The Homestead Journal
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.
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.
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.
Christmas in the Kitchen: Fruitcake Edition
Join our Administrative Coordinator Pamela Dungao as she pens a delightful journey full of nostalgia, head-scratching historical research, and triumphant cakey-goodness at The Brown Homestead this holiday season.
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.”
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.
Fornello Sustainable Preservation: Connecting to Culture
The Fornello Sustainable Preservation Workshop is a great example of heritage preservation in action. Read along as our Director of Programming, Theresa Felicetti, explores her roots in Southern Italy and connects the experience to her current work at The Brown Homestead.
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.
Stepping Into the Past
“This summer I had the opportunity to work at The Brown Homestead as their Archival Intern. These are some of my experiences while working here.“
My Time at The Brown Homestead
Our outgoing Heritage Coordinator Rick Pali, reflects on his time at The Brown Homestead as part of his diploma in Heritage Conservation at the Willowbank School of Restoration Arts.
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.
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.
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.
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.