Where are you located..... what are your hours......is there a charge?

The Commandant's Quarters is located on the corner of Michigan and Monroe, 21950 Michigan Avenue. The McFadden-Ross House is located at 915 Brady Street north of Michigan Ave. The hours to tour both buildings are Monday-Saturday from 1- 5 p.m., Nov. 1 to May 1 and 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., May 1 - Oct. 31. The Gardner House and Museum Annex are located on the grounds of the McFadden-Ross House. These two buildings can be toured, by appointment only, year round. There is no charge to tour any of the buildings, but donations are welcome. The Museum office building is adjacent to the McFadden-Ross House. This is strictly an office/storage building and maintains regular business office hours, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. It is not open to the public.

How long does it take to tour the buildings?

You can tour the Commandant's Quarters in about 30-40 minutes; the McFadden-Ross House, Exhibit Annex and Gardner House take about 20-30 minutes each. The actual length of time to tour all four buildings depends on the groups’ time or interest.

Are your buildings handicap accessible?

The ground floor of the McFadden-Ross House is accessible to wheelchairs, as is the Exhibit Annex. The Commandant's Quarters and the Gardner House are not handicapped accessible.

What type of exhibits do you have in the buildings?

The Dearborn Historical Museum has 4 exhibit buildings. The Commandant's Quarters has been restored to its 1833-1875 time period and houses period rooms from the era. Special exhibits depict Michigan' Woodland Indian culture and Arsenal Military history.

The McFadden-Ross House contains rooms depicting Dearborn at the turn-of-the-century, plus the pioneer room and extensive changing exhibit cases centered around Dearborn's history. The Exhibit Annex houses three early workshops, history of Dearborn farming and early transportation. The Gardner House is an early Dearborn farmhouse housing simple and Early American furnishings.

Is there a gift shop?

Yes, in the McFadden-Ross House and a small selection at the Commandant's Quarters. We sell many items including books on Dearborn history.

Can you send me information?

Yes, we have many different types of articles and literature about Dearborn and Dearborn's history that we can mail upon request. Call (313) 565-3000.

Do you have records of early Dearborn history?

Yes, our historical Archives Department is located on the 2nd floor of the McFadden-Ross House. Hours are Monday - Friday, 9 - 5 year round, Saturday hours, September - June match regular museum hours.

My child is doing a school report on Dearborn, can you help?

Yes. The City has a research/archives section. We will be happy to assist your child with their research. We have an Archive Department with information about Dearborn history.

Do you have any information on my family members who were early residents of Dearborn?

We have genealogy records specific to many Dearborn area families. We have census records on microfilm that date from 1820-1920. Our history and newspaper files also contain information on many prominent Dearborn families. (See also #16 under Libraries).

When did the Ford Rotunda building burn?

Friday, November 9, 1962.

When did the Calvin Theater burn?

The first fire was Sunday, September 21, 1980 at 1:00 p.m. The second fire was Sunday, October 26, 1980 at 1:00 a.m.

Do you have yearbooks from Dearborn schools?

Yes, we have yearbooks from Fordson, Edsel Ford, Dearborn High, Divine Child, St. Alphonsus, Sacred Heart and the Henry Ford Trade School. The collections are basically complete with a few yearbooks missing.

Do you have old Polk directories?

Yes, we have the Polk directories from 1928 to present. There are a few volumes missing. Polk no longer produces a directory just for Dearborn, but we have the Polk Cross Reference Directory for the Dearborn/Downriver area.

When was Dearborn settled?

1786

How far back do you have newspapers from Dearborn?

The entire local newspaper collection is on microfilm and has been indexed. The earliest paper is 1905.

Can you tell me how much my antique is worth?

We have several price guides with market values of antiques for the public and for our own reference. We are not allowed to give appraisals. We can, however, refer you to a professional appraiser and/or dealer to assist you.

We also hold an antique appraisal clinic the first Saturday in October every year at the McFadden-Ross House.

Do you have old photographs of Dearborn?

Yes, we have thousands of old photographs of Dearborn. Research copies may be obtained for a fee, but may not be used for commercial purposes.

What is the oldest building in Dearborn?

The Gardner House, built in 1831, is a frame structure moved from Greenfield Village to its current location adjacent to the McFadden-Ross House. It was originally located near Warren and Southfield. Built in 1833, the Commandant's Quarters is the oldest building located on it's original site in Dearborn.

How did my street get its name?

We have a good listing of all the street names in Dearborn and we can assist you in your quest to discover how your street got its name.

How did Dearborn get its name?

Dearborn was named in honor of Major General Henry Dearborn (1751-1829). He was a Revolutionary War hero, served six presidents in a variety of roles and served as Secretary of State under Thomas Jefferson. He never set foot in Dearborn. The name "Dearborn" was suggested by Colonel Joshua Howard, the first commandant of the Detroit Arsenal located here from 1833 - 1875.

I just bought an old house in Dearborn. Do you have any information on it?

We have extensive home surveys that were done as a bicentennial project for the Museum. Also, in our archives we have information and photographs as to street names and house information. Come research your home.

I heard there are old Indian burial grounds in Dearborn, where are they?
There is no proof that the Indians of this area settled here permanently. There has been some speculation about the existence of Indian burial mounds located in southwestern Dearborn. Unfortunately, documentation confirming their existence and exact location is currently not available. There is evidence of some, outside the boundaries of present day Dearborn.

When did the first railroad line come through Dearborn?

1837

When did Dearborn first get electrical lights?

1891

When did the Village of Dearborn first get telephones?

In 1889 the first telephone was installed in St. Joseph's Retreat.

When were Dearborn and Fordson consolidated into one City?

The consolidation took effect January 9, 1929.

What other special events are there during the year?

The public lecture series, Heritage Antique Show, Victorian Christmas Tea, Antique Appraisal Clinic, and Quilt Show. Call 313.565.3000 for more information.

What days and times can I see "Through the Arsenal Gates" on CDTV?

The bi-monthly cable television program airs every day at a different time. Check your local listing for air times. CDTV is Channel 12 on Comcast & Channel 10 on Wide Open West (aka WOW).