There are numerous Windsors around the world, primarily in countries with historical ties to the UK. We plan to reach out to each of them. Find out if they have a Museum. See if they have a Friends organisation. Then, produce an article of mutual interest and publish it in our Newsletter and on our website.
Let’s start this journey of the various Windsors:
It might take a wee while to go through all of them, so be prepared to come back and see our progress.
Windsor, Ontario
Windsor, Ontario is a vibrant Canadian city located directly across the river from Detroit, Michigan, making it Canada’s southernmost city. It is situated in Southwestern Ontario on the Detroit River, part of the Great Lakes–St. Lawrence Seaway. Historically known as the “Automotive Capital of Canada”, with major plants from Stellantis (formerly Chrysler) and parts manufacturers.
Windsor offers a unique mix of industrial heritage, international flavor, and natural beauty, making it both historically significant and increasingly dynamic. The population is approximately 230,000 people and is known for its diverse, multicultural community. It has long benefited from cross-border commerce due to its location.
The Chimczuk Museum (Windsor’s Community Museum) opened in 2014, focusing on local and Indigenous history. It is located on the lower floor, the upper being the art gallery. It has three permanent galleries and has temporary exhibitions, with recent exhibits highlighting topics like Windsor’s literary figures, whisky history, Armenian community contributions, and ice hockey’s past.
There is also the Maison François Baby House, a historic French-Canadian residence once owned by politician François Baby. Known locally as La Ferme, it served as a headquarters for both American and British forces during the War of 1812. François and his brother inherited enslaved Black and Indigenous individuals from their father, Jacques Duperon Baby, who enslaved around 20 people before he died in 1789.
Now a National Historic Site of Canada, the house is part of Museum Windsor and features permanent exhibits on Francophone heritage, the War of 1812, the Battle of Windsor, and the history of the home, along with visible storage and archives.
The link between the two Windsors we chose was “The Festival of Britain 1951 Stained Glass Window, Ascot Room“, by Gerald Hyder, which also has links to other articles about the two.
Windsor, California
Windsor is a town located in Sonoma County, in Northern California’s wine country. It lies just north of Santa Rosa and south of Healdsburg, along U.S. Route 101. It’s part of the Russian River Valley AVA (American Viticultural Area), known for its vineyards specialising in Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Zinfandel, and scenic countryside.
Settlers arrived in 1851, and the Post Office opened in 1855. Nowadays, Windsor has a small-town charm with a modern suburban feel, with a population of around 27,000. The community is family-friendly and diverse, with good schools, parks, and community events. It is known for its safe neighbourhoods and active lifestyle.
The Windsor Town Green is the cultural hub, hosting weekly farmers markets, summer concerts, and holiday festivals. Events like the Windsor Day Parade and Wings Over Wine Country Air Show are local favourites.
The Windsor Museum, officially the Windsor Historical Society Museum, is located in the charming Hembree House. A 1931 Spanish‑style residence built by Clara and Dr. Atlas Hembree, descendants of early settlers. It was later owned by the Roth and then Mabry families before becoming the museum. It is now a quaint but substantial local museum packed with stories of aviation pioneers, wartime influences, and early life in the Russian River Valley.
The mission of the Windsor Museum & Historical Society is to collect, preserve, and disseminate the history of Windsor and Russian River township through museum exhibits, historic sites, educational programs and printed materials.
The link between the two Windsors chosen was “Airmail – The Windsor Connection“, by Ken Sutherland, describing Fred Wiseman and the world’s first airmail flight, and Gustav Hamel and the world’s first airmail service.
Windsor, New South Wales
European settlement on the Hawkesbury River began in 1794, leading to the establishment of Green Hills, which is the third-oldest British settlement on the Australian mainland. In 1810, Governor Macquarie renamed it Windsor, and his 1811 town plan created a structured, modern township while preserving the charm of the original settlement.
Today, 21 of the original colonial buildings still stand. Located just 57 km northwest of Sydney and serving as a gateway to the Blue Mountains, Windsor is popular with both commuters and tourists. It will soon boast the largest network of gas lamps in the Southern Hemisphere.
On the northern border of the town, the Hawkesbury River (the Aboriginal name is Dyarubbin) is approximately 120 km long and was first explored in 1789. The highest recorded flood was in June 1867 when the river rose nineteen (19) metres above the normal level of Windsor. The Windsor Bridge is a key river crossing over the Hawkesbury River and has a long history tied to the town’s development.
The Hawkesbury Regional Museum tells the story of the impressive Hawkesbury River (Dyarubbin) and of Windsor, Australia’s third-oldest mainland settlement. It uses a mixture of permanent displays focused on the river, land and people and also temporary themed exhibitions such as the Windsor Bridge, the RAAF, and the Hawkesbury Riverboats. It is located close to the famous Thompson Square, the oldest in Australia, and near the bridge. It has collected over 6,000 cultural items between 1956 and 2007, many of which are of local, state and national significance.
Items from the “UNCOVERED Exhibition 2021 – Hawkesbury Regional Museum”; Kylie Chrstian, © Hyperion Design, 2020.
The link between the two Windsors chosen was about the important bridge over the Hawkesbury in an article entitled “Another Windsor Bridge” by Ken Sutherland
Windsor, Nova Scotia
Located on the eastern seaboard of Canada. Nova Scotia is almost surrounded by water. Windsor is a charming but small town in its centre with a population of only three and a half thousand. However, it has a big heart and a rich history. Known as the “Birthplace of Hockey” and home to the world’s largest pumpkins, Windsor offers a blend of tradition and scenic beauty popular with tourists.
A Town Steeped in History
Windsor’s story begins long before European settlers arrived. The Mi’kmaq Nation lived in the area for thousands of years, calling it “Pisiguit,” meaning “Junction of Waters.” French Acadians settled here in the 1680s, building farms and dykes along the rivers.
The town’s strategic location made it a key site during early conflicts, including the Raid on Pisiquid in 1704 and the construction of Fort Edward, which still stands as the oldest remaining blockhouse in Canada. The remaining defensive earthworks are now under threat from housing development.
It was reborn after the Great Windsor Fire of 1897, which destroyed most of the wooden buildings in the centre of the town. “A district of a mile in length by half a mile in width is nothing but a mass of smoking embers, with ghostly chimneys rising like ugly monuments in a huge cemetery…”. It created a wasteland.
The town’s motto, “E Terra Abundantia” (“From the Land, Abundance”), reflects its agricultural roots and ongoing community spirit.
Places of Historical Interest
The West Hants Historical Society is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of Hants County and its surrounding areas. Established in 1973, the Society operates a seasonal museum and a year-round genealogy research library. The museum showcases over 1,000 artefacts, including household, industrial, and shipping technologies from bygone eras. The Society also manages an extensive archive of local newspapers, family histories, photographs, and community records. In addition, it provides guided tours and educational programs. It is well worth having a look at their excellent website.
Windsor is home to the Hockey Heritage Museum, a unique destination that celebrates the town’s claim as the “Birthplace of Hockey” – ice hockey, the nation’s favourite sport.
Located in the historic Clifton Museum Park (aka Haliburton House), the museum offers visitors a chance to explore the origins of Canada’s favourite sport through exhibits, memorabilia, and stories from local legends.
The house was built as the home of Thomas Chandler Haliburton, Canada’s first internationally best-selling author.
Why Not Visit?
There are direct flights from London Heathrow to Halifax, which is only a short drive away. Nova Scotia, and the town of Windsor, make a great destination for a fantastic holiday.
Friends of Windsor Museum 