History of Mary Ann Shadd in Timeline
Mary Ann Camberton Shadd Cary was a pioneering figure in the 19th century. As an American-Canadian anti-slavery activist, journalist, publisher, teacher, and lawyer, she broke numerous barriers. Notably, she became the first black woman publisher in North America and the first woman publisher in Canada. She also achieved the distinction of being the second black woman to attend law school in the United States. In 1853, Shadd founded the *Provincial Freeman*, a weekly newspaper published in southern Ontario. The publication championed equality, integration, and self-education for black communities in both Canada and the United States.
1974: Discovery of Shadd Cary's Records
Shadd Cary's records were discovered in 1974 after the demolition of her former home in Chatham, Ontario.
1976: National Historic Landmark
In 1976, Mary Ann Shadd Cary's former residence in Washington, D.C. was designated a National Historic Landmark.
1985: Mary Shadd Public School Opening
Mary Shadd Public School in Scarborough, Ontario, was opened in 1985.
1986: Records Microfilming
The discovered records were loaned to the Archives of Ontario for microfilming in 1986.
1987: Women's History Month Honoree
Mary Ann Shadd Cary was recognized as a Women's History Month Honoree by the National Women's History Project in 1987.
1992: Mary Shadd Public School Expansion
Mary Shadd Public School, opened in 1985, was enlarged in 1992.
1998: National Women's Hall of Fame Induction
In 1998, Mary Ann Shadd Cary was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame.
2009: Canadian Citizenship Test Study Guide
In 2009, Mary Ann Shadd Cary was featured in Canada's citizenship test study guide.
2018: New York Times Obituary
The New York Times published a belated obituary for Mary Ann Shadd Cary in 2018.
October 9, 2020: Google Doodle
On October 9, 2020, Shadd's 197th birthday was commemorated with a Google Doodle in several countries.
2021: Mary Ann Shadd Cary Post Office
In 2021, the Mary Ann Shadd Cary Post Office was named in Wilmington, Delaware.
May 12, 2022: Statue Unveiling
On May 12, 2022, a bronze statue of Mary Ann Shadd Cary was unveiled at the University of Windsor in Ontario, Canada.
2022: Donation of Records
The records were donated to the Archives of Ontario in 2022.
February 14, 2023: Transcription of Records
Shadd Cary's records were transcribed on February 14, 2023, as part of Douglass Day.
2024: Canadian Postal Stamp
Mary Ann Shadd Cary will be featured on a Canadian postal stamp in 2024.