Museums

Comber & District Historical Society Museum

• Location: 10405 Highway 77 (3 miles south of Comber)
• Phone: 519-687-3332 or 519-326-5998
• Website: www.combermuseum.ca
• Contact Information President – Mark McKinlay     
  • Home: 519-687-3400
  • Cell: 519-819-5318
• Secretary / Treasurer – Halli Pearson

The Comber & District Historical Society Museum is located approximately 4 km. south of Comber on Hwy 77 in what was formally known as S.S. #8 Maple Grove Public School (1894).

Proudly displayed in the Museum are artifacts from our region's past. Everything from magneto telephones to farm machinery, along with many more articles that have been collected over the years.  There are many pictures on display and sections within the museum for household articles, agriculture, medical, school military, carpentry, and local government to name just a few of the displays.

The Tilbury West Centennial Museum was officially opened as a centennial project on Saturday September 30th 1967.  Among those in attendance were Arthur Reaume M.P.P. (Liberal Essex North), Eugene Whelan M.P. (Liberal Essex South), and representatives of our local Municipal Government. 

In 1998, the museum was sold by the Municipality and became the property of the Comber and District Historical Society. The Museum is the only Agricultural Museum in Essex County.  

Maidstone Bicentennial Museum

• Location: 1093 Puce Road
• Phone: 519-727-8811
• Website: www.maidstonemuseum.com
• Contact Information: 

President: Victoria Beaulieu

• Phone: 519-819-5318
• Email: proudacres@gmail.com

First Vice President: Barb Townsend

• Phone: 519-727-5757

Second Vice President: Len Wybenga

• Phone: 519-326-9714

Maidstone Museum is owned and operated by the Maidstone & Area Historical Society, an incorporated not for profit that has been existence for 36 years. The museum houses an amazing collection of artifacts from the local community and an in-house library.  It offers friendly and creative interpretations of the area's local history and offers interactive children's programming in history, heritage, culture, and conservation. The War of 1812 Encampment, Butterfly & Bee Day, and Pioneer Christmas are just some of their special events. The property is adorned with beautiful gardens that showcase over 50 species of Native trees, shrubs, and plants. The historical society's re-enacting unit, the Maidstone Voyageurs, participate in outreach programs throughout Ontario. 

The John Freeman Walls Historical Site & Underground Railroad Museum

Location: County Road 25
Website: www.undergroundrailroadmuseum.org

Contact Information

Number: 519-727-6555

Email: bryanugrr@aol.com

History

The unique tourist attraction allows people to understand and experience the first great secret movement, allowing thousands of fugitive slaves to enter into Canada to obtain freedom. The interactive guided tour stimulates traveling the Underground Railroad. The development of the historic site was inspired by the book “The Road that Led to Somewhere”.

Hours of Operation

Monday: 10:00am – 4:00pm

Tuesday: 10:00am – 4:00pm

Wednesday: 10:00am – 4:00pm

Thursday: 10:00am- 4:00pm

Friday: 10:00am – 4:00pm

Open Monday to Friday, 5 days a week until August 31 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Last tour at 3:30 p.m. Admission is $5 per person, children under 5 free.

Open for large groups, tours, and school buses May 15 to October 15 each year by appointment.