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.
Jake working on The Open Door podcast with Andrew Humeniuk
I’ve always been an imaginative person and from a young age pursued outlets for my creativity. One such outlet was Lego. Lego allowed me to build and recreate whatever I wanted, whether it be a made-up scene set in the Star Wars universe or the voyages of Captain James Cook. (To this day, I still love Star Wars and 18th and 19th century history). History allows me to be similarly creative. Most people groan at the thought of having to write an independent research paper on a chosen topic, but this is where I have the most fun.
Jake dressed as a soldier of the 103rd Regiment of Foot at Old Fort Erie
Since 2013, I’ve worked at a couple different historic sites in Niagara, all of which I have enjoyed my time at immensely. I’m a simple man: my passion is history, and so long as I get to talk about it, I’m happy. But one added bonus to working at The Brown Homestead is that, as a smaller organization, they allow more of an outlet for my creative side and, consequently, I have more of an opportunity to make an impact.
Historians are especially conscious of their ability to make an impact. After all, I believe that history is not a set of facts about the past, but consensus on a given topic through years of research, debate, and collaboration. History, therefore, is technically not made by historical actors but historians themselves.
Brigadier General E.A. Cruikshank, c.1915 - Library and Archives Canada
Take Niagara historian E.A. Cruikshank (1853-1939) as an example. Cruikshank wrote extensively about the War of 1812 in Niagara and aided by the extent and detail of his writings, Niagara’s history became part of Canada's national curriculum (1).
With this perception of history in mind, I wondered at the beginning of this summer, “How might I make a significant impact at The Brown Homestead?”
Most of the research conducted at the Homestead has been on the Brown family during and just after the American Revolution. Andrew, the Executive Director at the Homestead, knew my passion for the War of 1812 and suggested I pursue a research project on the Brown family during the war.
My research project is still in its infancy, but so far has been fruitful. I learned, for example, that all four of John and Magdalena Brown’s sons (2) served in the Lincoln Militia and were present at the Battle of Lundy’s Lane. My research on Upper Canadian War loss claims (essentially nineteenth century insurance claims) highlighted how the Brown daughters also suffered during the War.
War of 1812 Loss Claim filed by Adam Brown - Department of Finance RG 19 E 5 (a) Vol 3754, File 1
Whether as an employee or volunteer, I will continue this research project so we can gain a more nuanced understanding of early Niagara families like the Browns in those early days. Not only will this project allow me to contribute new knowledge to the Homestead but, in the future, I may even be able to teach like-minded, interested people on how to research their own families.
However, my impact went beyond my research of the War of 1812 ...
In the early morning of July 12th, 2021, the Welland House Hotel in downtown St. Catharines burned down. It was a disastrous day for St. Catharines residents, especially those invested in the preservation of the city’s shared heritage. It reinforced the obvious, that we need to move quicker to save our built heritage for future generations. To do that, history lovers and community members need to better understand the Ontario Heritage Act (OHA), which governs the intricacies of heritage designation, conservation, protection, and preservation.
What exactly is the difference between conservation, protection, and preservation, anyway?
Jake assisting with masonry repairs on the John Brown House
Reading the OHA, a complex legal document, leaves one with more questions than answers - some parts of it might as well be written in ancient Aramaic - not good considering its importance. Anyone who believes in heritage conservation needs to understand the OHA, which outlines the rules we work within.
Andrew suggested that I study and summarize the OHA in more accessible language for heritage specialists, current and prospective heritage property owners, engaged community members, and, importantly, for The Brown Homestead team. Our plan is to use my summary of the OHA to support an information campaign - infographics, social media content, video presentations, and even lectures - to promote a better understanding of heritage conservation.
I really can’t think of a better way to positively impact province-wide heritage work than by helping Ontario residents understand this important tool for heritage work.
After three months, it feels like my internship just started, but I’m not upset because I know I’ll be back. I also can take pride in the fact that I did make an impact while working at Homestead, knowing the research and work I did this summer will influence future programming and generations of visitors to the Homestead.
(1) Nicholas Tibollo, “The life and legacy of local historian E.A. Cruikshank,” The Niagara Independent, 25 May 2021.
(2) A fifth son died before the war began.