History Comes to Life in Hamilton
HAMILTON, July 11, 2012 /CNW/ - On the weekend of July 13-15, hundreds of people will descend on Hamilton, Ont., to commemorate a family history that dates back to back to 1797.
Jack and Polly Howard, slaves on a Montgomery County (Maryland) plantation, had eight children, and their descendants — spread across the U.S. and Canada — will come together at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Hamilton to celebrate their family history, which began in Canada in 1857 via the Underground Railroad.
Events include a Friday night boat cruise, a Saturday afternoon cook-out — the big event of the weekend — followed by a Saturday evening dance, and a church service at the historic Stewart Memorial Church in Hamilton on Sunday morning. A highlight of the church service includes a large family choir gathered from across North America, which has been rehearsing via Skype the last two months.
Five generations of the Howard-Holland family will be marking their living history, including the oldest family member, 108-year-old Sister Constance Murphy (of the St. John the Divine Anglican Order), and the youngest member, 6-month-old Azaryah Phoenix Paulena Steele.
The Howard-Holland family believes in celebrating the liberation of all peoples and hope their story inspires everyone to enjoy their freedom.
Please direct media inquiries to Jeff Holland, 416-456-9551, Sandra Smith, 416-439-7253
What: The Howard-Holland family reunion
Where: Hamilton, Ont.
When: July 13-15
Specifics: The family picnic will commence on the grounds of Dundurn Castle, 610 York Blvd., Hamilton, on Saturday, July 14 at 1 p.m.; Sunday morning services will be at Stewart Memoral Church, 114 John St., Hamilton at 9 a.m.
Jeff Holland, 416-456-9551; Sandra Smith, 416-439-7253; Gale Beeby, 647-501-2960
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