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Amherstburg Freedom Museum: Commemorating the Underground Railroad in Canada

(September 16, 2020) The Amherstburg Freedom Museum is Canada’s first Black National Historic Site. Amherstburg, Ontario, was a chief entry point for Underground Railroad refugees into Canada. Members of the Nazrey African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in Amherstburg added a museum to the church site in 1966 as a testament to its significance. With the construction of a new, separate building, the museum officially opened as an incorporated entity on September 20, 1981. Museum founder Melvin Simpson ‘​wanted to do something tangible to increase Black awareness, to help future generations claim and develop enhanced dignity, strength and purpose of being.’​ In addition to its historic buildings and displays of artifacts, the Museum is a living archive, collecting photographs and testimony from families who remained in the area.

We are honoured to bring some of them here at The Charity Report–to help celebrate the people who came to Canada through the Underground Railroad and those who seek to preserve this important part of Black history.

Unveiling the Amherstburg Freedom Museum official historic plaque.
At the 1981 grand opening- unveiling the Amherstburg Freedom Museum official historic plaque.
(Photo courtesy of the ©Amherstburg Freedom Museum.)
Museum founder Melvin ‘Mac’ Simpson. Amherstburg Freedom Museum
Museum founder Melvin ‘Mac’ Simpson. “He wanted to do something tangible to increase Black awareness, to help future generations claim and develop enhanced dignity, strength and purpose of being. He envisioned a means to educate the entire community.”
(Photo/ quoted text courtesy of the ©Amherstburg Freedom Museum.)
The campus of the Amherstburg Freedom Museum today
The campus of the Amherstburg Freedom Museum today. While we often associate anti-oppression action with urban areas, rural areas also have an important role to play.
(Photo courtesy of the ©Amherstburg Freedom Museum.)
Nazrey African Methodist Episcopal Church, interior. Amherstburg Freedom Museum
Nazrey African Methodist Episcopal Church, interior. Much more than just a place of worship, the AFMEC provided education, shelter, and social services to Underground Railroad refugees.
(Photo courtesy of the ©Amherstburg Freedom Museum)
George Taylor Log Cabin, Amherstburg Freedom Museum
The George Taylor Log Cabin, another building on the Amherstburg Freedom Museum campus.
(Photo courtesy of the ©Amherstburg Freedom Museum)
Images, maps, and other artifacts on display Amherstburg Freedom Museum).
Images, maps, and other artifacts on display.
(Photo courtesy of the ©Amherstburg Freedom Museum).
Melvin Simpson. Amherstburg Freedom Museum
Melvin Simpson. Mr Simpson passed away in 1982, one year after the museum officially opened.
(Photo courtesy of the ©Amherstburg Freedom Museum)

Feature Photo

A crossing reenactment in Amherstburg. Amherstburg Freedom Museum
A crossing reenactment in Amherstburg. ​We believe that, as millions all over the world are displaced by conflict and climate distress, Canada must continue to be a country that welcomes, rather than excludes. ​
(Photo courtesy of the ©Amherstburg Freedom Museum.)

We extend our deep appreciation to Nneka Allen, who is co-editing an upcoming book Collecting Courage: Joy, Pain, Freedom, Love, an anthology of stories and being Black in the charity sector.

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Writers to read and watch for as Black History Month draws to a close, February 27, 2020