The Homestead Journal
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.
Celebrating Another #HeritageWin: Auberge Chesley’s Inn in the City of Cornwall
As you know, we’re suckers for heritage success stories here at The Brown Homestead, so we had to bring your attention to this one: Heartiest congratulations are due to Robert Prowse, owner of the beautiful Auberge Chesley's Inn in The City of Cornwall.
Join the Dig: Unearthing the Garden City’s Glorious Maritime Past
There is a marvel of 19th century industry hidden just south of downtown St. Catharines. Resting under a blanket of gravel on the bank of Twelve Mile Creek, this powerhouse of Great Lakes shipbuilding has remained relatively untouched for more than one hundred years - but that is soon to change. The incredible Shickluna Shipyard will soon see the light of day once more as the site of an upcoming archaeological excavation - and YOU can be part of it!
A Glimmer of Hope on a Dark Day for France
Yesterday, our team at JBHF watched in horror as the fire raged at the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Today, with France and the rest of the world, we are mourning the great losses. Yet there is one extraordinary blessing in the midst of the tragedy.
Tonight: Shepherds in the Cave
JBHF's Project Manager, Theresa Felicetti, will be speaking at the St. Catharines Performing Arts Centre Film House, following the 7pm showing of the film "Shepherds in the Cave." She will be discussing her experience with The Fornello Project, an extraordinary and progressive cultural and culinary heritage conservation project in Puglia, Italy.
Kickin’ It Old School at the Marshville Heritage Festival
We are big fans of local events that connect people with each other and with history. One of the ways we celebrate that is by drawing your attention to some of the great local events and experiences that inspire us.
How the John Brown House Got Broken
Curiosity - to “see what we could do” to save the farmhouse - is what pushed JBHF into existence. But it is the curiosity of children like Nadia that will secure its future. We want Nadia and other children (like YOU) to keep asking questions, to get involved, and even to help determine our future programing. One of the ways we can help you to do that is by answering your questions from the start!
The Attic Adventure
Our Attic Floor Project began on Saturday, April 22nd at the ambitious time of 8:30 am. The Attic Floor Project encompassed many firsts for JBHF. It was our first completed interior conservation project, our first volunteer workshop, and our first “Family Meal.” Another great thing about ‘firsts’ is that they provide great opportunities for reflection.
Conserving The Brown Homestead: First Steps
The key to any successful business venture, non-profit or otherwise, must begin by meeting unmet needs in the community and/or the marketplace. In order to ensure that our heritage sites are preserved, we must make sure that our goals and objectives in sharing and teaching history remain connected to contemporary society and address topical issues. The legacy, charm and beauty of these sites may be apparent to us, but is not always to the broader community. We must look for new ways to reach our audience.
Attic Floor Restoration
With it’s heavy beams and church-like a-frame, the John Brown House attic at the Brown Homestead is no different. Behind a nearly hidden door on the second floor landing, and up a steep and narrow stair, this space, empty but for some old windows stacked against one wall, already has a singular and intriguing ethos.