Gibson Woods Homecoming... A Welcoming Experience

Our very first community outreach session took place in Gibson Woods, a rural African Nova Scotian community in the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia today (July 28, 2017).

Gibson Woods was once know as "Gentlemen's Bridge". It was renamed Gibson Woods after the name the influential Gibson family who settled in the region. Early records indicate a Black settler by the name of George Gibson purchasing forty acres of land in 1804 for a King's fortune of 40 pounds. Gibson died in 1847 at a healthy 93 years of age. It is believed that Gibson was a Black Loyalist.  - Black Cultural Centre Collection

 Our visit took place during the Gibson Woods Homecoming 2017, we were welcomed with open arms and learned a lot about this community. A community that has a long reaching history and genealogy of some of the surnames: Gibson, Clements, Jackson and Browning to name a few. During the opening ceremonies history was shared by community members.

Dennis Jackson, Community Elder, (l) with

Homecoming Committee Co-Chair Craig Gibson

The Black Cultural Centre board and staff were on hand to record the history and capture the stories that were shared. Black Cultural Society, President Craig Smith addressed the crowd and presented the Gibson Woods Homecoming Committee with a special certificate honouring the work they have done in preserving the history.

Doris Evans, descendant of Gibson Woods being interviewed by

Black Cultural Centre summer employee Gabrielle Everest

In addition to the Gibson Woods Homecoming the Black Cultural Centre also launched a traveling exhibit on African Nova Scotian Culture and Heritage that is touring the province at various Nova Scotia Museum sites. During the Gibson Woods Homecoming the display was shown and remained in the region at Prescott House Museum for an additional week. 

The Gibson Woods Homecoming continued for the rest of the weekend with activities on Saturday and Sunday. We were also glad to attend the special outdoor church service that featured Pastor Stephen Gough and the musical group Shoulder To Shoulder.

A wonderful and welcoming first remote visit. We learned a lot and gathered some great history and content for the achieves of the Black Cultural Centre. 

The beauty of Gibson Woods at sunset, with the historic
Gibson Woods Baptist Church

- Russell Grosse