Exhibit Deep Dive - 1858: Black Routes, Black Roots
Take a deep dive into our current exhibit about early Black immigrants to BC and their lasting legacy.Cost:
FREE – $10.00 per personDuration:
2hAbout this experience
Dive deeper into the current exhibit at the Maritime Museum of BC – 1858: Black Routes, Black Routes, which explores early Black immigration to BC. Hear from writer/researcher Madison Bridal about her experience learning and sharing about the “Pioneer Committee” and their journey to Canada on the Commodore. Then, hear from Barbra Hudlin, a descendent of these early Black immigrants and her family’s history on Vancouver Island.
Date: Saturday, February 21st 2026
Time: 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Cost: Free with museum admission. We ask that you register in advance but drop-ins are also welcome.
About the Speakers:
Madison Bridal has worked in numerous museums, on several exhibits, and previously co-led the BCMA’s IBPOC Network. Madison is recently known for her curatorship of Rooting for Reclamation at Legacy Art Galleries, and as the writer/researcher for 1858: Black Routes, Black Roots here at the Maritime Museum of BC.
Barbra Hudlin is a black Canadian living in Victoria, BC and a direct descendent of the first Black settlers to Victoria. She is a speaker and educator deeply involved in the Black communities on Vancouver Island. She is also the founder and president of the Doug Hudlin charitable Society which is the life and legacy of the Black gentlemen empire Doug Hudlin, a board member with the BC Black History Awareness Society, and serves in the advisory of the City Of Victoria‘s international decade of people of African dissent committee.
Your Host
The Maritime Museum of BC is on the territories of the Lekwungen speaking peoples who have respected these lands and waters for thousands of years. It is currently located downtown at 744 Douglas Street close to Victoria’s downtown Inner Harbour and the Empress Hotel. Here, you will find exhibits, a nautical-themed gift shop, and research space.