John R. Park Homestead launches spring/summer season

Big plans are taking flight at John R. Park Homestead.

The organization kicked off its spring and summer tourism season on Friday with the new Swifts and Swallows exhibit.

Focusing on “the marvel of spring migration” and three species of the birds living in the conservation area, it opened with a sold-out Jane’s Walk Tour.

The exhibit will be on display in the Conservation Centre until Sep 5.

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On May 4, the Friends of the John R. Park Homestead will host their annual fundraising yard sale.

The Friends of the Homestead is a group of 85 volunteers who help the museum with everything from gardening and costume creation to fund raising and interpreting at special events.

Their yard sale runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Items for sale will include collectible vinyl records with original sleeves, glassware, collectable tins, fine furniture, and more.

All sales go directly to supporting the homestead and its programs.

Kris Ives, centre, curator at the John R. Park Homestead in Essex, leads a walking tour for the new Swifts and Swallows exhibit on Friday, April 25, 2025. Photo by Dan Janisse /Windsor Star

“The sale features something for everyone — treasures big and small,” said Homestead curator Kris Ives. “Donations are greatly appreciated and are still being accepted.”

To donate items for the yard sale, contact John R. Park Homestead.

“We gladly accept gently used items,” said Ives.

But the organization said it is not accepting “soft goods” such as clothing or stuffed animals.

The yard sale also marks the start of the homestead’s extended seasonal hours. Starting May 4, the conservation area will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Thursday through Sunday.

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The expanded hours are meant to give visitors more time to explore the pioneer farm, barns, and others buildings, and meet the homestead sheep who will spend the summer there.

Over the next couple of months, organizers said hundreds of children will also participate in history and nature programs at the museum.

There are a few dates still available for group bookings. Interested teachers and group leaders can contact homestead staff for information, or send a request to education@erca.org.

The homestead’s conservation centre and grounds, which sit on 19-acres along the Lake Erie shoreline, can also be reserved for family reunions, birthday parties, and other special events.

The homestead, owned and operated by the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA), is located at 915 County Road 50.

For more information about the homestead or to donate yard sale items, call (519) 738-2029 x738 or send an email to jrph@erca.org.