Essex County Black Historical Research Society

This Thursday, June 18th, the ECBHRS will be enjoying an in-person field trip at Windsor Grove Cemetery, with a special start time of 6:30 p.m. EDT. Windsor Grove (455 Giles Blvd. E.) is the final resting place for many fascinating local Black historical figures of the 19th and 20th centuries. Come and learn about some of them. Meet at the Howard Gate (Howard Ave. between Giles and Ottawa) and please do note the special start time at 6:30 p.m. Space is limited so rsvp to ecbhrs at gmail.com.

On June 12, 1923 Dr. William Kenneth Rock was born in Windsor. Following his time at Patterson Collegiate, he attended flight school at the No. 9 Elementary Flight Training School in St. Catharines, Ontario, and No. 8 Service Flying Training School in Weyburn, Saskatchewan, earning his wings in June 1944. He served two years as a Pilot in the Royal Canadian Air Force from 1943 to 1945 and was commissioned as an Officer.

A few years later, in 1951, he graduated from medical school in Toronto and completed his internship at Hotel Dieu Hospital in Windsor. The following year, in 1952, Dr. Rock opened his own office in Windsor, later becoming the Coroner for the City of Windsor.

June 15th is the last day to register for the Buxton History and Genealogy Conference at the early bird rate! The conference is happening Friday, September 4th at the Buxton National Historic Site.
https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/buxton-history-and-genealogy-conference

Happening tomorrow at the Museum!

Early bird registration ends June 15th!

Registration is now open for the 2026 Buxton History & Genealogy Conference!

Join us as we kick off the 103rd Buxton Homecoming Celebration themed “The Power of Community.”

Explore the roots of freedom, family, and community through a day of inspiring presentations, genealogy, history, and meaningful conversation alongside historians, educators, descendants, and community members.

Featuring presentations by:
Benita Law
Kenn Stanton
Ken Johnston
Buxton Education Panel Discussion moderated by Funke Aladejebi.

Special Lunch experience provided by YaYa’s Kitchen.

Conference begins at 9:30 AM
Registration & morning coffee begin at 9:00 AM

Registration Includes:
Morning coffee and a hot catered lunch.

Early Bird Registration (before June 15): $50
Pre-Registration (after June 15): $60
Tickets at the Door: $70

Schedule and speaker updates coming soon.

Register here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/buxton-history-and-genealogy-conference

Application Deadline Extended to May 26th! Do you know someone who’s between 15 and 30 years old, passionate about Black history, and looking for a summer contract position? We’re hiring three staff members through the Canada Summer Jobs program. Visit https://amherstburgfreedom.org/csj/ for eligibility requirements, job descriptions, and other important details.

Please join us Thursday, May 21st at 7 pm EDT on Zoom for the next meeting of the Essex County Black Historical Research Society when we will welcome Teajai Travis for a talk titled "A Legacy of Walking." Teajai's planned walk from Ottawa to Windsor this summer, while a fundraiser for youth organizations, is rooted in family and community legacies. Hear more about the walk and the history that has inspired it. A members' monthly business meeting will follow the presentation and Q & A.
Zoom Meeting ID: 854 6710 9712

The Thursday, June 18th gathering of the ECBHRS will be an in-person field trip at Windsor Grove Cemetery, with a special start time of 6:30 p.m. EDT. Windsor Grove (455 Giles Blvd. E.) is the final resting place for many fascinating local Black historical figures of the 19th and 20th centuries. Come and learn about some of them. Important: Meet at the Howard Gate (Howard Ave. between Giles and Ottawa) and please do note the special start time at 6:30 p.m. Space is limited so rsvp to ecbhrs at gmail.com.