Local history initiatives recognized for excellence in conservation

William Kelly and Elizabeth (Christian) Kelly with their children (Source: Leddy Library Archives & Special Collections, University of Windsor) | Map of the border cities of Windsor, Walkerville, Ford City, Sandwich and Ojibway (Source: Leddy Library Archives & Special Collections, University of Windsor, G3464.W7 1923 D68)

Several local history initiatives have received recognition from the Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Award for Excellence in Conservation.

The award recognizes conservation projects for their innovation and impact, helping to enrich a culture of conversation in their local communities.

“This year’s award recipients have made tremendous contributions to heritage in Ontario through their care, their insight, and their expertise, and by making heritage accessible to people—physically or online," said The Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. “They have helped people learn about others and about themselves, and in doing so, they have strengthened the bonds within, and between, generations and communities.”

The University of Windsor and the Essex County Black Historical Research Society’s digital research portal ‘North Star’ received recognition for it’s efforts to gather vetted sources, museums, archives and heritage sites into one location to help tell the story of Black Canadians in the area.

Additionally, the University of Windsor and the Essex County Black Historical Research Society’s web resource ‘Across the River to Freedom’ worked to document the history of early Black Canadians in Sandwich, compiling short films, essays, oral histories, and more. It also created an audio walking tour of the community to help people explore the community and places of importance.

“These recipients include dedicated lifelong volunteers, innovative projects blazing new trails, and young people just beginning to make their marks,” said John Ecker, Chair, Board of Directors, Ontario Heritage Trust. “Each represents the hard work of heritage. Together, they embody some of the best and boldest approaches to heritage work in Ontario today.”