Maritime Museum of BC brings stories of Victoria’s first Black immigrants to life in new exhibit

A new exhibit will be opening at the Maritime Museum of BC (MMBC) this November that explores the journey and legacies of early Black immigrants in Victoria and on Vancouver Island.

The upcoming exhibition, called 1858: Black Routes, Black Roots, tells a story that begins in San Francisco with the formation of the “Pioneer Committee”. 

The steamship ‘Commodore’ carried these first Black pioneers to Vancouver Island in 1858.

MMBC says that the exhibit doesn’t just follow the story of the Pioneer Committee, but the history of what became of the early Black immigrants once they arrived on Vancouver Island, as well as the stories of those who came after the first pioneers.

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Even today, MMBC says that the contributions of the first Black pioneers in Victoria can still be seen and felt through their social, economic and political impact, as well as the legacy left behind with their descendants.

“Black people were and are a significant part of the makeup of this province. This is part of that story,” said MMBC in a media release. 

This exhibit was put together and is being presented in collaboration with BC Black History Awareness Society. 

1858: Black Routes, Black Roots

• When: Runs from November 7th, 2025 to April 25th, 2026 
• Where: Maritime Museum of BC, 744 Douglas Street