The Homestead Journal
Come Grow With Us
As part of our Victory Garden program this year, we have created a series of videos explaining the process of growing seedlings at home. Once the seedlings are planted in May, come out to the Victory Garden to learn more about how to help your vegetables flourish!
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.
The Big Reveal
Well, we’ve gone and done it… we’ve updated the interior of the oldest house in St. Catharines…
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.
Mapping The Brown Homestead
Our latest exhibit uses GIS technology to present our historical research about The Brown Homestead.
Taking Action on Reconciliation
Today marks the second annual observance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada. For us at The Brown Homestead, it is a day of both reflection and action.
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.“
Doors Open 2022
You are invited to join us as we once again open the doors of the oldest house in St. Catharines to the public.
“No Job Less Enviable”: Surgeons and the Battle of Lundy’s Lane
When the sun rose over Lundy’s Lane on the 26th of July, 1814, the light washed over a battlefield that had experienced an immense amount of bloodshed.
“The Most Determined Spirit of Hostility”: The Brown Family in the War of 1812
John and Magdalena Brown found refuge in Niagara following the American Revolution, but their children would soon be embroiled in yet another conflict, the War of 1812.
The Good Ol’ Canadian Hockey Game
For many Canadians, hockey is a part of our identity. The Brown Homestead has seen its share of both victory and heartbreak when it comes to the good ol’ hockey game …
Rooted in History
“We do not need to look to the far distant past before we find ancestors who were tied to the soil …”
The History of Brown
A short history of brown and its very, very important place in our world and society.
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.
An Inclement Journey Across Niagara, 1803
Francis Goring traveled through the entire Niagara peninsula on foot every winter from 1803-1808, delivering letters for his employer.
Producing Potash at Rockway
In the early 19th century, Rockway Conservation area was a bustling with working people, home to a potashery at the Fifteen Mile Falls.
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.