The Homestead Journal
What’s Next?
The time has come to share - with you! - more detailed plans for the next chapter in the life of this important historic site.
What’s in a Name?
You may have noticed that things look a little different today - and with good reason! We are pleased to announce …
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.
Of Hope, Faith, and Renewal, Past and Present
In the midst of darkness, we have to look for the light. Happy Easter, happy Passover and happy Spring - from all of us at The Brown Homestead.
A Sociable and Unpretending Gentleman
We hope you enjoy this surprisingly adventurous tale of an ordinary fellow like ourselves who lived at The Brown Homestead towards the beginning - and again at the end - of his lifetime.
To Bee or Not to Bee
We are stewards of the past working to promote a brighter future, and this autumn we learned that we were also stewards of a hive of honey bees.
Farewell 2019 - Hello 2020!
As we bid farewell to 2019 we are already planning for 2020. Here is a sneak peek at what’s in store. We will keep everyone updated with more details in the months to come!
Lest We Forget: Three Stories to Honour Millions
Every year on November 11th, we remember the fallen soldiers from our community and our country who made exceptional sacrifices to pay for the freedom and prosperity that we have today. It is ironic that these blessings sometimes make it difficult to comprehend the scale of the tragedy, the tangible horrors of war, and the personal impact of the losses.
The Search for a Lost Pioneer Cemetery: The Brown Burial Ground Discovery Walk
On a cool autumn day, two weekends ago, The Brown Homestead staff members and several volunteers spent the afternoon scouring the rugged landscape of Short Hills Provincial Park. They purposefully pushed their way through thorny bushes, slogged through muddy puddles and tramped over flattened heights in search of something lost. They were searching for a vanished pioneer cemetery: the Brown Burial Ground.
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!
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.
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.
Grab Your Popcorn, Folks!
There’s a new show coming to Niagara, and The Brown Homestead is going to be part of it.
Haul Out the Holly!
It’s that merry time of year again when JBHF decorates The Brown Homestead for the holidays! On Saturday, December 1st our wee army was out in force decking our halls, and we wanted to share the festivities with you!
Call For Volunteers
Your Old-Fashioned Family Reunion celebrates your family’s history and shares a slice of Niagara’s history in the process! If you hold your family reunion with us, your day will include heritage crafts for young and old, historic table games and children’s games, a “family history scavenger hunt”, a “trace your family interactive map,” the creation of a “your family today video,” and more!
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.
New Season, New Opportunity
A portion of what makes up the Short Hills provincial park was a part of the original 900 acre land grants that were given to John Brown. We are excited to have the opportunity to explore ways we can reconnect the Homestead to the park through our programing. We already know there are bits of Brown Family history hiding within the park, such as the Brown family graveyard!
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!