In honour of the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812, the Wellington County Museum and Archives invites everyone to explore the coming exhibit Richard Pierpoint: Slave, Soldier, Settler.
It tells Pierpoint’s life story from slavery, through two wars and as one of the earliest settlers in Wellington County.
Born in West Africa in 1744, Pierpoint was captured and sold into slavery in 1760.
Escaping after 20 years, he fought with the British in the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, earning his freedom and land grants in Upper Canada.
In his long life of 94 years, Pierpoint took every opportunity to create independence and identity for other freed men.
Historical documents, accompanied by murals created by award-winning painter Meredith Blackmore, will provide insight into the life of early black soldiers and settlers in Upper Canada.
Richard Pierpoint: Slave, Soldier, Settler opens Feb. 4. and will run throughout the year in honour of the anniversary of the War of 1812.
On Feb. 5, as part of the museum’s Spring Lecture Series, there will be a presentation about Pierpoint’s life at 2pm.
The galleries are open weekdays from 9:30am to 4:30pm and 12 to 4pm on weekends and holidays.
For more information on this exhibit visit www.wcm.on.ca.
