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Revitalizing History: A Unique Summer Project for Enhanced Construction Program Students
On July 23rd, students from the Enhanced Construction Program (ECP) embarked on a remarkable field trip to the John Freeman Walls Underground Railroad Museum. As part of the summer school program, students had the opportunity of a lifetime to touch and make history by revitalizing the deck at the historic John Freeman Walls Homestead.
Hands-On Learning and Historical Immersion
The ECP students' project at the John Freeman Walls Homestead is more than just a construction task; it is an educational experience that connects them with history. With support from the Carpenters Union, SHSM, and Milwaukee Tool, the students are rebuilding an existing deck at the homestead. This project allows them to apply their skills in a real-world setting while learning about the historical significance of their work from the descendants of John Freeman Walls.
Continuing the Legacy
The collaborative effort at the homestead will continue beyond this summer. Any unfinished work will be picked up by a new group of students in September, ensuring the project's completion and allowing more students to benefit from this unique educational opportunity.
We invite you to follow along and witness this extraordinary initiative. Stay tuned for updates and explore the rich history of the John Freeman Walls Homestead.
Enhanced Construction Program: Building Skills and Futures
The Enhanced Construction Program is a collaborative initiative between Carpenters’ Local 494, Tecumseh, and the Greater Essex County District School Board. It is designed to give students a comprehensive education in construction, providing them with a competitive edge on job sites. Through the program, students receive hands-on training in various aspects of construction, including basic layouts, formwork, drywall, steel stud framing, and the operation of equipment like forklifts and articulating booms.
In addition to technical skills, the program places a strong emphasis on safety. Students earn certifications in essential health and safety courses, covering topics such as general shop safety, working at heights, confined space awareness, and hoisting and rigging. This robust training ensures that ECP graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce safely and competently.
A Historic Undertaking at the John Freeman Walls Homestead
The John Freeman Walls Underground Railroad Museum is not just a historic site but a testament to the profound journey of John and Jane Walls. The museum's development began in 1976 when Dr. Bryan Walls, a Windsor dentist and descendant of John Freeman Walls, purchased the ancestral homestead. With the help of genealogical research and oral history passed down from Aunt Stella Butler, Dr. Walls authored the novel "THE ROAD THAT LED TO SOMEWHERE," documenting the Walls family's journey along the Underground Railroad from North Carolina to Ontario, Canada. This story, published in 1980, highlights a significant part of Canadian and American history.
Located at 859 Puce Road in Lakeshore, Ontario, the homestead was designated a historic site in 1982. It serves as an actual terminal of the Underground Railroad, offering visitors a glimpse into the past and the courage of those who sought freedom.
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