Buxton National Historic Site & Museum

21975 A.D. Shadd Road, PO Box 3, North Buxton, Ontario N0P 1Y0 [map]
Telephone: 519-352-4799
Fax: 519-352-8561
Email: buxton@ciaccess.com
Website: www.buxtonmuseum.com

Directions

From Highway 401, take Exit 81 at Bloomfield Road. Turn left onto Bloomfield Road. Turn right at 8th Line. Turn left at A.D. Shadd Road to the museum. Please visit the museum website for more detailed directions.

Hours

May 1 to June 30, from 1 to 4:30 p.m., Wednesday to Sunday; July 1 to August 31, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 7 days a week; September 1 to 30, from 1 to 4:30 p.m., Wednesday to Sunday; October 1 to April 30, from 1 to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday; Other times are available by appointment. Admission charged.

Description

The Buxton National Historic Site & Museum, on the original site of the Elgin Settlement, was a terminus on the Underground Railroad for fugitive slaves and free Blacks fleeing oppression in the United States. Founded in 1849 by Rev. William King, this Black settlement – renowned for its superior educational system – became a self-sufficient community for approximately 2,000 people. After the American Civil War, many settlers returned south to find loved ones and to help with the reconstruction effort.

Today, Buxton is inhabited by the descendents of the original settlers who remained in Canada who are dedicated to preserving their rich heritage. This wheelchair-accessible museum complex features three rooms of exhibits, a library and research centre, gift shop, an 1861 schoolhouse, an 1852 log cabin, a replica of the Buxton Liberty Bell, commemorative National Historic Site plaques, a large picnic and playground area and plenty of parking for cars and buses. Several educational programs are available for school groups.