Over two centuries of history. Four different families. A house that has endured many changes to meet the needs of each new generation. Join Sara Nixon to explore many layers that together make up The Brown Homestead, and which have laid the foundations for its role as a community gathering space.

Sara Nixon is the Director of Community Engagement at The Brown Homestead. Raised in Grimsby, Sara grew up fascinated with the local history that surrounded her. She earned a Masters degree in Public History at Carleton University and has built a career in the museum and heritage fields over the past decade. Sara also currently serves as Chair of the Grimsby Heritage Advisory Committee.

Explore Grimsby’s rich natural environment through the lens of birds, plants, and local ecosystems with naturalist Bruce Mackenzie. This talk highlights the Grimsby Wetlands and hawks in flight over Grimsby, offering insight into the region’s biodiversity and conservation efforts. Bruce is an active naturalist and former conservation land manager who has worked with organizations including the Hamilton Naturalists’ Club, Niagara Peninsula Hawkwatch, Niagara Escarpment Commission, and Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority. He currently serves as Project Coordinator of the Grimsby Wetlands for the Hamilton Naturalists’ Club.

Presented in partnership with the Rotary Club of Grimsby.

Presentation introduces the newly incorporated City of Hamilton where the McQuestens made their home, and how the family faced economic, health, political and technological changes. 

It will feature stories from the founding of industry, expanding artistic talents, personal sacrifice and the international legacy of political involvement.  The McQuesten story is connected to elements of Hamilton that still enrich the community today, including civil infrastructure, educational opportunities, and access to greenspace.

Join 300+ hours of movement across Niagara in support of local kids. From cycling and swimming to jumping and bowling, every move helps create access to YMCA programs where children can grow, lead, thrive, and belong.

Join us at the Grimsby Museum on Saturday April 11 at 1pm as we explore the infamous, notorious “Townsend Gang” member, Mr. William Townsend; his upbringing, criminal career, how he was eventually caught, and how he manipulated his way out of being found guilty in 2 sensational Niagara murder trials in the 1850’s, presented by guest speaker Jodi Campbell.

The Scouts and Venturers will be working very hard to help raise funds for their trip to Switzerland this summer and this dinner was a huge success last year.