What Makes Amherstburg Great: Amherstburg Freedom Museum
- January 29, 2026
Guest Content Creator: River Bookshop
Today Amherstburg is one of Ontario’s great small towns, but greatness doesn’t happen on its own. Nature, history, and human actions always play a part. Amherstburg’s location right beside the Detroit River originally made it an important place and adds to its beauty to this day. From the War of 1812, to Freedom seekers escaping slavery in the United States, and Rum Running – history has left its mark! But so have the creativity, hard work, and enthusiasm of its residents.
During 2026 we are going to shine a light on what we think makes Amherstburg great. Our hope is that this new series helps you get to know the town better, support its many businesses and attractions, and become a strong, positive champion of the town. Look for our first story in our next Buzz.
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Black History Universal Inspiration
An estimated 30,000 to 40,000 Freedom Seekers and fugitive slaves reached Canada via the Underground Railroad before the American Civil War. Travelling hundreds of miles, they took extreme risks to seek their freedom from American slavery. A secret network of abolitionists, free Blacks, and First Nations created an important part of the Underground Railroad around Amherstburg, Windsor, and Chatham. For some, their place of refuge was the Nazrey African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Today, the Amherstburg Freedom Museum tells a story of African Canadians’ journeys and contributions by preserving stories and presenting artefacts that educate and inspire. Although it is one of the most important historical sites in the area, many Amherstburg residents have not visited before, and we hope they get a chance to do so. And while the museum shines a light on hundreds of years of history, this story is not just history: it’s very relevant today, both here at home and across the border, where systemic racism is growing in frequency.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATIONS: In 1995, Canada officially recognized February as Black History Month. It honours and amplifies the voices of black Canadians while celebrating their many achievements and contributions. Ever since we opened River Bookshop, we have teamed up with the Amherstburg Freedom Museum to celebrate Black History Month.
River Bookshop is happy to announce that the Amherstburg Freedom Museum will host our next Books in the ‘Burg Book Club meet up. This featured meet up will be on Sunday, February 22nd, at 2PM, with guest readings and an exhibition. We’ll be discussing Canisia Lubrin’s Code Noir. Stay tuned, additional details coming soon!
Amherstburg Freedom Museum Ticket Giveaway: be one of the first 20 to drop by River Bookshop to pick up a free admission ticket! Just ask at the desk.
Special Story Time guest Yejide Kilanko this Sunday, February 1st: keep reading for more details below! Starting on February 1st, look for a symbol to signify 15% off select books by Black authors.
The museum staff are also busy with a number of events: Friday, Jan. 30th at 7PM: Windsor-Essex Joint Annual Black History Month Kickoff at Caribbean Center Windsor Saturday, Feb. 21st at 4PM: Author Nikki Clarke book signing at the museum. To learn more, go to amherstburgfreedom.org.
Check in next week to learn about one of Amherstburg’s most impressive heritage restorations on an important small downtown block.