Essex launches virtual heritage experience

Virtual Heritage Tour in Essex, Ont. (Source: Town of Essex)

The Town of Essex has launched an online interactive tool to explore its heritage sites.

Town officials call it an accessible and engaging virtual experience for all residents who seek to explore the rich heritage of Alice Street from the comfort of their own home.

The Virtual Tour can be accessed on the Town’s website at www.essex.ca/heritagetour.

“We are thrilled to launch this innovative virtual heritage experience.” said Sherry Bondy, Mayor. “The Town of Essex has a rich history, and this tool allows you to learn about the unique heritage sites on Alice Street in Essex Centre.”

The online tour highlights the cultural significance of Essex Centre while promoting awareness of the Heritage Conservation District. It features engaging storytelling, visual mapping, and historical imagery.

The virtual tour highlights key landmarks and stories dating back to the 1800s that shaped the Town of Essex’s identity.

Viewers will explore the legacy of the Essex Free Press founders, uncover the local secrets of bootlegging, and witness the former sites of Essex Public School and the Essex Presbyterian Church. Checkpoints also acknowledge prominent homes like those of E.J. Moore and Everett Johnson and their unique architectural styles. Each location reveals a unique chapter in the development of Essex, inviting the public to connect with their heritage and consider the importance of preserving it.