British-American Institute facts for kids
The British-American Institute of Science and Industry was a special school that opened in 1842. It was started by Josiah Henson near a town called Dresden in Canada West, which is now part of Ontario. This school was part of a community known as the Dawn Settlement. This settlement was a safe place for people who had escaped slavery and found freedom in Canada.
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What Was This School?
The British-American Institute was a unique school for people of all ages. Its main goal was to give everyone a good general education. It also helped train new teachers. For a short time, it was also a "manual labor school." This meant students learned practical skills by working with their hands.
Who Started It?
The school was founded by Josiah Henson. He was a formerly enslaved person who became a leader and an abolitionist. He worked hard to create a safe and educational place for others who had escaped slavery.
Where Was It Located?
The school was built near Dresden, Ontario. This area was part of the Dawn Settlement. The settlement was a community where people who had escaped slavery could build new lives. They worked together and supported each other.
What Did Students Learn?
Students at the Institute learned many subjects. They received a general education, which included reading, writing, and math. The school also focused on training teachers. This helped ensure that more people in the community could get an education.
A New Chapter: The Anti-Slavery Society
In 1849, the school was taken over by the British and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society. This was a group dedicated to ending slavery around the world. Their support helped the school continue its important work.
The School's Legacy
The British-American Institute of Science and Industry closed its doors in 1868. However, its history lives on. Today, the land where the school once stood is part of the Uncle Tom's Cabin Historic Site. This site helps people learn about Josiah Henson and the brave people who sought freedom and built new lives in Canada.
