RADAR | THE LOCALER
Honouring Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Black History
How one resident restored a local cemetery to raise awareness of the historical significance of the region’s Black settlers.
By Dick Snyder
George Webber kneels near a headstone at a cemetery in Niagara-on-the-Lake; a heritage plaque marks the historic site of the Niagara Baptist Church Burial Ground, which Webber has been instrumental in helping to preserve. | PHOTOS: COURTESY SOMER S; COURTESY MIKE BALSOM
Shortly after George Webber and his wife moved to Niagara-on-the-Lake in 2018, he came across a cemetery locally known as the Negro Burial Ground. He wondered who was buried there; what were their stories? There was little signage — it just looked like an empty lot with a few grave markers. He recalls wondering how this small plot fit into the larger story of Black history in the Niagara region. “Quite frankly, I would drive by that piece of land two or three times a week before I knew anything about it,” he says, “and not realize what I was driving by.” He learned that the site’s official name is Niagara Baptist Church Burial Ground, though the church is no longer standing. Established in 1829 and used until 1878, the site is the final resting place for at least 15 known Black settlers (and likely many more). The region has had Black residents since the 1780s. By the 1830s, many freedom-seekers from the U.S. had made their way to the Niagara region on the famous Underground Railroad. Over the decades, the cemetery, no longer used, became all but forgotten. While the town mowed the grass and kept the site tidy, nearly all the original headstones had decayed, sunk into the ground or been removed.
“Our objective is to take a look at all the other [decommissioned cemeteries] and see what their state of disrepair is and what we can do about it.”
Webber launched Friends of the Forgotten (friendsoftheforgotten.ca) to raise money for the cemetery’s preservation and to raise awareness around the historical significance of the site. Last year, working with the town and the Bereavement Authority of Ontario (BAO), which oversees all cemeteries in Ontario, they succeeded in having an official plaque erected declaring the site’s historical significance. They have raised more than $20,000, which is held in trust by the city. Webber says it would cost significantly more than that to do further restorative work; the group intends to use some of the money to improve fencing and signage around the plot. He’s now taken the mission even further. “Our objective is to take a look at all the other [decommissioned cemeteries] and see what their state of disrepair is and what we can do about it.” To date, 11 sites in and around Niagara are identified on the Friends of the Forgotten website. Webber is retiring this year after 40 years in human resources and plans to dedicate more of his time and effort to the project. He feels it’s the right thing to do.
Do you know someone who goes above and beyond? We’d love to hear about them. Email us your nominations and they could be our featured Localer in an upcoming issue.
RADAR | PLAYLIST
What Songs Do You Road-Trip to, Serena Pryne?
By Kim Hughes
Rockers The Mandevilles hail from Welland, Ontario. | PHOTO: COURTESY LAUREN GARBUTT
When Welland-based rock combo The Mandevilles issued their cinematic-sounding new single “Every Bit of Violence” in spring — ending a four-year hiatus from the airwaves — you could almost feel the ripples in the ether. It’s hard to keep a good band down, with the single reminding the faithful of why founding partners Serena Pryne and Nick Lesyk are still vital a decade on. Perhaps not surprisingly, singer-songwriter Pryne listens to some very good stuff. “Being on the road doesn’t have to suck,” she says. “And when everyone else may be nodding off, this mixtape of songs keeps me energized, focused, and singing/shouting along. Wake up and rock out with me!”
We are providing a preview of the artist’s playlist. The full playlist can be experienced directly on Spotify with a free account. Songs may not be appropriate for everyone. Listener discretion is advised.