The Homestead Journal
Christmas Through the Years
Why do we cut down evergreen trees and put them in our living rooms every December? Why do people kiss under the mistletoe? And what is plum pudding, anyway? In this episode, we explore the curious origins of our Christmas traditions with domestic historian and historic interpreter Meg Grimsmo from the Nelles Manor Museum.
Deck the Halls with Boughs of ... Oranges?
Are you looking for a fun family activity this holiday season? Something artsy with a vintage flair? Well look no further! This instructional “how-to” article will explain how to make your own traditional Christmas decorations - like we did.
En Plein Air
We recently had the pleasure of hosting a group of local painters at The Brown Homestead - the Niagara Plein Air Artists.
What To Do About Watson
In this episode, we dig into the complicated question of what to do about the controversial statue to Private Alexander Watson in front of St. Catharines City Hall.
“The Worst in the World!”
We often find ourselves imagining what it was like to travel these same routes100 years ago… 200 years ago… 500 years ago…
Cemetery Life
How cemeteries, as historical sites, help us celebrate life and shape a better future.
Anarchy 2.0
Discussing the future of heritage conservation with the Museum Anarchist himself, Franklin Vagnone.
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.
The Loyalist Legacy
Delving into the enigma of the Loyalists: who they were and what they can teach us about the present and future.
A Very Short History of The Brown Homestead
In our inaugural episode, we share A Very Short History of The Brown Homestead.
Welcome to the Open Door Podcast
The Open Door is a brand new podcast presented by The Brown Homestead.
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.