The Homestead Journal
Reflecting on Heritage in Ontario
The amendments made to the Ontario Heritage Act under Bill 23 has only exacerbated the issues facing our province’s heritage sector. In Niagara, it’s no different: our heritage is at risk. Lately, the TBH team has been reflecting on the state of heritage in Niagara. How do we best protect, preserve, and promote our collective heritage in a meaningful way while still addressing the broader needs of our communities? How can we ensure the past holds a relevant place in a community’s present and future? What tools are required to do this work effectively? Read on for our reflections and suggestions.
Christmas in the Kitchen: Fruitcake Edition
Join our Administrative Coordinator Pamela Dungao as she pens a delightful journey full of nostalgia, head-scratching historical research, and triumphant cakey-goodness at The Brown Homestead this holiday season.
Digging Into My New Job
Our new Community Engagement Coordinator Sara Nixon reflects on her first few weeks on the job, which coincided with an archaeological dig at the site.
“While it’s safe to say that this was likely a once-in-a-career onboarding process, taking part in the dig during my first two weeks here offered an entirely novel learning experience in getting to know The Brown Homestead and how I will approach my work here.”
Indigenous Canada
This year our staff took the Indigenous Canada course designed by the University of Alberta. In the lead-up to Indigenous Peoples Day next week, our staff wanted to share some of their thoughts as they walked away from these modules with a better understanding of the different histories and perspectives of Indigenous peoples throughout Canada.
Fornello Sustainable Preservation: Connecting to Culture
The Fornello Sustainable Preservation Workshop is a great example of heritage preservation in action. Read along as our Director of Programming, Theresa Felicetti, explores her roots in Southern Italy and connects the experience to her current work at The Brown Homestead.
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.
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.
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.“
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.
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.
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.
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.
Into the Unknown
Being taught to seek opportunities when faced with areas of unfamiliarity, is enriching and feels like a thousand doors being opened instead of a thousand doors being closed. It regularly leads me to new perspectives, discoveries, ideas, and people. It’s a fulfilling feeling and one that I am excited to share with others. By keeping education at it’s core, JBHF’s goal is to invite the local community into their process, to learn and grow together, and to continue to discover and foster the myriad of benefits our heritage sites can offer.