Griffin House (Ancaster, Ontario)

Griffin House is a historic house museum located in Ancaster, Ontario, Canada. Built circa 1827, it is a preserved example of early 19th-century domestic life and is particularly significant for its connection to Enerals Griffin, an African-American man who escaped slavery in the United States and found refuge in Upper Canada.

Enerals Griffin, along with his wife Priscilla, purchased the property in 1834. The house provides insight into the lives of Black refugees who sought freedom in British North America via the Underground Railroad. Griffin House demonstrates the challenges and opportunities faced by these individuals in establishing new lives.

The house itself is a modest, two-story stone structure reflecting the architectural style of the period. It is furnished to reflect the mid-19th century and features exhibits that detail the Griffins' story and the broader context of slavery and freedom-seeking in the region.

Griffin House is owned and operated by the Hamilton Conservation Authority. It is a designated National Historic Site of Canada, recognized for its historical and cultural significance. The site offers guided tours, educational programs, and special events related to Black history and heritage. Visitors can learn about the Underground Railroad, the experiences of African-Americans in Upper Canada, and the contributions of Black pioneers to the development of the region.