Discover Essex - Local Treasures

LOCAL TREASURES

Canadian Transportation Museum & Heritage Village
6155 Arner Townline (Cty. Rd. 23), Essex
519-776-6909
www.ctmhv.com

Situated on a 100-acre site housing one of the largest vehicle museums in Ontario and over a dozen buildings of local significance dating back to the late 1800s, CTMHV is a unique venue with an onsite 50’s diner and a fine selection of antique, vintage and hot rod vehicles. Step back in time and learn about our past.

Essex and Community Historical Research Society
18 Gordon Street, Essex
519-962-9597
www.echrs.ca

This community history and genealogy centre resides in the historic Carnegie Library building in the heart of downtown Essex. Established in 2007, ECHRS is working diligently to develop a foundational collection of books, photos, maps, family trees, census and cemetery records for Essex and the surrounding small communities. Important acquisitions include land records for Essex Centre and Colchester North, the Naylor Collection, and a large collection of cemetery records.

Essex County Steam and Gas Engine Museum
Co-An Park, 11071 Concession 11, McGregor 519-776-7720
www.essexsteamandgasengine.com

Established in 1984 as a club for steam and gas engine enthusiasts, the Essex County Steam and Gas Engine Museum features a display of antique engines, more than 50 tractors, and the recently restored Carl Smith Sawmill. Projects include restoration of the steam engine that ran the Hiram Walker lumber mill and restoration of a Waterous steam engine. Call ahead for hours.

Essex Railway Station
87 Station Street, Essex
519-776-9800
www.essexrailwaystation.ca

Built in 1887 of Michigan fieldstone, this heritage site was instrumental in establishing Essex as the shipping centre of Essex County. It has been fully restored to its natural beauty by Heritage Essex Inc. and continues to serve the community as a meeting room and heritage property. Two antique railcars are located on the property along with the Heritage Gardens. View railway artifacts on display and be sure to browse through the gift shop.

Harrow Early Immigrant Research Society
Harrow-Colchester South Community Centre
243 McAffee Street, Harrow
519-738-3700
www.heirs.ca

Established in 1971, the Harrow Early Immigrant Research Society (HEIRS) operates a research centre focused on local history and families who have settled in the Harrow and Colchester South area. Researchers are welcome to use the collection, which includes books, maps, land records, census and cemetery records, newspapers microfilm/fiche and family histories.

John R. Park Homestead
915 County Rd. 50 (at Iler Rd.) Harrow
519-738-2029
www.erca.org

A visit to John R. Park Homestead is a journey back in time. Built in 1842 along the banks of Lake Erie, the Classical Revival home of John and Amelia Park has been fully restored and costumed guides are waiting to welcome you all year round. Sample the treats baked in the kitchen fireplace. Chat with a blacksmith as he works at the coal-fired forge. Or experience the life of a child by walking on stilts or playing with wooden toys. Seasonal special events focus on maple syrup, blueberries, harvest and Christmas. Call ahead for hours.

Outdoor mural gallery
Located throughout downtown Essex, our gallery of outdoor murals depicts some of the people, places and events that have shaped our community – from the burning of the tollgates in 1896 to the 100th anniversary of the Rotary Club. Walking tour maps are available at the Essex Railway Station and Essex Municipal Office.

LOCATED close by ...

Fort Malden National Historic Site
100 Laird Avenue, Amherstburg
519-736-5416
www.pc.gc.ca

Formerly known as Fort Amherstburg, Fort Malden has a 200-year history and an extensive collection of artifacts dating back to the War of 1812 and the Rebellion of 1837-39. The site contains preserved buildings, earthworks, and an orientation and interpretation centre. Lose yourself in history!

Jack Miner Bird Sanctuary
332 Road 3, Kingsville
519-733-4034 1-877-289-8328
www.jackminer.com

The legacy of pioneer conservationist Jack Miner is preserved by his family at this bird sanctuary, a major stop on the migration routes for several duck species and Canada geese. For over 100 years migratory birds have been banded and tracked by this organization. An on-site museum preserves the story of one of the most influential Canadians of all time. Thousands of Canada geese gather at the sanctuary during November and early December. Admission is free. Open Mon.-Sat. all year round.

John Freeman Walls Historic Site and Underground Railroad Museum
859 Puce Rd., Lakeshore
519-727-6555
www.undergroundrailroadmuseum.com

Built and operated by the descendants of John Freeman Walls and Jane King Walls, this historic site was a terminal (or final stop on the journey to freedom) of the Underground Railroad. Located in Puce, about 10 km outside Essex, the museum features Underground Railroad exhibits, an African art collection, log cabins dating back to 1798 and 1846, and replica slave shanties. Call in advance for hours.

Kingsville Historical Park
145 Division St. S., Kingsville
(519) 733-28039
www.mnsi.net/~khpi/

The Kingsville Historical Park is the home of a restored 19th century Range Light and the Charlie Campbell Memorial Military Museum. At the museum you will find artifacts and information on many Essex County residents from 1861 to the present. The museum also contains collections, artifacts and information about the United Empire Loyalists and the military contributions of local people during the Fenian Raids, Boer War, World War I and II, and so much more. Individuals and groups welcome. The Kingsville Historical Park is located adjacent to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #188 at 145 Division St. South in Kingsville.

Maidstone Bicentennial Museum
1093 Puce Rd., Lakeshore
519-727-8838 519-728-1587
www.townoflakeshore.on.ca

This community museum is housed in the former Maidstone Town Hall. With a strong focus on local history and children’s programs, this museum is fun and educational for families and individuals of all ages. Learn about the daily lives of our ancestors, their dress, work and play, as well as significant moments in our history from rumrunning and prohibition to the Underground Railroad. Operated by the Maidstone and District Historical Society, this museum also showcases much of the region’s natural history in a series of beautiful gardens.

Point Pelee National Park
Leamington
519-322-2365
www.pc.gc.ca

Located at the most southern point in Canada, Point Pelee National Park boasts a wide variety of wildlife, migratory birds and Monarch butterflies and is a popular haven for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers. Rent a canoe or a bicycle and explore this local treasure.





						*LOCAL TREASURES* Canadian Transportation Museum & Heritage Village 6155 Arner Townline (Cty. Rd. 23), Essex 519-776-6909 www.ctmhv.com Situated on a 100-acre site housing one of the largest vehicle museums in Ontario and over a dozen buildings of local significance dating back to the late 1800s, CTMHV is a unique venue with an onsite 50’s diner and a fine selection of antique, vintage and hot rod vehicles. Step back in time and learn about our past. Essex and Community Historical Research Society 18 Gordon Street, Essex 519-962-9597 www.echrs.ca This community history and genealogy centre resides in the historic Carnegie Library building in the heart of downtown Essex. Established in 2007, ECHRS is working diligently to develop a foundational collection of books, photos, maps, family trees, census and cemetery records for Essex and the surrounding small communities. Important acquisitions include land records for Essex Centre and Colchester North, the Naylor Collection, and a large collection of cemetery records. Essex County Steam and Gas Engine Museum Co-An Park, 11071 Concession 11, McGregor 519-776-7720 www.essexsteamandgasengine.com Established in 1984 as a club for steam and gas engine enthusiasts, the Essex County Steam and Gas Engine Museum features a display of antique engines, more than 50 tractors, and the recently restored Carl Smith Sawmill. Projects include restoration of the steam engine that ran the Hiram Walker lumber mill and restoration of a Waterous steam engine. Call ahead for hours. Essex Railway Station 87 Station Street, Essex 519-776-9800 www.essexrailwaystation.ca Built in 1887 of Michigan fieldstone, this heritage site was instrumental in establishing Essex as the shipping centre of Essex County. It has been fully restored to its natural beauty by Heritage Essex Inc. and continues to serve the community as a meeting room and heritage property. Two antique railcars are located on the property along with the Heritage Gardens. View railway artifacts on display and be sure to browse through the gift shop. Harrow Early Immigrant Research Society Harrow-Colchester South Community Centre 243 McAffee Street, Harrow 519-738-3700 www.heirs.ca Established in 1971, the Harrow Early Immigrant Research Society (HEIRS) operates a research centre focused on local history and families who have settled in the Harrow and Colchester South area. Researchers are welcome to use the collection, which includes books, maps, land records, census and cemetery records, newspapers microfilm/fiche and family histories. John R. Park Homestead 915 County Rd. 50 (at Iler Rd.) Harrow 519-738-2029 www.erca.org A visit to John R. Park Homestead is a journey back in time. Built in 1842 along the banks of Lake Erie, the Classical Revival home of John and Amelia Park has been fully restored and costumed guides are waiting to welcome you all year round. Sample the treats baked in the kitchen fireplace. Chat with a blacksmith as he works at the coal-fired forge. Or experience the life of a child by walking on stilts or playing with wooden toys. Seasonal special events focus on maple syrup, blueberries, harvest and Christmas. Call ahead for hours. Outdoor mural gallery Located throughout downtown Essex, our gallery of outdoor murals depicts some of the people, places and events that have shaped our community – from the burning of the tollgates in 1896 to the 100th anniversary of the Rotary Club. Walking tour maps are available at the Essex Railway Station and Essex Municipal Office. *LOCATED close by ...* Fort Malden National Historic Site 100 Laird Avenue, Amherstburg 519-736-5416 www.pc.gc.ca Formerly known as Fort Amherstburg, Fort Malden has a 200-year history and an extensive collection of artifacts dating back to the War of 1812 and the Rebellion of 1837-39. The site contains preserved buildings, earthworks, and an orientation and interpretation centre. Lose yourself in history! Jack Miner Bird Sanctuary 332 Road 3, Kingsville 519-733-4034 1-877-289-8328 www.jackminer.com The legacy of pioneer conservationist Jack Miner is preserved by his family at this bird sanctuary, a major stop on the migration routes for several duck species and Canada geese. For over 100 years migratory birds have been banded and tracked by this organization. An on-site museum preserves the story of one of the most influential Canadians of all time. Thousands of Canada geese gather at the sanctuary during November and early December. Admission is free. Open Mon.-Sat. all year round. John Freeman Walls Historic Site and Underground Railroad Museum 859 Puce Rd., Lakeshore 519-727-6555 www.undergroundrailroadmuseum.com Built and operated by the descendants of John Freeman Walls and Jane King Walls, this historic site was a terminal (or final stop on the journey to freedom) of the Underground Railroad. Located in Puce, about 10 km outside Essex, the museum features Underground Railroad exhibits, an African art collection, log cabins dating back to 1798 and 1846, and replica slave shanties. Call in advance for hours. Kingsville Historical Park 145 Division St. S., Kingsville (519) 733-28039 www.mnsi.net/~khpi/ The Kingsville Historical Park is the home of a restored 19th century Range Light and the Charlie Campbell Memorial Military Museum. At the museum you will find artifacts and information on many Essex County residents from 1861 to the present. The museum also contains collections, artifacts and information about the United Empire Loyalists and the military contributions of local people during the Fenian Raids, Boer War, World War I and II, and so much more. Individuals and groups welcome. The Kingsville Historical Park is located adjacent to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #188 at 145 Division St. South in Kingsville. Maidstone Bicentennial Museum 1093 Puce Rd., Lakeshore 519-727-8838 519-728-1587 www.townoflakeshore.on.ca This community museum is housed in the former Maidstone Town Hall. With a strong focus on local history and children’s programs, this museum is fun and educational for families and individuals of all ages. Learn about the daily lives of our ancestors, their dress, work and play, as well as significant moments in our history from rumrunning and prohibition to the Underground Railroad. Operated by the Maidstone and District Historical Society, this museum also showcases much of the region’s natural history in a series of beautiful gardens. Point Pelee National Park Leamington 519-322-2365 www.pc.gc.ca Located at the most southern point in Canada, Point Pelee National Park boasts a wide variety of wildlife, migratory birds and Monarch butterflies and is a popular haven for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers. Rent a canoe or a bicycle and explore this local treasure.











						Do you need more information? Contact us at info@discoveressex.ca