Africville

Africville was your typical seaside village. Populated by one of Nova Scotia’s founding peoples. First came the Aboriginal settlements, later the French and British. Less widely highlighted in our history is a population that was integral to the creation of what Nova Scotia is today. The people of African descent — former slaves, escaped slaves and free people who came to Canada for promise of a better life.Eventually some of these former slaves of American and British owners settled on the northern tip of the Halifax peninsula. There, they created a vibrant community by the shores of the Bedford Basin.

The community was known as Africville.

Though its buildings were eradicated in what was called ‘urban renewal’ in the 1960s, the community spirit continues to thrive today through annual gatherings and in the stories and photos of an aging generation.

In 2002, the former site of Africville was designated a National Historic Landmark, by the Government of Canada.

Infrastructure

TweetEmail TweetEmail“The Africville portion of Campbell Road will always be an industrial district and it is desirable that industrial operations should be assisted in any way that is not prejudicial to the interests of the public; in fact, we may be obliged in the future to consider the interest of the industry first.”– Minutes of…

Places of Africville

TweetEmail TweetEmailAfricville was a place of special places. We have captured some of them here. Start in Round the Turn. Down to the west where the container pier is now. Travel east to Up the Road. Do you see it? Kildare’s Field, where we gathered for picnics? Want to go for a swim? Get out…

Resettlement

Society

Timeline

People

Society

TweetEmail TweetEmailAfricville Genealogy Society EventsBe sure to follow the events for Africville in our Events section. Media Update Follow the story of Africville in the latest news stories from across the web. Apology from HRM to the residents of Africville. [Chronicle Herald coverage with video]“We are sorry.” With those words Wednesday morning, Halifax Mayor Peter Kelly began…

Timeline

TweetEmail TweetEmailContent on this page requires a newer version of Adobe Flash Player. An aternative text of the Africville timeline is available here. While an 1839 rendering of the Bedford Basin clearly shows buildings (and possible settlement) in the Africville area, it was not until 1848 that lands in this area were deeded by purchase to black settlers. …

People

TweetEmail TweetEmailWe have talked to many former residents of Africville, however there are many more people to tell you about. We’re starting with the admirable residents we have gathered so far from our interviews but we entice you to relay more stories and suggestions to We hope you enjoy the profiles we have collected so…