Simcoe County Museum to host virtual lecture series throughout February
Midhurst/January 29, 2026 – County of Simcoe Warden Basil Clarke has proclaimed February 1 to 28, 2026 as Black History Month across our community and encourages residents to engage in educational activities that honour the significant contributions of Black individuals, both past and present, in shaping Simcoe County and its values.
Black History Month is an annual opportunity to recognize and celebrate the achievements of numerous leaders and pioneers. This year marks 30 years of Black History Month in Canada, adding special significance to our observance. The County of Simcoe is proud to support this initiative in various ways:
- On Wednesday, January 28, 2026, the County of Simcoe invited staff to attend a vibrant kickoff to Black History Month at the County’s Administration Centre in Midhurst. The event featured energizing performances in partnership with UPlift Black, a Black and 2SLGBTQI+ led organization based in Barrie, bringing rhythm, culture, and storytelling to the space.
- The Simcoe County Museum will host a virtual lecture series throughout February. This series will feature guest speakers and local historians, each discussing different aspects of the rich history of Black people in Simcoe County and the broader Black Canadian experience. Lectures will consist of 30-45 minutes of presentation, followed by a Q&A session with the speaker. The series is free to join, simply head to museum.simcoe.ca on the day of the speaker series you wish to attend, click the event, and join! More information on the different speakers and topics is available at museum.simcoe.ca.
- The Simcoe County Archives has compiled a collection of resources titled “Guide to Black History Research at the Simcoe County Archives,” accessible on their website.