A Day in Essex for Historians

Built in 1876 in response to the original church being in disrepair, the Colchester Christ Church is connected to several influential settler families and was a fundamental community space for early settlers. 

Now occupied by a community of welcoming believers who feel that Essex’s notable agriculture is another joyful aspect of their spirituality, the Church is rich with history spawning over two hundred years and is still actively hosting sermons today.

The first school in Essex County to have been built under 1881’s precedent-setting Public Schools Act is affectionally known around town as “the little red school.” 

Originally built to replace an earlier structure, the Colchester Schoolhouse functioned as a central educational and community space for those living within its rural landscape. It is also noteworthy as a racially integrated school amidst nearby segregated schools; however, this feature is laden with its own problematic history, revealing meaningful misgivings within Essex’s historical-political landscape.  

Built in 1842, the home of John and Amelia Park has been fully restored to reflect the living moment of the time.

With the help of knowledgeable and cheerful costumed guides, journey to the past and familiarize yourself with a different way of life. Taste baking from the kitchen fireplace, play with wooden toys in the children's bedrooms, or pick up a souvenir at the blacksmith’s coal-fired forge. Named the Best Living History Museum by the Ontario Historical Society, this is a can’t-be-missed stop within any Essex tour day.  

On your way towards Essex Centre, turn into the Canadian Transportation Museum and Heritage Village where local history and our automotive past come alive. 

One of the largest vehicle museums in Ontario, the 100-acre lot boasts over 20 buildings of local significance dating back to the early 1800s. Check out the fine collection of vintage vehicles, including everything from motorcycles to race cars to emergency fleets. Head outside for a walk around the historic grounds. To keep you moving throughout the day, grab a bite to eat at the 50’s Diner inside the museum! 

Established in 1971, the Harrow Early Immigrant Research Society (HEIRS) began as a small group of Harrow and Colchester residents with a shared passion to form a local historical and genealogical society.

Today, HEIRS houses a large collection of archival documents, including maps, photographs, public records, land deeds, and over 10, 000 family names in their genealogical files. Visit them at the Harrow Arena to experience a truly unique, small-town collective that works diligently to provide residents and tourists alike with a taste of our charming rural past.  

At this designated Heritage property, visit the site of the historic 1907 Essex Railway Explosion.

Originally suffering major damage after the fire, our community championed together to rebuild the property to what it is today. The architecture symbolizes a key aspect of Essex’s role as a social and economic hub, allowing transportation of passengers and agricultural goods to the county. When you’re done checking out the Railway Station, take a stroll through the Spitfire Memorial, complete with a spitfire replica of the one that Jerry Billings, Essex County resident and acclaimed aviator, flew during D-Day. Finally, take in the Honour Wall, which holds all the RAF & RCAF veterans from Essex County who served in World War II.  

Home to the Essex & Community Historical Research Society (ECHRS), whose goal is to preserve and make accessible the rich social heritage of Essex County, feel free to peruse the hundreds of records and archives offered at the Carnegie Library. 

Fun fact: ECHRS is the only southwestern historical society that can provide complete, local family trees! Built in 1914 by Andrew Carnegie, a renowned architect of the time, this space housed the first Essex Public Library and still retains its original architecture.  

Home to the largest collection of steam-powered history in Ontario, the Essex County Steam & Gas Engine Museum is a paradise for anyone fascinated by machinery and innovation.

From pint-sized engines and beautifully restored antique tractors to towering turn-of-the-century steam engines, the museum brings the sights, sounds, and ingenuity of a bygone era to life. Like every destination on this list, the passionate team behind the museum is eager to share their knowledge, answer questions, and uncover the fascinating stories hidden among the museum’s remarkable collection of mechanical treasures.