The Homestead Journal

Ice Cream Memories: A Sweet Salute to Summer
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Ice Cream Memories: A Sweet Salute to Summer

As we undergo the adaptation of our 1850s Dairy into an Ice Cream Shoppe, this summer we invited the public to The Brown Homestead for Open Door Days. Embracing our collective nostalgia for this cold treat, we also invited visitors to share their childhood memories of ice cream. Read on for these sweet memories, and for a recap of The Brown Homestead’s most successful summer yet. 

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Common Ground: A Brief History of Floorcloths

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.

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Natural Pigments and Watercolour Paints

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!

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Reflecting on Heritage in Ontario
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Reflecting on Heritage in Ontario

The amendments made to the Ontario Heritage Act under Bill 23 has only exacerbated the issues facing our province’s heritage sector. In Niagara, it’s no different: our heritage is at risk. Lately, the TBH team has been reflecting on the state of heritage in Niagara. Read on for our reflections and suggestions.

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Digging Into My New Job
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Digging Into My New Job

Our new Community Engagement Coordinator Sara Nixon reflects on her first few weeks on the job, which coincided with an archaeological dig at the site.

“While it’s safe to say that this was likely a once-in-a-career onboarding process, taking part in the dig during my first two weeks here offered an entirely novel learning experience in getting to know The Brown Homestead and how I will approach my work here.”

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Indigenous Canada
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Indigenous Canada

This year our staff took the Indigenous Canada course designed by the University of Alberta. In the lead-up to Indigenous Peoples Day next week, our staff wanted to share some of their thoughts as they walked away from these modules with a better understanding of the different histories and perspectives of Indigenous peoples throughout Canada.

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Creating a Vibrant Culture
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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.

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Making an Impact
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Making an Impact

Our outgoing intern, Jake Breadman, reflects on his time spent at The Brown Homestead as he heads back to the University of Western Ontario to complete his Masters Degree in Public History.

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Into the Unknown - Part 2
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Into the Unknown - Part 2

We have had the pleasure of working closely with Theresa Felicetti from the fall of 2016 through today, her last day at JBHF. Theresa was our first employee, but her contributions have gone beyond the scope of that title. From her inspired ideas to her passion for our vision to her signature warm smile, she has made an indelible impact.

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Into the Unknown
Reflection The Brown Homestead Reflection The Brown Homestead

Into the Unknown

Being taught to seek opportunities when faced with areas of unfamiliarity, is enriching and feels like a thousand doors being opened instead of a thousand doors being closed. It regularly leads me to new perspectives, discoveries, ideas, and people. It’s a fulfilling feeling and one that I am excited to share with others. By keeping education at it’s core, JBHF’s goal is to invite the local community into their process, to learn and grow together, and to continue to discover and foster the myriad of benefits our heritage sites can offer.

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