Groundbreaking Held For New Heritage Centre at John R. Park Homestead

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Ground has been broken for the new Heritage Centre at the John R. Park Homestead, exactly six months after the Government of Canada announced a $600,000 grant for the project.

The new Heritage Centre will enhance the educational and cultural experiences for all who visit, and will feature an adequate, climate-controlled creative commons for students of all ages, a significantly enhanced exhibit space, an outdoor classroom space and accessible and expanded washroom facilities. A $100,000 contribution will create the Town of Essex Tourism Hub as part of the Heritage Centre.

The Stephanie and Barry Zekelman Foundation made the lead campaign contribution with a donation of $100,000 to create the Stephanie and Barry Zekelman Foundation Welcome Centre. In total, thanks to donations from dozens supporters in the community, $1,050,000 of $1.2 million campaign goal been raised, with several more fundraising activities planned for the coming months.

Built in 1842, the Homestead is the only living agricultural museum west of London. It has twice received the distinction of being voted the best museum or heritage space in Windsor-Essex and was awarded the Russell K. Cooper Award as the best living history museum in Ontario.