Amherstburg Museums & Galleries
This group of seven sites was formed in 1996 to facilitate collaborative efforts in promotion and fund-raising. Members are:
Fort
Malden National Historic Site of Canada
100 Laird Avenue, P.O.
Box 38, Amherstburg, ON, N9V 2Z2, (519) 736-5416
A key British defensive post during the War of 1812 and the Rebellion of 1837-38, Fort Malden commemorates a period when the destiny of Canada was determined by military action. This riverfront site includes original earthworks and a restored barrack. Helpful staff and fine exhibits will make your visit a fascinating experience. Enquire about group tours, educational programs and special events. Be sure to visit the Garrison Gift Shop. Fort Malden also has a library/archives; contact the site for details and appointments.
Gibson Gallery / Fort
Malden Guild of Arts & Crafts
140 Richmond St.,
Amherstburg, ON, N9V 1G4, (519) 736-2826
The former Michigan Central Railroad Station, 1896, has housed the Gallery since 1969. A one-storey red brick building, it is Romanesque in style and features dressed stone, decorative trim and fanlights above the windows. Resident and guest artists offer an eclectic selection of original work. Watercolours, acrylics, painted porcelain, limited edition prints, dolls and stained glass are available to the discerning buyer. Something for your individual taste and budget. Open year-round.
Gordon House / Project
H.M.S. Detroit
268 Dalhousie St.,
Amherstburg, ON, N9V 1W7, (519) 736-1133
Built overlooking the Detroit River in 1798, the Gordon House is the oldest building originally built in Amherstburg and is the headquarters of Project H.M.S. Detroit, a non-profit registered charity building the replica 1812 warship. The Gordon House hosts a tearoom and restaurant, a drawing room available for special functions, a gift shop and a marine exhibit. All proceeds go towards the construction of the Detroit. Open year-round.
Holiday Beach
Conservation Area/Essex
Region Conservation Authority (ERCA)
County Rd. 50, 15 km
southeast of Historic Amherstburg, (519) 736-3772
A great inexpensive family getaway for a day, a weekend or a whole season. Over 500 acres on the shore of Lake Erie. Peaceful treed campsites, serviced or unserviced. Sandy beach and picnic areas with BBQ. Playground, 45-foot tower, nature trail and trout pond. Spectacular fall migration of hawks, eagles, vultures, blue jays, bats, hummingbirds and dragonflies, just to name a few. Hawk Festival in September. Store, showers, firewood. Group facilities.
Marsh
Collection Society
235A Dalhousie St.,
Amherstburg, ON, N9V 1W6, (519) 736-9191
The nucleus of the Marsh Collection is a family collection containing artifacts and archival materials relating to Amherstburg history, Essex County genealogy and Great Lakes marine history. The Society has also published several books on Amherstburg history.
North
American Black Historical Museum &
Nazrey A.M.E. Church National Historic Site
277 King St.,
Amherstburg, ON, N9V 2C7, (519) 736-5433
This museum and cultural centre collects materials promoting Black heritage from African origins to the present day, with a focus on the Underground Railroad Movement and Canadian Black settlement in Southwestern Ontario. The museum offers lectures, workshops, interpretive tours, travelling exhibits and research.
Park
House Museum / Amherstburg Historic Sites Association
214 Dalhousie St.,
Amherstburg, ON, N9V 1W4, (519) 736-2511
Tradition tells us that this early example of a French frame log house was originally built in Detroit near the Rouge River. Around 1799 it was dismantled and floated downriver to Amherstburg, where it was rebuilt by its Loyalist owner. It is restored to the 1850s era to depict the lifestyle of the Park family and their mercantile business. The museum is open year-round and hands-on craft programs are available to groups by appointment.