Groundbreaking at Park Homestead

COLCHESTER – A small group of dignitaries gathered to break ground for the new Heritage Centre at the John R. Park Homestead recently, 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. It 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 generously 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 of supporters in the community, $1,050,000 of the $1.2 million campaign goal has been raised, with several more fundraising activities planned for the coming months.

Dignitaries gathered for the groundbreaking of the new heritage centre at John R. Park Homestead on August 14. Submitted photo

Designed by local architectural firm Architecttura Inc., construction will be undertaken by Gulf Developments of Maidstone.

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.