Queen’s Bush Settlement mural coming to Wallenstein

WALLENSTEIN – Nearly 200 years ago, a community of 2,000 Black pioneers began arriving in Wellington County. 

They cleared dense forests to farm and build on the land, forming the Queen’s  Bush Settlement and creating the foundations of many communities in Wellington County today.

That history is set to be recognized this summer with a large mural installation outside Earthscape Play in Wallenstein.

Hearts Open For Everyone (HOPE) is organizing the mural, and attended a May 26 Mapleton council meeting to share the plan and request support.  

“This is a story of endurance, collaboration and a history that is literally under our feet here in the Township of Mapleton,” HOPE executive director Abby Cooper told council. 

Mapleton Historical Society representative Karen Smart said, “When we look at the origins of Mapleton’s farms we see a story of incredible physical determination. 

“Black pioneers cleared the dense forest and built the first homestead, and later Black and white settlers worked together to build the literal foundation of Mapleton today.”

She added, “Black excellence has been ... part of this township’s identity for nearly two centuries. Through this mural, we are hoping that we can finally honour a story that’s been right here the entire time.”  

Many of the pioneers who “carved a life in the wilderness here” were seeking freedom and a place to belong, she added. 

“They weren’t just passing through – they were people of deep conviction, grit and service, and many arrived having served during the Mackenzie Rebellion and the 1838 border incursions, looking to establish permanent, multi-generational roots,” Smart said. 

Local groups including the Mapleton Historical Society have been keeping this history alive, Smart said, but “it hasn’t yet been woven into a shared highly visible regional legacy,” which is what they hope to do with the mural. 

The project is led by internationally recognized muralist Kalkidan Assefa, who has submitted the second of three collaborative drafts, and is on track for a reveal date of Aug. 15. The artwork design has been informed by descendents of Queen’s Bush pioneers,  including Tracey Lee, historians and local residents.

Other descendents living across the United States are planning trips to see the mural this summer. 

“Working alongside our other Black, Mennonite and Indigenous committee members we ensure that every single detail of this project is deeply accurate, collaborative and rooted in historic truth,” Smart said.  

The mural is set to cover two of the buildings’ four exterior walls and include a QR code linking visitors to an interpretive driving map of the Queen’s Bush Settlement that will guide tourists to local agri-businesses and historical landmarks in the area.   

There will also be a walking path, six designated parking spots and a bench where guests are encouraged to sit and reflect on the artwork. 

The project is set to cost $66,000, with $30,000 coming from Earthscape Play and another $30,000 potentially coming from pending federal grants. 

The cost includes the historical research, community outreach, digital components and a reveal event. 

Other supporters include Wellington County, Guelph Tourism, Explore Waterloo Region and RTO4 (which supports tourism in Waterloo Region and Wellington, Perth and Huron Counties). 

Smart said the Queen’s Bush Mural offers a unique, high-impact return on investment for the township.

“It is a chance to bridge our history with our future, ensuring Mapleton’s role in this provincial story is celebrated.” 

The mural committee is requesting either financial or in-kind support from Mapleton, including local promotion, staff coordination or historical archiving. 

Mayor Gregg Davidson said “that’s an amazing project coming to the area, and we know Earthscape is incredible to work with.” 

The mural is especially valuable, because unlike the plaque commemorating the Queen’s Bush that was stolen, a mural cannot be taken away, he noted. 

Councillor Michael Martin echoed Davidson’s support, and council requested township staff to return with a report about possible pathways to support. 

“We’ll be in touch,” Davidson said.