Town of Essex to Celebrate Heritage Week with Stories of the Past

This year, the Town of Essex will celebrate Heritage Week with a special theme – ‘Stories of the Past’. Celebrate our local history and learn how Essex came to be through a series of online activities, presentations, tours, and more.

Since 1985, Heritage Week has been celebrated in communities across the province. This year, with celebrations happening between February 21 to 27, residents will have the opportunity to celebrate local history and heritage from the comfort of their home. In addition, select residents will be recognized with the Youth and Community Heritage Award and the new Town of Essex Heritage Bursary.

Youth and Community Heritage Award

Do you know a local youth, individual, or organization whose efforts to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of the Town of Essex deserves recognition? The Town is currently accepting nominations for the Community Heritage Preservation Awards. The awards will be open to nominations for outstanding local youth, individuals, and organization.

Nominations can be sent via email to heritage@essex.ca or by calling 519-776-7336 ext. 1128. Written submissions may also be dropped off using the drop boxes at Essex Town Hall (33 Talbot Street South) or the Harrow & Colchester South Community Centre (243 McAffee Street, Harrow).

Nominations must be submitted by Friday February 14.

Town of Essex Heritage Bursary

Are you or do you know a person currently enrolled or entering a program in History, Archeology, Archives, Records Management and/or Heritage Resources Management? They may be eligible for a $500 bursary towards their college/university tuition. Persons interested in the Town of Essex Heritage Bursary may contact heirtage@essex.ca to request an application form. Submissions are due March 10, 2022 at 4:30pm.

Call for Stories of the Past

This year’s theme is Stories of The Past, where we seek to unearth stories of Essex from our residents, former and present elected officials, cultural groups and residents. If you are interested in sharing your experiences or the experiences of your group, we are interested in hearing from you!

Ideas for stories include:

• Personal memories of events (i.e. Return from the War, Essex explosion of 1980, Harrow Flood, Amalgamation of 1999)
• Personal stories from cultural groups (i.e. Traditions from our First Nations, Stories from our Black Community, Portuguese club in Harrow, Polish Club in Colchester)
• Personal Stories of moments of time on Council  
• Personal stories from century farm owners

Interested parties can submit their stories to heritage@essex.ca no later than February 11. Select stories will be shared on social media sites during heritage week or selected for an interview!

For Heritage week activities, presentations, tours, and more, please visit essex.ca/HeritageWeek.