Are you keen on francophone heritage? Interested in the War of 1812? Come visit the Maison François Baby House!
As it was being built in 1812, it was occupied by the invading American army, headed by General William Hull, and the property was subsequently used by British General Isaac Brock to bombard the Fort at Detroit.
The François Baby House was designated a National Historic Site of Canada as a result of this historic event. Immerse yourself in this critical part of Canadian history in the Windsor and the War of 1812 exhibition.
The house gets its name from the original inhabitant, a prominent French-Canadian politician and businessman, François Baby. You can learn about the prominent local Baby family in the François Baby House and Baby Family exhibition, which includes information such as the fact that Jacques Duperon Baby, François’ father, enslaved about 20 Black and Indigenous people and upon his death in 1789, some of these enslaved people were inherited by François and his brother Jacques (James).
The Babys were prominent members of the local French-Canadian population. Explore the important francophone history and heritage of the Windsor area in the exhibition, Windsor’s French Roots, which tells the story of the local francophone population from the late 18th century through the present.
The Francois Baby House also includes an exhibit Windsor and the Battle of Windsor, another key military moment in Windsor’s history. There are also changing temporary exhibits, hands-on activities, and an archival collection (available by appointment only). Finally, don’t miss the firearms exhibit in the basement!
The François Baby House is owned by Windsor Historic Sites Association and operated by the City of Windsor through Museum Windsor.