The Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society & Black Mecca Museum
The Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society & Black Mecca Museum
The Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society & Black Mecca Museum
4.5
Monday
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
About
The Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society & Black Mecca Museum is happy to welcome visitors back to the museum. Located in close proximity to Downtown Chatham, The Black Mecca Museum tells the story from slavery, the Underground Railroad and life in Chatham's early Black community. The Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society & Black Mecca Museum will offer a great learning experience for all. Be sure to take in a Walking Tour of the neighbourhood as well with our staff and/or volunteers.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.5
11 reviews
Excellent
10
Very good
0
Average
0
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Judie P
Toronto, Canada64 contributions
Aug. 2018 • Family
I travelled with a youth group this past summer and we brought them there to learn about black history. Unfortunately the people teaching the history were all white, did not have some of the most important facts and consider Chatham history, just that Chatham's. When it fact Black history is Chatham history as it was loyalist to founded the town. I hope that over time their staffing has improved.
Written December 11, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review. None of our staff or volunteers will tell visitors that the city of Chatham was founded by Black Loyalists because it simply was not. Chatham's early Black population (who was here when the city was founded) was made up of free Blacks and fugitive slaves from the United States.
Written December 13, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
C H
Toronto, Canada5 contributions
Mar. 2017 • Family
Even though this museum consists of one room, our family (note: we are history buffs) spent one and a half hours here. Very detailed information presented in an accessible way. The highlight for me was John Brown's gun! We also bought a pamphlet that outlines a self-guided walking tour of important sites related to abolitionism and the Black community in Chatham. The staff really know their stuff - go ahead and ask them questions! Ask the staff to show you the video they have.
Written August 28, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John Brown's gun is my favourite item to. It's remarkable how close to a historical movement it makes you feel!
Written September 6, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jared M
1 contribution
May 2017 • Solo
I visited the CKBHS in spring from London, ON and found it to be wonderful. I'm of the opinion that black history, in particular, black local history should be taught in schools. The work that the society does is crucial to our understanding of history in the area and overall. The museum itself is well lit and full of memorable displays, such as the rifles owned by Gunsmith Jones. If you're looking for help with genealogy, it's also worth talking to the staff about to get help or ideas.
Written August 1, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Canatara
Sarnia, Canada19 contributions
Jun. 2017 • Solo
I had the opportunity to tour the Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society museum recently in Chatham. An articulate young host -Tom something- provided some insight and interesting anecdotal information, culminating in an offsite visit to BME Freedom Park. One of the many features of the park is the sculpture of abolitionist and human rights activist Mary Ann Shadd Cary below. In addition to her support and advocacy for all human beings, she proclaimed "self-reliance is the fine road to independence."
A very informative and worthwhile experience which I would recommend to everyone.
A very informative and worthwhile experience which I would recommend to everyone.
Written August 1, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for Visiting! We are glad to hear our Summer Students are doing a great job.
Written August 3, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Janet V
Chatham, Canada112 contributions
Jul. 2017 • Business
Striving for excellence, this museum has a dedicated staff who strive to make your visit both informative and memorable. Knowledgeable staff can assist in your search for ancestors using their growing database and library. The room is full of local black history. Group tours are welcome. Easy access to the building, plenty of free parking. Easy to find. By chance, you might be greeted by a very spirited version of a living Harriet Tubman.
Written August 1, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
boomgraham
Toronto, Canada1,275 contributions
May 2017 • Solo
I found the Mecca Museum inside the Woodstock Institute on King Street.
Inside, a well done presentation that is a must for anyone who visits Chatham.
Inside, a well done presentation that is a must for anyone who visits Chatham.
Written May 30, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for visiting! We hope you enjoyed your visit - if you're ever in again, we recommend taking our Walking Tour to get a more in depth look at the neighbourhood many Blacks in Chatham called and continue to call home.
Written June 1, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
jjduncan82
Toronto, Canada21 contributions
Oct. 2016 • Friends
So happy I visited this museum. I couldn't believe how many historical artifacts they had. Great pictures also. It really was like stepping back and getting an idea of how Chatham was. The people who wor ked there were also very friendly and helpful. Definitely a great experience for those interested in African Canadian history.
Written October 24, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lbm770
Toronto, Canada67 contributions
Sep. 2016 • Solo
Although the museum staff were not present on the Saturday I visited, someone at the front desk of the Wookstock Institute let me in and turned on on all the lanterns for me. I spent about 45minutes reading about the artifacts and was fascinated by the local history.
Although I had studied the underground railroad in school, I hadn't realized that such a large black community had existed in Chatham for so long. I enjoyed learning about what life was like for these escaped slaves and about their successes. Everything was well-labelled and I left wanting to learn even more. Although there were a couple of interactive exhibits, most of the information was presented through text and images. I am thankful that the Black Historical Society has taken it upon themselves to support this venture to help ensure that both Canadians and other visitors are aware of this important history.
Although I had studied the underground railroad in school, I hadn't realized that such a large black community had existed in Chatham for so long. I enjoyed learning about what life was like for these escaped slaves and about their successes. Everything was well-labelled and I left wanting to learn even more. Although there were a couple of interactive exhibits, most of the information was presented through text and images. I am thankful that the Black Historical Society has taken it upon themselves to support this venture to help ensure that both Canadians and other visitors are aware of this important history.
Written September 17, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I'm so sorry we missed you - but super glad the front desk staff was able to turn everything on for you! We are so glad you enjoyed your visit - next time you're in the area stop in and see our extensive archives in our office - they are extensive on the Blacks of the Chatham Area.
Written September 19, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
a_davia1
Oshawa, Canada26 contributions
Jul. 2016 • Friends
It was great to hear about the local community and buildings, while putting them in both a historical and modern context.
Written July 16, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are so glad you enjoyed your visit to the Black Mecca Museum. Stay tuned for new displays being put together in the Museum before next Summer!
Written July 25, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
chelseasampson
Toronto, Canada2 contributions
May 2016 • Solo
Went to the Chatham Kent Black Historical Society on Monday. I was surprised how much information they could fit into such a small space. Spoke with the both women who work there. Very informative and interesting to see. For sure recommend every one makes a visit to learn some of Chatham's early Black history.
Written May 6, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is it wheelchair assessible
Chatham-Kent Bl... H
Chatham, Canada2 contributions
Yes the WISH Centre we are housed inside is wheelchair accessible.
THE CHATHAM-KENT BLACK HISTORICAL SOCIETY & BLACK MECCA MUSEUM - 2023 All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about The Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society & Black Mecca Museum
- The Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society & Black Mecca Museum is open:
- Mon - Fri 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
- Hotels near The Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society & Black Mecca Museum:
- (0.55 km) Retro Suites Hotel
- (1.31 km) The Duchess of Wellington
- (1.49 km) Saxony Motel & Restaurant
- (2.83 km) Holiday Inn Express & Suites Chatham South, an IHG Hotel
- (1.13 km) Raleigh Street Executive Suites
- Restaurants near The Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society & Black Mecca Museum:
- (0.53 km) Chilled Cork Restaurant and Lounge
- (0.35 km) Yardie Vibez Jamaican Kitchen
- (0.35 km) Sons Of Kent Kitchen
- (0.54 km) William Street Cafe
- (1.09 km) Mamma Maria's Italian Eatery