Visitors getting a tour of the Black Loyalist Heritage Centre.

Black Loyalist Heritage Centre

The Black Loyalist Heritage Centre tells the story of the world’s largest free African population outside of Africa, in the late 18th century in Nova Scotia.

Drone view of the Black Loyalist Heritage Centre overlooking Shelburne Harbour.

Discover their stories

In addition to the Centre, you can also visit historic buildings and the National Monument commemorating the Black Loyalist Landing in Birchtown in 1783.

As you explore our site, which is located on a stunning two-acre property overlookiing Shelburne Harbour, you will experience a sense of peacefulness in knowing you are walking in the footsteps of our ancestors, as the southeast breeze blows through your hair and Acker’s Brook babbles in the background.

"Black Loyalists at Birchtown" plaque commemorates the Black Loyalists who settled in Birchtown, Nova Scotia after the American Revolution.
  • African NS Cultural Heritage
When about 40,000 newcomers, today referred to as United Empire Loyalists, arrived in the British colony of Nova Scotia between 1776 and 1785, the population tripled. There were about 3,500 Black…
Wall of windows at the Black Loyalist Heritage Centre etched with the names of the Black Loyalists.
  • African NS Cultural Heritage
The Black Loyalists arrived in Nova Scotia between 1783 and 1785, as a result of the American Revolution. They were the largest group of people of African birth and of African descent to come to Nova…
Explore Our Stories