The Dearborn Historical Museum was founded in 1950. It started off with the Detroit Arsenal Commandant’s Quarters, Dearborn’s oldest building on its original location, which was used as a military head quarters from 1833-1875. Today, visitors can tour the building furnished as it was in the 19th century to learn about life during the period, as well as exhibits about Dearborn’s military history.
To Learn More About the Commandant’s Quarters, Click Here.
The McFadden Ross House, which once served as the Detroit Arsenal Powder Magazine, was constructed in 1839. After the arsenal was shut down in 1875, the building was bought by the Ross family, who used it as a home until it was donated to the city of Dearborn to be used as a museum. Today the Ross House holds a large collection of items from the Ross family pertaining to daily life in Dearborn, as well as housing the museums local history and genealogy archives. We offer guided tours of the buildings, where you can learn about pioneer settlers in the Dearborn area, and view exhibit about Dearborn history.
To Learn More About the McFadden-Ross House, Click Here
In 1996, the museum added the Richard Gardner House to its campus. The Gardner’s moved to the Dearborn area in the early pioneer days, making them one of the first families to settle here. The museum is happy to have the oldest standing home in Dearborn as an attraction.
To Learn More About the Gardner House, Click Here.
The main museum office is located at 915 Brady Street. We are just off of Michigan Avenue on the north side as you enter West Dearborn. As soon as you pass Western Market on the corner of Michigan Ave and Oakwood Blvd, you will make a right at the next light onto Brady Street. From there you can visit two of our three locations and the Commandant’s Quarters is just a short walk away.
Commandant’s Quarters at Michigan and Monroe
Call Ahead but generally open Thursday – Saturday from 2:00-6:00 PM
Archives
-Tuesday-Thursday 10:00 AM- 4:00 PM
-Or By Appointment
Admission
Free but donations are greatly appreciated.
Call (313) 565-3000 for more information and volunteer opportunities.
Dearborn Historical Museum 