The Buxton National Historic Site & Museum’s primary concern is the preservation of the history and material artifacts of the original settlers of the Elgin (Buxton) Settlement and their descendants. We aim to promote public awareness and understanding of the role of the African Canadians in the building of our nation.
One of the last stops of the Underground Railroad and now Ontario’s second-largest national historic site, The Buxton National Historic Site and Museum is located in Buxton; one of the few African Canadian settlements remaining from the pre Civil war era. With events, exhibits and artifacts we gain first hand exposure to the experiences of those fleeing captivity where their stories of freedom and opportunity are vividly captured.
A tribute to the Elgin settlement, this National Historic Site and Museum narrates the story of formerly enslaved people finding freedom in Chatham-Kent. Not only is touring offered by descendants of the first settlers but feeling the weight of slavery shackles used to transport captured slaves and stepping into the wooden crate many slaves were transported in to escape slavery are among the artifacts present. In addition to tours of one of the last standing schoolhouses, a log cabin from 1852, barn from 1853, church, cemetery and museum, the Buxton homecoming features events every labour day weekend.
