Significant Donations Recognized, Exhibition Expansion Announced, Plus Award Received at Willistead Manor

Published

Over $260,000 Combined Donations Support Restoration, Preservation and Historical Interpretation at Historic Walkerville Gem

Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens was joined today by members of City Council, City administration, Willistead Manor Inc. Board of Directors, the Friends of Willistead, Rotary Club of Windsor (1918), descendants of Hiram Walker, the family of the late Art Jahns, and other guests at a reception to recognize donors and supporters of Willistead Manor. The annual gathering provided an opportunity for Willistead enthusiasts to deliver significant donations in support of Windsor’s historic gem in Walkerville. At the reception, Mayor Dilkens announced significant donations, plans to expand a popular onsite exhibition, and a major celebration coming in July. Representatives from the University of Windsor were also on hand to present a prestigious heritage award.

Significant Donations Recognized

Rotary Club of Windsor (1918) presented a cheque for $91,346.00 to the City, with the funds having been raised at last summer’s 46th annual Art in the Park festival. For the fourth year in a row, Art in the Park reached record attendance, with over 35,000 visitors and over 300 exhibitors filling the park last June. This is Rotary’s signature fundraising event, in which proceeds raised go toward supporting the restoration of Willistead Manor and many charitable projects undertaken by the Rotary Club of Windsor (1918).

Charleigh Charitable Trust presented a cheque for $25,000 — the fourth instalment of a multi-year commitment on behalf of the Walker family descendants. This portion of the full $100,000 donation first announced in 2023, from Leigh and Charles Merinoff, was presented on behalf of their family: their parents Pam and her late husband Tony Morse, and their children Andrew and Lauren Merinoff, and Leslie Merinoff Kwasnieski and Brian Kwasnieski. Pam Morse is a great-great granddaughter of Hiram Walker. The Walker descendants actively support the Coach House Historical Exhibition, which opened in 2022.

Martha Henkel, great-great granddaughter of Hiram Walker, presented a cheque for $15,000 representing this year’s instalment toward a $50,000 multi-year commitment between 2023 and 2027. These funds go towards restoration, preservation, and special initiatives at Willistead Manor.

The Friends of Willistead, a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to the preservation, restoration and interpretation of Willistead Manor, committed $5,000, a combination of funding and in-kind support towards restoration and special heritage projects at the manor, along with support for public and private tours throughout the year and decorating and co-hosting the popular annual holiday tours program.

Art Windsor-Essex (AWE), the region’s premier art gallery site, announced a significant donation of artwork, artifacts, furniture, candelabras, vases, mirrors, statues and more valued at nearly $50,000. This unique collection has been on loan and on display at Willistead Manor for decades. Now, the AWE team, under the leadership of Executive Director Jennifer Matotek, has made the move to formalize the gift donation to Willistead Manor. This generous donation from the gallery protects the iconic items that have become a key part of the ambiance, aesthetic and story of Willistead Manor over the years. Staff from AWE were on hand to provide a brief curated tour of some of the items, and plans are underway to offer additional guided tours of the collection in the near future.

Approximately $6,000 in additional donations was received throughout 2025.

Significant Donation from the Estate of Art Jahns Announced as Part of Coach House Historical Exhibition Expansion

In 2022, the City of Windsor opened the Coach House Historical Exhibition onsite at the Willistead Manor Complex, in Studio A of the Coach House. Through that exhibition, guests are invited to learn about the history of Hiram Walker, the Walker business and community impacts, the formation of Walkerville, Edward and Mary Walker, the construction and uses of Willsitead Manor, and much more. The exhibition was designed by Chris Renaud and the team at HCA Mindbox and supported by generous funding through the Charleigh Charitable Trust, the Walker descendants, Willistead Manor Inc., the Friends of Willistead, and the City of Windsor. Video footage playing onsite is provided by the documentary Walkerville’s Willsitead Manor: The Home that Shaped a Community.

Art Jahns, the late Canadian Club Brand Centre archivist, long-time employee of Hiram Walker & Sons, and long-time member of the Willistead Manor Inc. Board of Directors, spent a lifetime assembling and curating a diverse and storied collection of artifacts, artworks, correspondence, keepsakes, photographs, and more that rounds out some of the compelling aspects of the stories of Hiram Walker, Canadian Club, and the region’s proud whisky distilling history. As part of the donations recognized at the reception, Karyn Templin and Christine Malott, the daughters of Art Jahns, were joined by their family members to officially announce the donation of their father’s collection to the City of Windsor.

The significant donation will form the basis of a major expansion to the existing Coach House Historical Exhibition. During deliberations of the 2026 City of Windsor Budget, Council approved $400,000 towards the expansion project, which is currently underway at the Coach House. The scope of work includes the following:

Uncovering and restoring the original wood ceiling of Studio A
Installing exhibition lighting and artifact display cases in Studio A
Uncovering and restoring the original terrazzo floor and installing new ceiling tiles and exhibition lighting in the foyer and hallway
Installing new ceiling tiles and exhibition lighting in Studio B
Research and design work to expand the Coach House Historical Exhibition beyond Studio A, to include the foyer, hallway, and Studio B
Installing significant items from the Estate of Art Jahns for the new exhibit

Hiram Walker 210th Birthday Celebration Coming July 4, 2026

In honour of the 210th birthday of Hiram Walker, Mayor Dilkens announced that the City of Windsor and partners will host an all-day celebration on Saturday, July 4, 2026. While full details are being worked out, the celebration will include the grand opening of the completed Coach House Historical Exhibition — including the expansion into Studio B to showcase the Art Jahns Collection — and an evening fundraiser themed-dinner party at Willistead Manor. Tickets will be limited and available in May 2026. A similar event was held in 2022 for the unveiling of the Hiram Walker Commemorative Sculpture at the new Hiram Walker Parkette, along with the grand opening of the original Coach House Historical Exhibition.

Coach House Historical Exhibition Wins Prestigious Heritage Award

To cap off Sunday’s festivities, Dr. Robert Nelson, Department Head of History at the University of Windsor, was on hand to present the prestigious Kulisek Prize. The annual prize is awarded to a distinguished finished project in the history of Windsor and surrounding Essex County, Kent and Lambton done by a group or individual member of the public. Examples of such a major project would include the creation of an exhibition, book, film or monument, or the restoration of a historic artifact, building or site. The Kulisek Prize is named for Dr. Larry Kulisek, who had a long and notable career as the Department of History’s specialist in local history, and who was a tireless promoter of local history and of budding local historians among the student body. Mayor Dilkens received the Kulisek Prize, on behalf of the City of Windsor and Willistead Manor Inc., in recognition of the Coach House Historical Exhibition.

Restoration Works Highlighted

2024–2025 restoration work and special projects at Willistead Manor included the following:

Completion of full restoration of the Main Courtyard to its original layout
Installation of a new Main Courtyard accessibility ramp
Painting of the new cooling tower
Completion of the restoration of the Paul Martin Gardens Terrace
Completion of the restoration of the North Terrace
Completion of foundation waterproofing in the gardens and select exterior areas
Completion of restoration work on the exterior window-well grates
Completion of restoration of the sidewalk to the sunken gardens
Completion of the regrading of the south lawn
Beginning of work to restore and rebuild 50 pillars in the Willistead Park perimeter fence
Beginning of work to improve centuries old pipes within the manor
Completion and installation of a new portrait of Mary Walker in the Great Hall
Acquisition of the former Hiram Walker Committee Room Table
Acquisition and installation of a new lantern chandelier for the Conservatory
Completion of the restoration of the original terrazzo floor in the Coach House Historical Exhibition room
Installation of additional display cases and museum lighting in the foyer of the Coach House Historical Exhibition
Repainting of Mary Walker’s Dressing Room

In 2026, the City will proceed with work to improve aging pipes within the facility, complete a full replacement of the manor’s elevator, and restore remaining pillars along the Willistead Park perimeter fence, including repairing and refinishing the south and west gate. While the board will continue work with the City to expand the Coach House Historical Exhibition, the popular At the Manor series will continue with special events for Easter, Mother’s Day, Art in the Park, summer and holiday tours, Breakfast with Santa, the 6th Annual High Tea and Garden Party, poetry, performances, and more. Some adjustments will be made to seating for various events during the elevator replacement project.

For more information on Willistead Manor, please visit Willistead.ca. For more information on Art in the Park, please visit ArtInTheParkWindsor.com.

To donate to Willistead Manor, please make cheques payable to Willistead Manor Inc., or visit the manor’s online donation portal.

Quotes

“What an exciting time in the history of Willistead Manor! City Council and the City of Windsor remain committed to heritage conservation and preservation at the historic home in Walkerville. As part of our 2026 City of Windsor Budget, we approved $400,000 to expand the Coach House Historical Exhibition, with the project including significant work to restore and enhance original heritage elements of the building adjacent to the main manor house. Through annual events and initiatives, ongoing restoration and preservation work, new acquisitions, and numerous engagement opportunities, the facility remains a vital piece of the arts, culture and heritage community; and a vibrant draw for local, regional, national and international tourists. With the support of this latest round of significant and generous donations, we are Investing Responsibly and preserving the manor while enhancing public access and continuing to share this important piece of our heritage and the Walker legacy in Windsor. This year, we are particularly grateful for the significant contributions from Rotary Club of Windsor (1918), the Walker family descendants, Art Windsor-Essex, and everyone who donated throughout the year. A special thank you goes to Karyn and Christine for honouring the great Art Jahns through the donation of his unique collection to the City. These combined contributions are fueling incredible growth and engagement at Willistead Manor. The City and Council thank our partners and supporters for their ongoing and valued contributions, and we look forward to celebrating the exhibition expansion and the legacy of Hiram Walker in July of this year.”
- Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens

“Our family remains thrilled by the progress made at Willistead Manor utilizing the last three years’ donations. The Coach House Historical Exhibition continues to evolve, with Windsor residents and visitors to the community continuing to be inspired by the story it shares. It is truly an honour to see our family legacy celebrated in the city of Windsor, and to see people engaging with the facility in meaningful ways. It is wonderful to see our multi-year contributions being put to such great use at Willistead. Thank you — on behalf of our family: our parents Pamela and Tony Morse, our children Andrew and Lauren Merinoff, Leslie Merinoff Kwasnieski and Brian Kwasnieski — to the Willistead Board, the Friends of Willistead, and the City of Windsor for their continued work to preserve the manor and the story of the Walker family.”
- Leigh and Charles Merinoff, on behalf of the Walker family descendants

“It is my honour to be able to contribute to the ongoing restoration and preservation of Willistead Manor. This amazing home represents the legacy of community-building that has become synonymous with my family over the decades. Seeing our contributions utilized to help preserve and share the building and the story with the community is truly special, and the work of the board and the City has inspired me to give more towards those goals. I am pleased to be able to play a part in contributing to how the home is maintained, improved and showcased for the community, now and well into the future.”
- Martha Henkel, great-great granddaughter of Hiram Walker

“The Rotary Club of Windsor (1918) is grateful to partner with the City of Windsor in holding Art in the Park at the beautiful, historic Willistead Manor and Willistead Park. Our beloved community festival is making a difference at Willistead and in countless lives through our other charitable efforts. We are looking forward to another incredible event this year.”
- Allan Kidd, Chair, Art in the Park; Past President, Rotary Club of Windsor (1918)

“2025 was another outstanding year for restoration progress and community engagement for our heritage gem. The Willistead Manor Inc. Board of Directors remains grateful for and inspired by the ongoing involvement and support for the manor by our donors, partners, rental parties, artists, and performers; and the record-breaking thousands of guests that visit and engage with Willistead Manor each year. We could not do what we do without the continued, generous support of our donors, including the Rotary Club of Windsor (1918), Charleigh Charitable Trust, descendants of the Walker family, Friends of Willistead, the family of Art Jahns, Art Windsor-Essex, Thyme To-Go, and the City of Windsor. With the Coach House Historical Exhibition expansion project underway, the incredible recognition of the exhibit by the University of Windsor, a new elevator being installed, and much more happening to restore and beautify the home, we are excited to celebrate another year of investment and growth as we look forward to significant milestone achievements this year to help showcase Willistead Manor for the enjoyment of all.”
- Douglas Sanborn, Chair, Willistead Manor Inc. Board of Directors

“Our late father, Art Jahns, had a profound love for the Walkerville area, Willistead Manor, Hiram Walker and all things Canadian Club Whisky. He dedicated a considerable part of his life to local history and was always willing to share his knowledge. His vast collection of memorabilia couldn’t be packed away, but needed to be shared with others who would appreciate his efforts. We are thrilled to know that, through this Coach House Historical Exhibition, his collection will be displayed permanently, not only as a tribute to his personal passion, but as a source of shared pride, learning and connection for the community to enjoy.”
- Karyn Templin and Christine Malott, daughters of Art Jahns

“This donation formalizes a long-standing relationship between the gallery and Willistead Manor, whose histories are importantly intertwined. AWE is thankful to the City of Windsor for ensuring these objects can continue to be cared for, interpreted, and enjoyed by the public in the setting where they have been displayed for generations, and where they will remain an integral part of Willistead Manor’s story.”
- Jennifer Matotek, Executive Director, Art Windsor-Essex (AWE)

“The Coach House Historical Exhibition is yet another example of Mayor Dilkens’ and the City’s deep commitment to the history of Walkerville and the City of Windsor, and indicates the Mayor’s obvious desire to reach out to the public with the rich stories of our city.”
- Dr. Robert Nelson, Department Head, Department of History, University of Windsor