Preserving our Heritage

The John R. Park Homestead Conservation Area is Ontario's only living historical farm museum west of London. Thanks to the generosity of hundreds of organizations, individuals and volunteers, the Homestead provides a wide variety of hands-on special events and educational programs. You can travel back in time and experience events ranging from maple syrup season in March to a pioneer Christmas in December.

Since the Homestead became a museum in 1978, more than half a million people have visited and enjoyed the site. But, additional restoration work needs to be undertaken to ensure that this important part of our history can be preserved for the future. Our twelve historic buildings need new cedar shingle roofs, the clapboard on the 1842 house must be repaired and painted, foundations stabilized and porches rebuilt. It is estimated that $325,000 is needed for building conservation over the next few years. These structures have survived for 150 years or more - it is our responsibility to keep them standing for future generations. Restoration, using tradition materials and techniques, demonstrates "green" principles too.

Donations to the Homestead receive an official receipt for income tax purposes. For a limited time, gifts over $100 will also be recognized on our signature quilt. In the nineteenth century, names were embroidered on quilts for fund raising. Our volunteers have created a modern, abric wall hanging with space for approximately 200 names. You can sign your own family or organization name, or dedicate a quilt square in memory of someone who went before. The completed quilt will be displayed in the Homestead's visitor centre.

Please mail your cheque, and the wording for your quilt square to:

John R. Park Homestead
c/o Essex Region Conservation Foundation
360 Fairview Avenue West
Essex, Ontario N0R 1A0

Or call/email us for more information: 519-738-2029 or jrph@erca.org