AMHERSTBURG FREEDOM MUSEUM

Black History… Universal Inspiration

Welcome to the Amherstburg Freedom Museum

The Amherstburg Freedom Museum tells the story of African-Canadians’ journey and contributions, by preserving stories and presenting artifacts that educate and inspire. The museum was founded by Amherstburg resident Melvin “Mac” Simpson, on the belief that social, economic and educational issues would be better addressed by a society with greater knowledge and pride in its own history.

After over 40 years of service, and with generous support from individuals, foundations, corporations, and government sources, the Amherstburg Freedom Museum continues to be a national symbol of courage, determination and freedom.

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Amherstburg Freedom Museum

Amherstburg Freedom Museum
Amherstburg Freedom Museum
#OTD in 1922 the Honourable Lincoln Alexander was born in Toronto and he was the son of Mae Rose (nee Royale) and Lincoln MacCauley Alexander Sr. Alexander graduated from McMaster University in 1949 with a Bachelor of Arts degree, followed by a degree from Osgoode Hall Law School in 1953. He was a man of many firsts. He was the first member of his family to go to university and became the first Black Member of Parliament on June 25, 1968, being re-elected four times and serving a total of 12 years. Lincoln Alexander was also the first Black federal Cabinet Minister, the first Black Chair of the Worker's Compensation Board and the first Black Lieutenant-Governor on September 20, 1985. He focused on three main issues: advancing the cause of youth, fighting racism and advocating on behalf of seniors. #DYK According to the Globe and Mail, he "met 290 dignitaries, received 78,283 guests, visited 704 communities, held 715 receptions, visited 2,235 schools, shook 240,000 hands, signed 60,000 orders-in-council and cabinet documents and gave royal assent to 551 bills." Among his many honours, he was a member of the Orders of Canada and Ontario and a highway in Hamilton is named the Lincoln Alexander Parkway, which is interesting considering he never learned to drive. Additionally, his work toward equal rights and fair treatment for people from all backgrounds, was recognized when January 21st became #LincolnAlexanderDay . #trailblazer #CanadianHistory
Amherstburg Freedom Museum
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Amherstburg Freedom Museum
Amherstburg Freedom Museum
#OTD we celebrate #MLKDay. "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." #MondayMotivation #MondayMotivator

Click here to listen to some of #MartinLutherKingJr speeches:
What is Your Life's Blueprint - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmtOGXreTOU
I Have A Dream - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vP4iY1TtS3s
"I've Been to the Mountaintop" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oehry1JC9Rk
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Africans taken to North America (1600-1850)

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Africans perished on slaving ships

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People freed by the Abolition of Slavery Act in the British Colonies (1834)

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Enslaved people who escaped to freedom in Canada

Our Mandate

To tell the stories of Amherstburg’s role in the Underground Railroad, and
African-Canadians’ journey and contributions to Canada and the region.

2017 Fundraising Campaign Goal $60,000
Volunteer Recruitment Campaign
Family History Binders Digitized
make a donation Become a Volunteer

Visitor Reviews

  • Outstanding experience! Definitely take the guided tour- the tour guides are very knowledgeable, and are excited about the history. The building has been lovingly restored, and the museum is filled with one of a kind artifacts. This is a must see in historic Amherstburg!

    Cherie Brooks

  • My family and I visited this museum today and WOW! We were greeted by the biggest smiles, the most bubbly personalities, and the kindest tour guides, Lorene and Sky. From start to finish, this tour was EVERYTHING! Lorene was very knowledgeable and answered every question asked. This is by far, one of the most informative and enjoyable tours that I have ever taken. Thank you for the wealth of information.

    Rhonda

  • Thank you for all that Black History you have given me...most of it was never passed on in school even though I attended a fairly progressive one...I am so glad that I found your site.

    Sandi

  • "I'm not sure who runs the Amherstburg Freedom Museum but they do a wonderful job and I enjoy their FB postings all the time. Someone there deserves lots of high praise."

    Kevin

  • Wow! You all are on a roll at the Amherstburg Freedom Museum. I am really enjoying these profiles you are sharing.

    Charles

  • Nothing today could possibly display in horrific detail the stories that happened so long ago, but museums such as this can shed light on it. And also show the good involved in such turbulent times. Because of the secret nature of the Underground Railroad, there are few places that survive for those of us today to see. So a place such as this is quite frankly a priceless gem.

    Shawn

  • This is Richard Browning Leveque, grandson of Melvin and Betty Simpson. I just wanted to say though that seeing all these wonderful posts from my grandparents Museum and memories and excerpts of black history have been so enjoyable and enriching. Continue doing what you're doing to educate and grow people on a better understanding of black history in Essex County. So proud to be part of this wonderful lasting Legacy.

    Richard Browning Leveque

  • “EXCELLENT!” I accompanied my youngest daughter here on a School Trip. It was FANTASTIC to say the least! Plentiful knowledge, and an AWESOME tour. SO MUCH history here! I HIGHLY recommend visiting this Museum. Definitely worth the stop!

    Mike H

  • This was a very enlightening experience.  Our docent is very knowledgeable and thoughtful.  Thank you,

    Gwen Davis, Richland, MS

  • Awesome time with my Tour Group! Awesome History! Came from Indianapolis, In. Thank you for the great tour!

    Annette Johnson

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