Legacies of Loyalist is a new, in-depth oral history film about Loyalist Township that features five prominent figures that are connected to the area's heritage. The film is the first of its kind for the township, and premiers locally Friday, Oct. 20, at a free public showing in Odessa.

History from the Loyalist Township area dates back hundreds of years before the township itself was formed, back to the Loyalists of the 1780s. This film looks into unique stories and perspectives from a long-spanning history of the area.

The filmmakers spoke with residents Cynthia Flavell, Paul Gilmore, Rick Revelle, Ross and Donald Babcock, and Shirley and Keith Miller. According to film-makers, all the participants provided valuable insight, and personal narratives surrounding the heritage of Loyalist Township. Deputy Mayor Nathan Townend noted the unique perspectives in the film.

"It's told in narrative format from the perspective of certain community members in each of the hamlets throughout the township. From Bath, and Wilton, and Amherst Island, and Odessa, and Amherstview. And because of that narrative format, it really emphasizes how history is more than simply facts in a book curated by academic historians. History is lived experience and I think that really fits well with Loyalist and the story of Loyalist." said Townend.

The free public showing is taking place at the Palace at the Odessa Fairgrounds on Friday Oct. 20 at 8 p.m.  It will soon be available to stream online at the township website, and YouTube as well.

Listen to the story below: