The Homestead Journal
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!
Seedling Giveaway Initiative
This spring, The Brown Homestead’s staff, volunteers, and partners worked together to grow and distribute over 500 vegetable seedlings to Niagara families — free of charge. Explore the map to see the impact of this program in our community.
Come Grow With Us
As part of our Victory Garden program this year, we have created a series of videos explaining the process of growing seedlings at home. Once the seedlings are planted in May, come out to the Victory Garden to learn more about how to help your vegetables flourish!
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.
Creating a Vibrant Culture
Our volunteers and staff are ambassadors of this organization, relaying our mission to the public and embodying our values through their daily activities. Thus, it is important that we dedicate time towards ensuring a positive work environment for everyone who is involved in this special place.
En Plein Air
We recently had the pleasure of hosting a group of local painters at The Brown Homestead - the Niagara Plein Air Artists.
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.
Of Hope, Faith, and Renewal, Past and Present
In the midst of darkness, we have to look for the light. Happy Easter, happy Passover and happy Spring - from all of us at The Brown Homestead.
Lest We Forget: Three Stories to Honour Millions
Every year on November 11th, we remember the fallen soldiers from our community and our country who made exceptional sacrifices to pay for the freedom and prosperity that we have today. It is ironic that these blessings sometimes make it difficult to comprehend the scale of the tragedy, the tangible horrors of war, and the personal impact of the losses.