Curator Emeritus
Biographical Sketch
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| Shannon Prince, in period costume for historical portrayal. |
Shannon Prince retired as the Curator of the Buxton National Historic Site & Museum in December 2023, after 25 years of distinguished service. Shannon has received many awards and honours in recognition of extraordinary contributions, most recently she was appointed to the Order of Canada for exemplifying the Order’s motto: DESIDERANTES MELIOREM PATRIAM (“They desire a better country”). Her work has also earned her an honorary doctorate from the University of Windsor for her achievements. In January 2024, the Buxton Historical Society formally acknowledged Shannon's achievements on behalf of the museum, community, and country by appointing her as Curator Emeritus of the Buxton National Historic Site & Museum.
She is a descendant of the early fugitive families that came to Canada for freedom and opportunity. As such, she brings an insight and respect, with love for this chapter in our heritage. She is also a Storyteller and participant in historical re-enactments which brings the history of Buxton and the Underground Railroad to life for many groups both here and further a-field.
For several years prior to the birth of her 4 children, Christopher, Justin, Melanie and Rebecca, Shannon was a radio dispatcher for the O.P.P. She remained at home until the youngest began school, helping out on the farm the entire time. For many years, she was an active member and officer of both the Merlin and the Kent County Home and School Association and was their representative at the County’s Board of Education.
After all of the children were in school, Shannon began a second career as a Home Care Worker for ComCare Health Services, caring for the aged and physically disabled in many places across the municipality. During that time, she attended St. Clair College in the evenings and graduated with a certificate in Social Welfare and in Health Care – Personal Support Worker II.
In 1999, she began her current role as Curator and has graduated with a certificate in Museum Studies through the Ontario Museums Association. She was an active member of the Ontario Museums Association, the steering committee and co-chair for the National Historic Sites Alliance for Ontario, the Ontario Trillium Fund Grant Review Team and the Board of Directors for the Capitol Theatre. In the recent past she has been a Board member of the Chatham-Kent Chamber of Commerce; the Advisory Board for the Chatham-Kent Tourist Bureau; the African Canadian Heritage Network and Tourism Ontario’s Underground Railroad Alliance.
She still actively farms in Buxton with Bryan, along with their four children and eleven grandchildren (as of 2024). When she is not on the tractor, she can be found in the kitchen cooking. She also enjoys reading and playing baseball.
Shannon Prince with husband Bryan Prince
(noted historian and author) in the SS #13 Buxton School.
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