“There are signs of industry and thrift and comfort, everywhere; signs of intemperance, of idleness, of want, nowhere. There is no tavern and no groggery, but there are a chapel and a schoolhouse. Most interesting of all are the inhabitants. Twenty years ago, most of them were slaves who owned nothing, not even their children. Now they own themselves; they own homes and farms, and they have their wives and children about them. They are enfranchised citizens of a government which protects their rights. They have the great essentials of human happiness, “something to love, something to do, and something to hope for” and if they are not happy it is their own fault.” The above was written regarding the Elgin Settlement, by Dr. Samuel Gridley Howe (1801-1876) who was appointed by Abraham Lincoln to report on the Commission on the Canadian Negroes. His report became part of the Congressional debate on the Fourteenth Amendment.
Reopened September 10, 2020
For Pre-booked visits only, please no walk-ins at this time.
