Documenting history is a valuable tool for the conservation of Canadian buildings. Historical reports can act as legal safeguards, archival records exist as crucial storytelling tools, and in this fast-paced technological age we can use historical data as fodder to invest towards digital preservation.

A series of early 20th c. black and white photographs from an old Powers Family photo album indicate that military training had taken place right here at The Brown Homestead just prior to WWI. This visit fits into the broader story of military training at Camp Niagara soon after. The following article illustrates these military manoeuvres through the heart of the Niagara Region, tracing the story through the eyes of The St. Catharines Standard reporters from June 8-12, 1914.

Timber framing is also one of the oldest and most enduring building traditions. This article summarizes what our recent workshops at The Brown Homestead looked like, explores the value of passing on traditional craft knowledge, and explains why involving the community in the evolution of our site matters to us.