|
|
|
The Mennonites in Essex and Kent
Counties have had a strong historical awareness ever since their arrival in 1925. A joint history committee was
established by the Leamington United Mennonite Church and the North
Leamington United Mennonite Church in the early 1970s to preserve their
history. The committee published a picture of the church family in 1984
and became actively involved in organizing programs and preserving artifacts.
In the mid eighties, the members of the joint history committee felt a
need to expand its horizons so that all Mennonites of the two counties would be
represented and therefore established the Essex Kent Mennonite Historical
Association (EKMHA). It became incorporated May 1, 1987. and was licensed
to issue tax receipts for charitable donations. The Association is operated
by a Board of Directors comprised of thirteen individuals making it possible
to have representation from a number of churches.
The Board of Directors immediately started to plan for the
establishment of a permanent Archives and Heritage Centre. Those dreams were realized in
the spring of 1992, when the EKMHA entered into an agreement with the
Leamington Mennonite Home and Apartments to purchase 950 square feet of space for
$80,000 on a life lease basis. The Heritage Centre was established on the
second floor of the Heritage Gardens Apartments at 31 Pickwick Drive in
Leamington.
|
|
Today the Heritage Centre contains many
artifacts which include photographs, documents, books, magazines, journals, and many personal and household items. As well, the Centre contains a collection of videos, slide
presentations, and booklets that have been produced locally. It is staffed
by volunteers and is open year round on a half time basis. In the past the
Canada Employment Centre has provided funding to employ a student for the
summer months to assist in research and archival work.
In addition to operating the Heritage Centre, the EKMHA has sponsored
programs, conducted bus tours, and hosted an annual fund raising dinner.
The Historical Association maintains an active membership of about 150
individuals each year, representing most of the Mennonite churches in
Essex and Kent. Memberships are available for ten dollars per person or twenty
dollars per couple on a yearly basis.
It is through the efforts of the many hard working volunteers and God's
guidance that the Association has gained a high level of visibility in its
role of preserving history in the local Mennonite Communities
(back)
Contact Us
|
