This is a partnership exhibit of BC Black History Awareness Society and Maritime Museum of BC – open for almost 5 months.
November 7, 2025–April 25, 2026
at the Maritime Museum of BC
744 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC
The museum is open Tuesday – Saturday, 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
More information on Hours and Admission Price, Discounts, Group Visits, Parking and more
About the Exhibit
“In 1858, nearly 800 free Blacks left the oppressive racial conditions of San Francisco for a new life on Vancouver Island.”
Come join us through the journey of early Black immigration to BC. This story begins in San Francisco with the formation of the “Pioneer Committee”. It takes us through their journey via the steamship Commodore to arrive here, in 1858, as the first group of Black immigrants to Vancouver Island.
We follow not only the story of the Pioneer Committee, but the history of the many early Black immigrants that came after (via various routes and steamships). The story does not end upon their arrival, but rather continues through their legacy – their contributions to local society, their social and political impact, and their legacy through family and descendants.
Black people were and are a significant part of the makeup of this province. This is part of that story.
Learn more at the BCBHAS website
Why They Came and the Pioneer Committee
