The Sidney Museum and Archives has partnered with BC Black History Awareness Society on a display to celebrate Black History Month. From February 1-28, 2026, visitors can come to the Sidney Museum and learn the stories of important Black pioneers in Sidney, the Saanich Peninsula, and Salt Spring Island.
In 1858, James Douglas sent an invitation to the Black community in San Francisco for prospective settlers to move to Vancouver Island. Jennie (née Anderson) and Frederick Clanton were descendants of these early pioneers.
In the early 20th century, the Clantons lived in Sidney where they raised their eight children. They were participatory members of the community, working, going to school, as well as joining local organizations and gatherings.
The display will also have information on Jennie’s family who settled on Salt Spring Island and the Clanton’s eldest daughter Verna who married into the Alexander family of Central Saanich.
Black Pioneers on the Saanich Peninsula will be on display from the Sidney Museum for the whole month of February. For more information on BC Black Awareness Society please visit bcblackhistory.ca