The Homestead Journal
A Layered Approach Part I: Studying Wallpaper in Historic Homes
The wallpaper found in historic homes richly offers insight into the families that once occupied its rooms. Read along to learn about what we can draw from the 25 layers of wallpaper uncovered in the John Brown House’s Ballroom, how these layers have been documented, removed, and conserved, and the augmented reality project currently in development with Brock University Department of Digital Humanities that aims to decorate the walls of the Ballroom with these historic patterns once again.
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.
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.
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.