SJAC is proud be the host venue for three of the events in celebration of Loyalist Day! We encourage you to partake in all of the events exploring the history and culture of the British settlers of Saint John; SJAC will play host to:
- 10:30AM-1:30PM: Explore Your Loyalist Roots
- 1:15-1:45PM: The Loyalists According to Hollywood
- 2PM: Flute Music from the Time of Simonds, Hazen & White (1762-1775)
See full descriptions below!
(Image: ‘A Delancey’s Encampment’ by Fred Ross, on permanent display at SJAC)
From the organizers:
We are proud to present the SCHEDULE OF EVENTS for Loyalist Day 2025, Sunday, May 18th
10:00 AM MUSKETRY SALUTE FROM PORTLAND POINT
Join the soldiers of DeLancey’s Brigade as they fire a welcoming volley honouring the Loyalist newcomers of 242 years ago. Place Fort La Tour will be open to the public free of charge between 10 and 11 am for the Loyalist Day activities. / Location: Place Fort La Tour, Portland Point on Harbour Passage
10:15 AM THE BELLS OF TRINITY with Andrew Waldschutz
The uptown area will ring out with a performance on the recently refurbished bells of Trinity Anglican Church on Germain St. Originally installed in 1882, the bells were dedicated to the Loyalist founders of the city. A second performance will be offered at 12:15 pm / Location: Trinity Anglican Church, between Germain & Charlotte Streets
10:30 AM – 3:00 PM A LOYALIST HOME
Visit the Loyalist House museum – a home built by David Daniel Merritt, who arrived as a Loyalist in 1783 – and talk with historical re-enactors from DeLancey’s Brigade as they animate day-to-day life in the period. / Location: Loyalist House, 120 Union Street
10:30 AM – 1:30 PM EXPLORE YOUR LOYALIST ROOTS
Join members of the New Brunswick Genealogical Society and a representative from UNB’s Loyalist Collection to learn more about how you can explore your own heritage – perhaps find your Loyalist ancestor – and discover just some of the amazing historical research assets we have right here in New Brunswick. / Location: Saint John Arts Centre, 20 Peel Plaza
10:30 AM THE REVOLUTION COMES TO SAINT JOHN; FORT FREDERICK, PORTLAND POINT AND FORT HOWE – A brief talk, by historical re-enactor Steve Fowler, about how the conflict came to our shores in the early days of the American Revolution. / Location: Place Fort La Tour, Portland Point on Harbour Passage
12:00 PM ROYAL SALUTE BY 3RD FIELD ARTILLERY REGIMENT, RCA – THE LOYAL COMPANY
An artillery salute will be fired by members of 3rd Field Artillery Regiment to mark May 18th. Saint John is the only city afforded, in National Orders, to fire a Royal Salute to mark the anniversary of the Loyalist’s arrival. / Location: Fort Howe
12:15 PM – 1:30 PM TRINITY CHURCH TOURS with guide John Logan
Trinity Anglican Church – The Loyalists’ Church – was the city‘s first church community tracing its roots back to the Loyalist’s arrival in 1783. See the treasure they brought with them – the Royal Coat Of Arms that was removed from Boston’s State House during the evacuation of that city. / Location: Trinity Anglican Church, between Germain & Charlotte Streets
12:15 PM THE BELLS OF TRINITY with Andrew Waldschutz
A performance on the bells of Trinity Church. / Location: Trinity Anglican Church
12:30 PM WREATH LAYING CEREMONY
Join the United Empire Loyalists’ Association of Canada – NB Chapter and the troops of DeLancey’s Brigade for a brief ceremony at the earliest known grave in the Loyalist Burial Ground. / Location: Loyalist Burial Ground, Sydney at King Street East
12:45 PM SPRINGTIME OBSERVATIONS FROM MAY 1903 IN THE OLD BURIAL GROUND
Immediately following the 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 at King Street East
1:15 PM THE LOYALISTS ACCORDING TO HOLLYWOOD
An entertaining look at the way our Loyalist ancestors have been portrayed in the movies . A talk by historian Dr. Greg Marquis. / Location: Saint John Arts Centre, 20 Peel Plaza
2:00 PM FLUTE MUSIC FROM THE TIME OF SIMONDS, HAZEN & WHITE (1762-1775)
Sonatas, Country Dances, Minuets and Scotch Airs performed by Tim Blackmore and Daniel Britt. Freewill offering in support of the Early Music Studio Of Saint John. / Location: Saint John Arts Centre, 20 Peel Plaza
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM LOYALIST DAY AT THE LIBRARY
A family program with a story time, period games, and a display of books on the Loyalist era and early Saint John, for young readers. A great opportunity for young Saint Johners to learn the story of the Loyalists. / Location: Saint John Regional Library – Market Square
2:15 PM THE LANDSCAPE OF SAINT JOHN IN 1783
A narrated walk with Geologist Bill Gardiner exploring the waterfront area and discussing the inhospitable conditions that greeted the Loyalists when they arrived. / Location: Meet at Tidal Steps at the head of Market Slip
7:15 PM WALK ‘N TALK WITH DAVID GOSS
Join David for stories on the history of the area – Market Square / Market Slip / ihtoli-maqahamok – where the Loyalists first stepped ashore. / Location: Meet at Loyalist Rock on Fundy Quay (opposite Saint John Ale House)
Follow the Loyalist Day Facebook Page and check back regularly as there are often updates. And, please share with your friends and help us keep the recognition of Loyalist Day in Saint John alive.
While several of our community partners – the groups and venues who contribute to the Loyalist Day program – accept donations, and some normally charge admission, there is NO CHARGE to participate in any of the events on our schedule. If you are so inclined and able to support them with a donation, please enquire at the event.
