Town of Essex Celebrates 10 Years Of Heritage Week In 2026
Each February, communities across Ontario come together to recognize and celebrate the people, places, and stories that shape their local heritage. This year, the Town of Essex is proud to celebrate Heritage Week from February 16 to 20, 2026, marking a special milestone with the theme “10 Years of Celebrating Our Story.”
Over the past decade, Heritage Week in Essex has grown into a meaningful annual tradition that highlights the Town’s diverse cultural, natural, architectural, and archaeological heritage. The 2026 celebration reflects on ten years of storytelling, preservation, and community pride while continuing to inspire future generations.
“Heritage Week is about more than looking back, it’s about understanding who we are, where we came from, and how our shared stories continue to shape the Town of Essex.” Mayor Sherry Bondy
Throughout the week, many local heritage events will take place, hosted by local organizations such as the Essex and Community Historical Research Society, the Canadian Transportation Museum and Heritage Village, the Essex County Steam and Gas Engine Museum, the Essex Railway Station, Heritage Colchester, and more. For event details, please visit the Town’s website.
In addition, the Town also offers a host of online activities and interactive experiences, including:
- A 2026 Heritage Week Quiz, with a chance to win a prize
- Heritage colouring books available for free download
- A Story Writing Workshop
- OpenGuessr – an interactive online geography game
- Barn Quilt Driving Tour, featuring rural art across the municipality
- Heritage Bingo Card with activities for all ages
The Town of Essex and the Essex Municipal Heritage Committee will award a $500 bursary to a Town resident pursuing post-secondary studies in heritage-related fields, including history, archaeology, archives, and heritage resources management. Application will be accepted until March 2, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. Applications may be submitted to Town Hall at 33 Talbot Street South, Essex, or by email.
