EKMHA

EKMHA The Mennonites in Essex and Kent Counties have had a strong historical awareness ever since their arrival in 1925.

The Essex Kent Mennonite Historical Association (EKMHA) located in Leamington, Ontario is dedicated to preserving the history of Mennonites in Essex and Kent Counties. 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 famil

y 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). 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. 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

08/31/2026
08/28/2026

Thursday morning coffee hour cancelled until further notice. Sorry for the inconvenience.

EKMHA would like to gauge the interest in reprinting the Memories of Reesor book by Hedy Lepp Dennis. The cost will depe...
08/26/2026

EKMHA would like to gauge the interest in reprinting the Memories of Reesor book by Hedy Lepp Dennis. The cost will depend on the number of copies requested. Please message if you are interested in a copy.

08/26/2026

EKMHA is looking for a volunteer for the Thursday morning Coffee Hours which run from 9:00-10:00 am. Please contact Jill if you are able to volunteer.

Manual corn planter.
08/24/2026

Manual corn planter.

Bulletin Rack from the Essex County United Mennonite Church, Oak Street, Leamington, Ontario.
08/21/2026

Bulletin Rack from the Essex County United Mennonite Church, Oak Street, Leamington, Ontario.

Wool carder from the collection of R. Froese.
08/17/2026

Wool carder from the collection of R. Froese.

Miniature castle built by Herman P. Lepp.The milestone on the left with 103 represents the location of the Reesor Menn...
08/14/2026

Miniature castle built by Herman P. Lepp.The milestone on the left with 103 represents the location of the Reesor Mennonite settlement along the northern railway.

Black Haube (Bonnet)
08/10/2026

Black Haube (Bonnet)

Wooden memorabilia box
08/07/2026

Wooden memorabilia box

Address

31 Pickwick Drive
Leamington, ON
N8H4T5

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 12pm
Tuesday 9am - 12pm
Wednesday 9am - 12pm
Thursday 9am - 12pm
Friday 9am - 12pm

Telephone

519-322-0456

Website

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