Work Archives | British Columbia’s Black Pioneers

Giscome Portage Trail

The original Giscome Portage Trail was only wide enough for foot passage; approximately 8.5 km (5 miles) long. It crosses the Continental Divide as the shortest route between […]

Map of British Columbia Gold Fields and Related Places

The map highlights • McDame Creek in Northern BC named after Henry McDame (circa 1859) • Giscome Portage Trail named after John Robert Giscome (circa 1863) • Barkerville […]

Black Businesses were HERE!

John Adams is an author, historian, and owner/operator of an historical walking tour company “Discover the Past” in Victoria Location: Lower Yates Street, Victoria BC. Many shops and […]

“You Ain’t Gone” Adelene da Soul Poet

Adelene da Soul Poet is a spoken-word poet, her ancestors are Black Pioneers Location: Studio, black background. Adelene is seated on a stool, but the video is focused […]

On British soil he was free. The Case of Fugitive Slave Charles Mitchell

John Adams is an author, historian, and he owns and operates a walking tour company “Discover The Past” that offers walking tours of Victoria. Location: Bastion Square marks […]

The House that John Built: 1860’s construction techniques and gas lighting

Interview with Linda and Davyd, the current owners of the house. Davyd completed the house restoration work. Location: Linda and Davyd are standing on the sidewalk, at the […]

“Dandridge House” built by John and Charlotte Dandridge

This house has been relocated, stripped of its architectural details, sold, and lived in by different families over the years. Having been restored to most of its original […]

“Dandridge House” circa 2014

This restored home in Victoria, B.C. was originally built and owned by John and Charlotte Dandridge in 1862.

“Dandridge House” circa 1872

This photo was found on the wall of a local funeral home with this caption “residence where funeral chapel now stands – moved to Rudlin Street”.

In memory of Emily Arabella (Emma) Stark 1856 – 1890

Emma’s great-grandniece Naidine Sims with her daughter and granddaughter view the plaque at Emma’s former address in Nanaimo, B.C. The plaque reads: In memory of Emily Arabella (Emma) […]

Emma Stark as a young woman (1875)

The photo is believed to have been taken at a portrait studio in Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, B.C. Emma was teaching in the nearby community of Cedar.

Emma Stark, daughter of Sylvia and Louis Stark

A formal portrait of Emily Arabella Stark, hand tinted, possibly taken while she was a schoolteacher.