The Homestead Journal
A Layered Approach Part I: Studying Wallpaper in Historic Homes
The wallpaper found in historic homes richly offers insight into the families that once occupied its rooms. Read along to learn about what we can draw from the 25 layers of wallpaper uncovered in the John Brown House’s Ballroom, how these layers have been documented, removed, and conserved, and the augmented reality project currently in development with Brock University Department of Digital Humanities that aims to decorate the walls of the Ballroom with these historic patterns once again.
Common Ground: A Brief History of Floorcloths
The decorative floorcloth is integral to a history of home design and artisan production in Canada. Learn about the floorcloth's rise in popularity through the 1700s and how it changed the way families decorated their homes. Also get a glimpse into The Brown Homestead's heritage arts workshop aimed at rekindling our collective appreciation for this traditional craft.
Natural Pigments and Watercolour Paints
Natural pigments are part of our land, found in the most obvious and wild places. They are the plants we eat and smell, the rocks we hike over and drive past, and the minerals all around us. We used such pigments in our very first Natural Pigments Watercolour Workshop!
Rebuilding our Ballroom Wall
We recently rebuilt the entrance wall into the Ballroom on the second floor of the John Brown House. This project brings us one step closer to completing the home’s full restoration, while offering a great learning opportunity along the way.
Enough to Sink the Barrel
Niagara was one of Canada’s main whisky producing regions at the turn of the 19th century. Learn more about the different ingredients used to make whisky, the manufacturing process, quantities produced, transportation of the product and the markets it reached, starring some recognizable local names.
The Niagara Escarpment Biosphere
The Brown Homestead and community around us would not exist without the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere. For our stories to continue into the future, its preservation must be prioritized.
Mapping The Brown Homestead
Our latest exhibit uses GIS technology to present our historical research about The Brown Homestead.
“No Job Less Enviable”: Surgeons and the Battle of Lundy’s Lane
When the sun rose over Lundy’s Lane on the 26th of July, 1814, the light washed over a battlefield that had experienced an immense amount of bloodshed.
“The Most Determined Spirit of Hostility”: The Brown Family in the War of 1812
John and Magdalena Brown found refuge in Niagara following the American Revolution, but their children would soon be embroiled in yet another conflict, the War of 1812.
The Good Ol’ Canadian Hockey Game
For many Canadians, hockey is a part of our identity. The Brown Homestead has seen its share of both victory and heartbreak when it comes to the good ol’ hockey game …
The History of Brown
A short history of brown and its very, very important place in our world and society.
An Inclement Journey Across Niagara, 1803
Francis Goring traveled through the entire Niagara peninsula on foot every winter from 1803-1808, delivering letters for his employer.
Producing Potash at Rockway
In the early 19th century, Rockway Conservation area was a bustling with working people, home to a potashery at the Fifteen Mile Falls.
Deck the Halls with Boughs of ... Oranges?
Are you looking for a fun family activity this holiday season? Something artsy with a vintage flair? Well look no further! This instructional “how-to” article will explain how to make your own traditional Christmas decorations - like we did.
“The Worst in the World!”
We often find ourselves imagining what it was like to travel these same routes100 years ago… 200 years ago… 500 years ago…
The Loyalist Legacy
Delving into the enigma of the Loyalists: who they were and what they can teach us about the present and future.
A Very Short History of The Brown Homestead
In our inaugural episode, we share A Very Short History of The Brown Homestead.
How Many Hopes Lie Buried Here
“Read this all alone Mable, and don’t let anyone help.”
History often speaks in surprising ways - as seen in this letter from teacher William Brown to his 9 year old niece.
A Sociable and Unpretending Gentleman
We hope you enjoy this surprisingly adventurous tale of an ordinary fellow like ourselves who lived at The Brown Homestead towards the beginning - and again at the end - of his lifetime.
The Battle of Oriskany
Today is the 238th anniversary of the Battle of Oriskany, one of the bloodiest battles of the American Revolution and a defining moment of the war in New York. It also had a deep impact on the fate of John and Magdalena Brown and their family.