City of Waterloo Museum presents Seeking Home: The Story of Black Settler Levi Carroll
In an exciting collaboration with local researcher Peggy Plet, the City of Waterloo Museum is thrilled to bring Levi Carroll’s story to life in Waterloo Park this July and August, right within the cabin you pass on your leisurely walks.
Join us in Waterloo Park this summer to explore what makes a place a HOME and uncover Levi's inspiring story. Throughout the summer, we have planned a series of engaging hands-on activities, and our knowledgeable staff will be on site to answer your questions and share the rich history of Levi and his family.
Few are unaware of the log cabin's dual history in Waterloo Park or the fact that it was in Waterloo, moved to Berlin (Kitchener), and then moved back to Waterloo. Many have only known it as Ontario's earliest schoolhouse. However, these walls have more of a story to tell, and local researcher and author Peggy Plet is eager to share this story with the community. The unassuming log house in Waterloo Park, once nestled in Berlin (Kitchener), is the backdrop for the remarkable story of Levi Carroll and his family. Formerly an enslaved labourer, his journey to freedom allowed him to cultivate crops for his own profit in the Waterloo Region. Carroll played a significant role in the settlement of this area, calling the cabin his home for over 50 years. Levi purchased the plot of land near the High School (Kitchener Collegiate Institute). The sale contained all the buildings on the property, including the log cabin he had lived in for 16 years. He raised his family here and was a well-known member of the community. Many remembered him as quiet, kind, well-liked and respected. Levi would live to be one of the oldest residents in the area.
What: Seeking Home: The Story of Black Settler Levi Carroll
Where: Waterloo Park, Log House
When: July 7 to August 28, 2024
Hours: Sunday to Wednesday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Admission: Free admission
About the City of Waterloo Museum
Popular for ever-changing exhibitions and offering access to Waterloo’s premier shopping centre (Conestoga Mall) at its doorstep, the City of Waterloo Museum explores the hometown history of Waterloo and the stories we have to share. The City of Waterloo Museum is the place to discover an array of historical objects, art and artifacts that tell the story of Waterloo from its founding in 1806 to the present day. The museum features a main gallery containing fabulous items from its sizeable holdings of over 20,000 objects, including the restored 1919 Pierce Arrow Seagram Whisky delivery truck, and provides various elements to learn about and celebrate all things Waterloo!
Museum hours for July and August: Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is always free.
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Media Contact
Shirley Luu
Communications Consultant
Shirley.luu@waterloo.ca