Ontario Black History Society

10 Adelaide Street East, Suite 402, Toronto, Ontario M5C 1J3 [map]
Telephone: 416-867-9420
Email: admin@blackhistorysociety.ca or obhspresident@blackhistorysociety.ca
Website: www.blackhistorysociety.ca

Directions

The Ontario Black History Society is located near the north-east corner of Adelaide and Yonge streets in Toronto, one block north of King Street near the Eaton Centre. From Highway 401, exit onto Yonge Street and drive south to Adelaide Street. Make a left-hand turn onto Adelaide Street. From the Gardiner Expressway, exit at Yonge Street and drive north. Make a right-hand turn onto Adelaide Street.

Hours

9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday (call to make an appointment)

Description

Founded in 1978, the Ontario Black History Society (OBHS) was created to study, preserve and promote Black history to address the absence of African-Canadian educational/historical material. A provincial heritage organization, the OBHS is the leading voice in the celebration of February as Black History Month (BHM) as well as official recognition of August 1 as Emancipation Day.

The OBHS creates the official OBHS BHM poster, launch events, the annual BHM brunch and Emancipation Day celebrations. It also creates permanent, virtual and travelling exhibits (in cooperation with Parks Canada, Historica and the Archives of Ontario). The OBHS offers: year-round presentations and tours; a resource centre with library, historic photographs, film, oral history tapes and special collections; and professional development, conferences and advocacy. The OBHS is proud to initiate the commemoration of historic people, places and events.

In May 2007, the OBHS launched the preview site of the planned centre of African-Canadian history and culture. With your support, and the direction of our business plan, it will provide a place for the expression of our legacy (the Toronto area is home to half of all Canadians of African origin). Volunteer and sponsorship opportunities abound!

Located in the Ontario Heritage Centre, the OBHS is fully accessible and contains a resource centre, selected onsite exhibits and items for sale.