UELAC 2021 brings local history to life

April 5, 2021

Local history will come alive this May during the United Empire Loyalists’ Association of Canada 2021 conference which is being hosted virtually from Cornwall and SDG Counties.

The unique event – running from May 27 – 30 – will feature four days of interactive programming and events focused on Canada’s rich Loyalist history and the important role Cornwall and SDG Counties played in it. There will be virtual tours, live broadcasts from historic sites, interactive Q&A sessions, a line-up of great speakers and much more.

The conference was originally scheduled to take place in person in Cornwall however the pandemic forced organizers to pivot and offer a virtual experience instead. Despite the major hurdle, they have still held true to their original vision of offering a conference with dynamic and engaging elements that will be of interest to not only Loyalist descendants but the community as a whole.

“It’s important to us that we create a conference that makes UE Loyalist descendants and other interested residents feel excited about exploring the past by using a mixture of traditional and new features, and inviting others beyond our membership to join us,” said Jennifer DeBruin, President of the United Empire Loyalists Bridge Annex, the host branch for the UELAC 2021 conference.

The conference agenda includes a wide variety of topics ranging from Q&As with a genealogist to cooking demonstrations, haunted history, virtual tours of sites in Cornwall, Stormont and Glengarry counties, military history, live music and much more. There will also be guest speakers covering and a special ceremony honouring Cornwall’s John Baker, who was born into slavery and manumitted under unfortunate circumstances.

Click here for the full 2021 UELAC Conference Schedule

“We want to showcase the area and our history and help others understand that exploring the past can be fun and exciting, even as we help preserve the legacy of the UE Loyalists,” added Mrs. DeBruin.

Cornwall’s Loyalist roots run quite deep. They date back to 1784 when Loyalists first drew lots and began to settle the community of New Johnstown – later to become Cornwall.

Registration now open

Registration for the event is now open!

Attendees can purchase an all-access pass for $50 and enjoy all of the conference for one low price.

For more information and to register, please click here.

Stay up to date!

For more information on the conference, make sure to follow the UE Loyalists Bridge Annex website and check them out on Facebook. The UE Loyalists Bridge Annex is the first virtual branch of UELAC and offers unique opportunities for members to determine how and when they would like to experience the UELAC.

About the United Empire Loyalists’ Association of Canada

The United Empire Loyalists’ Association of Canada is an organization dedicated to enriching the lives of Canadians through knowledge of the past, in particular the history of the United Empire Loyalists and their contribution to the development of Canada.

The United Empire Loyalists were generally those who had been settled in the thirteen colonies at the outbreak of the American Revolution, who remained loyal to and took up the Royal Standard, and who settled in what is now Canada at the end of the war.

In addition to perhaps one Canadian in ten having a Loyalist ancestor, many others of Loyalist descent live elsewhere – in the United States, in commonwealth countries such as Australia and New Zealand, and scattered around the world.

For more information on the UELAC, please click here.

Play it safe!

We all have a part to play in combating the spread of COVID-19. Residents are encouraged to wear masks, practice frequent hand washing and physical distancing, and stay home if not feeling well. For the latest guidelines and restrictions related to COVID-19, please visit the Eastern Ontario Health Unit website.

#exploreCornwallON

Looking for other fun things to do in Cornwall? Check out the Explore section of our website for other fun-filled activities to keep you busy. Better yet, consider extending your stay with a night at one of our great accommodations!

Got a question?

Got questions? Need recommendations? We’re here to help! Call or text us at 613-938-4748 or email us at info@cornwalltourism.com and we’ll be pleased to help you with any questions you may have!

Also make sure to check us out on Facebook and Instagram for updates and more great reasons to visit Cornwall!

Article by Kevin Lajoie
www.CornwallTourism.com

Photo from Cornwall Community Museum