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SJAC is pleased to be a part of the 2026 Loyalist Day events: May 18th Schedule Of Events in Saint John, New Brunswick.

10:00 AM MUSKETRY SALUTE FROM PORTLAND POINT

Join us at Place Fort La Tour as the soldiers of DeLancey’s Brigade fire a welcoming volley honouring the first Loyalist newcomers who stepped ashore on this date in 1783. Place Fort La Tour will be open to the public free of charge between 10 and 11 am to help us kick-off Loyalist Day.

>>> Location: Place Fort La Tour, Portland Point on Harbour Passage

10:00 AM – 2:00 PM EXPLORE YOUR HISTORY

Visit our ‘research hub’ at the Saint John Arts Centre and discover how easy it is to explore the history of your family and your community with the excellent resources available right here in New Brunswick. Join representatives from the NB Genealogical Society, the United Empire Loyalists Association, the NB Provincial Archives and the Collections Department at Kings Landing.

>>> Location: Port Saint John Gallery, Saint John Arts Centre, 20 Peel Plaza

10:00 AM – 2:00 PM THE LOYALIST LEGACY

Greeted by a nearly barren wilderness when they stepped ashore in 1783, the Loyalist refugees would set about creating a new home for themselves, building a city and a province along the way. Visit Stone Church and learn more about what they accomplished in the generation that followed. Staff from Kings Landing along with local interpreters will be on hand to discuss the settling of the St. John River Valley, notable female Loyalists, the Churches of the Loyalists (why is it called Stone Church?) and more.

>>> Location: St. John’s ‘Stone’ Church, 87 Carleton Street

10:00 AM – 3:00 PM A LOYALIST HOME

Join us for an open house at the Loyalist House Museum – a home built by David Daniel Merritt, who arrived as a Loyalist in 1783 – and talk with interpreters and historical re-enactors from DeLancey’s Brigade about day-to-day life in the period. Free admission – donations accepted.

>>> Location: Loyalist House, 120 Union Street

10:20 AM PORTLAND POINT 1783

A rocky point of land situated where the river meets the harbour, Portland Point has perhaps more history per square foot than any other piece of real estate in the region. Join us for a brief talk on what was happening here in 1783 and the role it played in the evolution of the area.

>>> Location: Place Fort La Tour, Portland Point on Harbour Passage

12:30 PM WREATH LAYING CEREMONY

United Empire Loyalists’ Association of Canada – NB Chapter and the troops of DeLancey’s Brigade will hold a brief ceremony at the earliest known grave in the Loyalist Burial Ground to honour the memory of those whose sacrifice and determination laid the foundations of our city.

>>> Location: Loyalist Burial Ground, Sydney Street at King Street East

12:45 PM WALK THE OLD BURIAL GROUND

Immediately following the wreath laying ceremony take a guided walk through the cemetery with local historian and author David Goss. Meet at the Sydney Street Gate.

>>> Location: Loyalist Burial Ground, Sydney Street at King Street East

2:00 PM – 3:30 PM 1776 – KEYBOARD MUSIC FROM THE LIBRARY OF THOMAS JEFFERSON

Tim Blackmore, on the square piano, offers a concert of period music from 250 years ago. Freewill offering in support of the Early Music Studio Of Saint John.

>>> Location: Saint John Arts Centre, 20 Peel Plaza

Download a printable version of the schedule: https://tinyurl.com/2s4a55sd

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