- 254 Pitt St. West, Windsor, ON, N9A 5L5
- Tel: 519-253-1812
- Website | Email | Directions | Map
Overview
Housed in the historic François Baby House, this community museum focuses on the history of French, British, First Nations, Black and other cultural groups in the City of Windsor and area, from 1701 to the present. The site collects, preserves and displays materials related to the history of Windsor and Essex County. School group tours are offered through a program at the museum and at an off-site Interpretation Centre owned by the Ontario Heritage Foundation. Volunteers meet monthly and work with staff to offer living history events, bus tours and special events.
Website: www.windsormuseum.ca
Type: Community Museum | Historic Building
Hours & Fees
- Please contact for details.
- Please contact for details.
Insider's Look
Jacques Baby's portrait
Jacques (James) Baby (painted 1825-1830). B. in Detroit, 1763, member of local French mercantile family, was also a member of both the Executive and Legislative Councils of Upper Canada. In 1807, he and his wife, Elizabeth Abott bought the Duff-Baby house. Jacques was the brother of Francois Baby whose house (built in 1812) is the current location of Windsor's Community Museum. Francois was a militia officer, politician, justice of the peace and businessman. The Baby family, who were French and Roman Catholic was one of the most powerful in the Western District of Upper Canada. Following the British conquest of the French in 1760, the family pledged allegiance to the British crown and enjoyed good relations with the government at York (Toronto). However, it was sometimes regarded with suspicion by the local French-speaking population due to their close ties to the governing authorities.
Windsor's Community Museum's Door fragment
"Rectangular fragment of a door; keyhole through panel, routed from back to receive lock; opposite edge cut out for hinge; design is "The Holy Family In The Carpenter Shop". It is possible that this carving was the tabernacle of the 1787 Assumption Church which was replaced by the present Assumption Church in 1846."The maker was Francois Baillarge
Ontario 400
Jacques Baby's portrait
Jacques (James) Baby (painted 1825-1830). B. in Detroit, 1763, member of local French mercantile family, was also a member of both the Executive and Legislative Councils of Upper Canada. In 1807, he and his wife, Elizabeth Abott bought the Duff-Baby house. Jacques was the brother of Francois Baby whose house (built in 1812) is the current location of Windsor's Community Museum. Francois was a militia officer, politician, justice of the peace and businessman. The Baby family, who were French and Roman Catholic was one of the most powerful in the Western District of Upper Canada. Following the British conquest of the French in 1760, the family pledged allegiance to the British crown and enjoyed good relations with the government at York (Toronto). However, it was sometimes regarded with suspicion by the local French-speaking population due to their close ties to the governing authorities.
Windsor's Community Museum's Door fragment
"Rectangular fragment of a door; keyhole through panel, routed from back to receive lock; opposite edge cut out for hinge; design is "The Holy Family In The Carpenter Shop". It is possible that this carving was the tabernacle of the 1787 Assumption Church which was replaced by the present Assumption Church in 1846."The maker was Francois Baillarge