You have arrived at Voices of Freedom Park.

According to the Park's official website, The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake has set aside a significant site in the heart of the Old Town to understand, celebrate, and honour its Black history. Voices of Freedom is an experiential art installation designed to engage, educate, and challenge visitors about this most important aspect of our history. Voices from the past will tell their stories, enriching visitors' understanding of how they shaped our town and nation."

Though the park is not yet complete, you can listen to some of these voices courtesy "Our Stories - Niagara's Proud Black History' (part of the Community Stories section of the Virtual Museum project). This project recorded the thoughts and reflections of Black residents of Niagara back in 2008-9. Scroll down on the screen of your mobile device or computer to hear some of these clips.

From the Voices of Freedom National Campaign Website ( https://www.vofpark.org/ )

"The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake has set aside a significant site in the heart of the Old Town to understand, celebrate, and honour its Black history. Voices of Freedom is an experiential art installation designed to engage, educate, and challenge visitors about this most important aspect of our history. Voices from the past will tell their stories, enriching visitors' understanding of how they shaped our town and nation."

...

" The Request for Proposal for the site called for an artist to 'memorialize and celebrate the Town's Black history' by engaging and educating visitors. The broader concepts of struggle, journey, dialogue and community were also identified as necessary components of the piece. It was clear that the story of the Town's Black history should offer visitors both written and allegorical information to create a richer experience. The design of Voices of Freedom encompasses the whole site. The site supports a strong experiential narrative by combining sculptural art with park design. By moving away from a traditional static memorial approach we increased the possibilities for successful engagement and education about our Black history."

The commissioned designer of Voices of Freedom is Tom Ridout, OALA.

Below, you can listen to clips from "Our Stories - Niagara's Proud Black History' (part of the Community Stories section of the Canadian Virtual Museum project). This project recorded the thoughts and reflections of Black residents of Niagara in 2008-9.