The Amherstburg Freedom Museum, previously known as ‘the North American Black Historical Museum’, is located in Amherstburg, Ontario, Canada. It is a community-based, non-profit museum that tells the story of African-Canadians’ history and contributions. Founded in 1975 by local residents of Amherstburg, it preserves, presents artifacts and tells the story of African-Canadians’ journey and contributions, by preserving and presenting artifacts that educate and inspire.

The location of the Museum is key; Amherstburg meant freedom, as the Canadian destination for many Freedom Seekers escaping slavery in the United States. Also included in the museum complex are Nazrey A.M.E. Church – national historic site and stop on the Underground Railroad, and the Taylor Log Cabin – home of George Taylor a formerly enslaved man and his family.

Founded by Betty and Melvin “Mac” Simpson, the museum was officially incorporated in 1975. It was their vision to promote the rich heritage of African Canadians, many of whose ancestors had come as refugees from enslavement in the United States. In 2015, the North American Black Historical Museum celebrated its 40th anniversary, and changed its name to the Amherstburg Freedom Museum, to emphasize its connection to people seeking freedom.

In addition to sharing Amherstburg’s stories of the Underground Railroad, and the compassion and solidarity it took to make this network possible, the Amherstburg Freedom museum collects, protects, interprets, researches, educates and exhibits a collection of artifacts of historical and cultural value.