John R. Park Homestead Celebrates Grand Reopening

Essex Region – In recognition of Museum Month, the historic home of John and Amelia Park, one of the Essex region’s premier museums, was re-opened following a massive restoration effort which began in fall 2022.

“The John R. Park Homestead is more than just a museum, it’s a living legacy,” said Molly Allaire, Chair of the Essex Region Conservation Authority. “Since 1978, we have welcomed hundreds of thousands of guests of all ages to step back in time and discover the pioneering spirit of this region. But its story stretches even further — back to 1842, when John Richardson Park and Amelia Gamble Park built this stately home, their hearts full of hope for the future.”

In 2021, a comprehensive architectural review of all the buildings which comprise the Homestead was undertaken by George Robb Architects to identify the scope of restoration work required to ensure long-term sustainability. The Government of Canada provided a generous grant through the Canadian Experiences Fund, and the Essex Region Conservation Foundation began raising the balance of the required funds. In total, more than $1 million in work was required at the site’s primary home, which is the most important artifact in the Homestead’s collection.

“We knew this was not just a renovation. It was an act of preservation, and of responsibility – not just to those who came before us, but for generations to come,” Allaire said.

Significant work was required to preserve the stability of the roof which had historic powder-post beetle damage, sill beams had deteriorated due to the home’s proximity to the sometimes violent storms of Lake Erie, and the foundation required major structural repairs. Numerous windows required replacement, the south porch was rebuilt, plaster repairs and painting was undertaken and much more.  Importantly, much of the replacement and repair works were hand-crafted to retain the historical integrity of the building.

ERCA and its Foundation expressed their heartfelt appreciation to The Government of Canada, The Toldo Foundation, The Stephanie & Barry Zekelman Foundation and to the many donors whose generosity allowed this critically important work to take place.

“The work we honour today is not just about preservation,” said Allaire. “It is about passion. It is about people. And it is about all of you who have who have helped to ensure that the history contained within these buildings and the stories that they represent will last for generations to come.”

The Essex Region Conservation Foundation will continue to raise funds to restore the balance of the eleven outbuildings that comprise the Homestead campus, and repairs to the historic Horse Barn are anticipated to take place later this year. A video documenting the repairs to the primary home can be viewed here.

The Homestead is open to the public Thursdays through Sundays from 11am – 5pm with admission by donation. Beginning July 2, extended summer hours are Tuesdays through Sundays 11am – 5pm.  

The Essex Region Conservation Authority is a public sector organization established by the Province of Ontario and governed by local municipalities. For more than 50 years, it has organized and delivered programs and services that further the conservation, restoration, development and management of natural resources in watersheds in Ontario.