The Town of Tillsonburg is marking British Home Child Day today by recognizing the thousands of children who were sent from the United Kingdom to Canada through child migration programs, including many who settled in Tillsonburg and surrounding communities.
Kate Bakos, Cultural Heritage Manager/Curator at Annandale National Historic Site says the downtown will be lit up Monday.
Annandale National Historic Site and Museum, the Town of Tillsonburg and Oxford County Archives have come together to highlight their stories through a special exhibition featuring photographs, historical records and family stories.
The British Home Children program operated from 1869 to 1948. According to Home Children Canada, more than 100,000 children were sent to Canada during that period. Many came from families experiencing poverty or other hardships and were placed with families, on farms or in domestic service.
While some children found supportive homes and opportunities, others experienced significant hardship, exploitation and abuse. Many of their stories were never told because of the stigma surrounding the program.
The Tillsonburg exhibition focuses on the experiences and contributions of several British Home Children who became part of the local community. Bakos notes that it is not intended to be a complete history of every British Home Child who settled in the area.
The exhibition is on display at Annandale National Historic Site and Museum, 30 Tillson Avenue, through October 31, 2026.
Oxford County Archives has also created an online version of the exhibition, allowing residents to explore the stories and historical records from home.
As part of the Town's recognition of British Home Child Day, the Tillsonburg Rotary Clock Tower will be illuminated yellow on September 28. Yellow represents the sunflower, the official flower associated with British Home Children and a symbol of resilience.
Residents are encouraged to visit the exhibition or explore the online archive to learn more about the children who became part of Tillsonburg's history and the lasting contributions they and their descendants have made to the community.
