Griffin House
Explore the history of Enerals Griffin and other early Black settlers, and enjoy a walk along nearby trails.
Let's Explore Griffin House
Enerals and Pricilla Griffin, fleeing enslavement in the US and seeking a better life for themselves and their children, settled in Ancaster. The Griffin family lived on this site for 150 years as prosperous farmers and active members of both white and Black communities in Hamilton and Ancaster.
Today Griffin House stands as a testament to the determination and accomplishments of African American/Canadian men and women who broke the colour barrier to become prominent community figures.
The Griffin Family in Ancaster
Enerals Griffin and his wife, Pricilla came to Ancaster from Virginia and Ohio during the early 1830s. Enerals had been enslaved in Virginia, then traveled to Ohio, from where he made the journey to Canada during the Underground Railroad era. While we don’t know where Enerals and Pricilla crossed into the country, numerous ports of embarkation existed that were used clandestinely by refugee African Americans—for example, Oberlin and Cleveland in Ohio; Erie in Pennsylvania and Buffalo and Niagara Falls in New York.
Eventually, the couple came to settle in Ancaster, purchasing Griffin House and the surrounding 50 acres in 1834. An 1851 Agricultural census provides details about the Griffin Farm: Enerals, a farmer with considerable expertise, had 15 acres under crops (including wheat) and 14 under pasture, with one garden or orchard.
Learn more about Griffin's journey to Canada and life in Ancaster in this video, which is part of the Stories of Migration and Belonging exhibition.
Eventually, the couple came to settle in Ancaster, purchasing Griffin House and the surrounding 50 acres in 1834. An 1851 Agricultural census provides details about the Griffin Farm: Enerals, a farmer with considerable expertise, had 15 acres under crops (including wheat) and 14 under pasture, with one garden or orchard.
Learn more about Griffin's journey to Canada and life in Ancaster in this video, which is part of the Stories of Migration and Belonging exhibition.
Events at Griffin House
Griffin House National Historic Site is currently closed for construction. For a full listing of events at all Hamilton Civic Museum sites, check out our Events page.
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Contact & Site Info
Griffin House National Historic Site
733 Mineral Springs Rd Dundas, Ontario L9H 5E3
Paid parking available at the nearby Hermitage. Limited accessible-only parking at Griffin House.
Call 905-978-1443
Email [email protected]
Admission
Griffin House is free to visit.
Hours & Accessibility
Open from July through September Sundays only from 1 to 4 pm
*Currently closed due to capital project work
