Africville named Canada’s first UNESCO Place of History and Memory

The Africville Museum in Halifax has received UNESCO’s first-ever designation in Canada as a Place of History and Memory tied to enslavement and the transatlantic slave trade.

Africville joins 22 sites globally recognized for their connection to this history, including Ghana’s coastal forts and Haiti’s Bois Caïman, a key site of resistance against slavery.

“This designation highlights Africville’s enduring cultural and historical significance,” said Irvine Carvery, a descendant of Africville residents. “It ensures the stories of those who lived through systemic racism and displacement are not forgotten.”

The announcement, marked by Halifax MP Lena Metlege Diab, also included $20,000 in federal funding for the Africville Heritage Trust Society. The funds aim to support educational efforts and increase awareness of Africville’s history as a community of formerly enslaved peoples and their descendants.

As part of UNESCO’s network, Africville is expected to attract greater attention from researchers, educators, and visitors seeking to understand the global legacy of slavery and resistance.