Following three years of restoration work, the John R. Park Homestead is open again.
"The John R. Park Homestead is more than just a museum. It's a living legacy," said Chair of the Essex Region Conservation Authority Molly Allaire. "We have welcomed hundreds of thousands of guests of all ages to step back in time and discover the pioneering spirit of this region."
An architectural review of all the buildings at the Homestead was undertaken in 2021 to find out how much work was needed to ensure the Homestead's long-term sustainability. The federal government provided a $1-million grant, and the Essex Region Conservation Authority raised the rest.
"We knew this was not just a renovation," Allaire added. "It was an act of preservation and of responsibility, not just to those who came before us, but for generations to come."
The roof had suffered powder-post beetle damage, while violent storms on Lake Erie did a number on the sill beams. Windows needed replacing, and the south porch was completely rebuilt.
Most of the repair and restoration work was done by hand to retain the historical integrity of the building.
The Essex Region Conservation Authority will continue fundraising to restore another 11 buildings on the site. Work on the horse barn is scheduled for later this year.
The Homestead is open to the public Thursdays to Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Starting July 2, those hours will be extended Tuesdays to Sundays.