Heritage officials in Dresden, Ontario, announced the renaming of the historic site formerly known as “Uncle Tom’s Home.” The property, now called the Josiah Henson Museum of African‑Canadian History, honors the former enslaved writer whose 1852 narrative inspired Harriet Beecher Stowe. The change follows years of community pressure to shed a label many view as racially insensitive.

The house, built in the 1840s, served as a refuge on the Underground Railroad and later housed a school founded by Henson after he escaped to Canada. Critics argued that the “Uncle Tom” moniker distorted his legacy, reducing a complex abolitionist leader to a pejorative literary stereotype. Museum trustees said the new name restores historical accuracy and supports ongoing reconciliation efforts.

Tour operators and educators expect the rebranding to boost visitation, especially from school groups seeking authentic Black Canadian stories. Local businesses anticipate ancillary revenue as the site gains prominence in heritage tourism circuits. The museum’s board confirmed that signage and promotional materials will be updated by the end of the summer, cementing the corrected narrative for future generations.