About the Museum

The Dearborn Historical Museum was founded in 1950 with the opening of the Detroit Arsenal Commandant’s Quarters. This building which was Dearborn’s oldest structure on its original location, was used as a military headquarters from 1833-1875. Today, visitors can tour the building to experience exhibits that cover the range of Dearborn local 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 Friday – Saturday from 2:00-6:00 PM

Archives
-Tuesday-Thursday 10:00 AM- 4:00 PM
-Or By Appointment

Calling ahead for detailed research inquiries is reccomended.

Admission
Free but donations are greatly appreciated.

Call (313) 565-3000 for more information and volunteer opportunities.