Uncle Tom's Cabin Historic Site

Uncle Tom's Cabin Historic Site is a museum on a property along the Sydenham River where three historic buildings from the 19th century stand. The Harris House, the Henson House, and the Pioneer Church are the main structures that visitors walk through during their visit.

Josiah Henson, a formerly enslaved man, founded the Dawn Settlement on this land in 1841 as a place for Black people seeking freedom. This community was one of the first successful places in Canada where formerly enslaved people could build their own lives.

The site is named after Josiah Henson, an formerly enslaved man who found refuge here and built a community for Black families. The buildings and river shape how visitors experience the story of escape and settlement that took place on this land.

The site sits along a river and is a peaceful setting that you can explore on foot. Most visitors plan about two to three hours to view all the buildings and look at the displays inside.

The collection includes personal items from Josiah Henson, including a signed portrait that Queen Victoria gave to him. This royal recognition shows how important his work and story were recognized on an international scale.