2026 Theme
The Strength of Community
The Buxton Conference
Saturday, September 5, 2026
The Schoolhouse — North Buxton Historical Site
A Settlement Built on Freedom
In 1849, the Elgin Settlement — known today as North Buxton — was founded near Chatham, Ontario as a community for freedom-seekers who had escaped enslavement in the American South. It became one of the most successful Black settlements in Canadian history, built on land ownership, education, and the unbreakable bonds of family and faith.
The Buxton Conference brings scholars, descendants, and community members together each year to honour that legacy — and to continue the vital work of recovering and sharing these stories.
What We Explore
This year’s theme — The Strength of Community — draws together genealogical research, oral history, and the living story of the North Buxton settlement.
Genealogical Research
Tracing family lines across borders and generations. Practical methods for researching African-Canadian and African-American ancestry.
Oral History & Memory
The stories passed down through families and communities. How we preserve and share the voices of those who came before.
Community & Legacy
Understanding North Buxton as a living community. Celebrating the contributions of the Elgin Settlement to Canadian history.
Featured Speakers
Speakers to be announced. Check back soon.
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The Buxton Conference
Saturday, September 5, 2026
North Buxton Historical Site
Chatham-Kent, Ontario