What Makes Amherstburg Great: Heritage Buildings of Amherstburg
- April 22, 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 Amherstburg’s location right beside the Detroit River originally made it an important place and adds to its beauty to this day.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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BEAUTIFUL HERITAGE BUILDINGS ARE DEFINITELY ONE OF THE THINGS THAT MAKE AMHERSTBURG GREAT!
In Amherstburg, heritage isn’t decorative. It’s respected, protected, and woven into everyday life. Historic streets are still working streets. Old buildings have been adapted, not erased. Stories of courage, freedom, and resilience are carried forward with care and honesty.
The keeper of the heritage story in Amherstburg is the Marsh Historical Collection. Its Collection Coordinator is the very knowledgeable Meg Reiner, who is also the author of the bestselling book Heritage Buildings of Amherstburg.
The Marsh Historical Collection was founded in 1983 and opened an office in 1991. It is a nonprofit archive in Amherstburg dedicated to preserving local history. It originated from the “Eco Morgue,” a vast collection of files, photos, and artifacts, compiled by Arthur W Marsh, owner of the Amherstburg Echo newspaper. It continued to be developed by his children John and Helen Marsh. You can find its office in the Heritage Square at 80 Richmond just across from the River Town Times office.
The Marsh Collection is important because the retention and restoration of heritage building are important to a community like Amherstburg.
Research on heritage districts indicates:
- There are far-reaching economic benefits from job creation, tax assessment, area revitalization, and quality of life.
- A restored and beautiful heritage district can carve out a position for a town – a point of differentiation from other towns.
- They generate cultural tourism.
- The greenest building is the one that already exists.
The late Jane Jacobs – probably the most influential urbanist thinker and activist for the past century – once said: “Cities [towns] need old buildings so badly it is probably impossible for vigorous streets and districts to grow without them.”
To this day the important work of Jane Jacobs is being recognised by the annual “Jane’s Walks” – community-led walking conservations in hundreds of communities across the world.
On April 25th, Meg Reiner will lead a walk: “On the Move: a History of Transportation in Amherstburg.” Learn what The Panetteria Bakery building was long before it was a bakery, and much more. Gather at 1PM in Art Alley behind River Bookshop. Listen to our discussion about the Marsh Collection on CKBG 107.9 FM this Sunday and Saturday at 8AM. And tune in to CKBG to learn how you might win a copy of Heritage Buildings of Amherstburg.
