In the early 1800s, a group of hopeful travellers had come from the darkness of slavery, escaping through the Underground Railroad by night, hidden in wagons and guided only by the North Star.
For Black settlers, freedom was a major victory, but their struggle did not end there. The British government gave them land in Oro, hoping they would help defend the colony from the United States. The land was undeveloped—there were no roads, towns, or promises of success. Many settlers had never owned land before and now had to build homes, grow food, and survive in a place where they were free but still treated as outsiders.
Join writer, director and producer Alinka Angelova of Lost Heroes of Oro and Oro’s Promise as she shares the history of slavery in 1700s and 1800s Canada. The discussion focuses on the historic Oro Methodist Episcopal Church, an important Black heritage site and a key stop on the Underground Railroad.
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Our Painswick Branch is located in the south end of Barrie, near the corner of Big Bay Point Road and Yonge Street. The building and facilities are fully accessible. Enjoy the bright and sunny reading lounge, use our complimentary wifi, experiment with technology and maker tools, or book a room for your next event.
