Chatham-Kent's rich history will be heavily focused on during Black History Month.
Samantha Meredith, executive director and curator of the Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society and Black Mecca Museum, said there are a few events planned throughout the month at different sites. On February 21, they will partner with the Chatham-Kent Public Library at 6:30 p.m. for a book reading and activity for children.
Although February is specifically recognized as Black History Month, Meredith said it's important for the history to be told and remembered throughout the year.
"These are the men and women who helped build our [municipality]," said Meredith. "A lot of them started out here right when Chatham-Kent started to become a community."
Anyone looking for something to do on Family Day (February 18) can visit Uncle Tom's Cabin, too. The site will be open for a couple of tours from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. and there will also be a workshop for educators and home-schoolers on February 15 and a presentation by local historians Jim and Lisa Gilbert on February 18.
On the last weekend of February, residents can learn more about Buxton through an event called "A snapshot in the family album".
"Several families from the settlement will share their stories and their history and their legacy with people in the audience," said Shannon Prince, curator of the Buxton National Historic Site and Museum. "Some might do it through song, poetry, slides, or just telling stories in general."
The event will be held on February 24 at 3 p.m.
Prince said most people know the stories of influential people like Harriet Tubman, but not everyone knows the details of other individuals or families.
"There are also those everyday people who also sacrificed a lot to arrive here so it is [about] keeping those memories and that history alive for the next generation," said Prince.
Black History Month has also inspired a new exhibit at the Thames Art Gallery. The exhibit takes a look at black feminism, featuring artists Allyson Mitchell and Madelyne Beckles. That exhibit will be open until March 10.