in a magnificent embroidered quilt stitched and donated by Shirley and John Hartley. It is a work of art showing the route the slaves travelled to freedom.

We then toured the various other buildings to see what has been collected to tell the story of the black history.  One building focused on the Great Lakes, Sports and Military history.

Richard Sheffield and his grandson, Edward Sheffield created the hand crafted boats that are on display.

To learn more about the museum, check their website at Sheffield Park Black History and Cultural Museum