Sun, Apr 26
|John R. Park Homestead - Visitor Centre
Mapping the Ghosts of Essex County
Join Windsor Hackforge for "Mapping the Ghosts of Essex County" to learn how we're transforming archival paper records into an interactive digital map.
Time & Location
Apr 26, 2026, 2:45 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
John R. Park Homestead - Visitor Centre, 915 County Rd 50 E, Essex, ON N0R 1G0, Canada
About the event
Mapping the Ghosts of Essex County
Time and Date: Sunday, April 26: 2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
Host: Lauren Hedges
Organizational affiliation: Windsor Hackforge (LinkedIn / Facebook /Instagram)
Join us for a "Jane’s Talk" that bridges the gap between archival paper maps and the digital age. Windsor Hackforge’s Lauren Hedges will demonstrate how we are turning centuries-old, handdrawn maps into data that you can explore online.
Part history lesson and part tech seminar, this event shows how archival records are being used to build a "Google Maps" for our region’s past—revealing how early land grants and original surveys still dictate the roads we drive today.
About the host:
Hackforge is a community-driven organization dedicated to fostering technology education, collaboration, and innovation in the Windsor-Essex region. Our mission is to create an inclusive environment where individuals can explore technology, develop skills, and connect with like-minded enthusiasts.
Lauren Hedges is Hackforge's Managing Director. In addition to keeping operations running, she also hosts Openstreetmap Windsor-Essex, an interest group focused on the creation and maintenance of open source map data.
Type of Event:
Jane's Talk - Seated presentation (no dogs, please)
Light refreshments provided
Event location:
John R. Park Homestead - Visitor Centre
915 County Road 50 East, Harrow, ON N0R 1G0
https://maps.app.goo.gl/4Xk7SE9NpZkPnG9Y6
Audience:
Adult-focused content
Accessibility notes:
The Visitor Centre is fully accessible.
Is there a bathroom in the space?
Yes, wheelchair-accessible bathroom available in the space (step-free entry, wide doorway, and enough space for mobility devices)
Where can attendees park?
Free parking lot at the starting/ending location