Heritage Without Borders: Global Lessons for Conservation at Home Artwork

The Open Door

The Open Door is about looking for ways to create a better future - by exploring the past. Host Andrew Humeniuk speaks with guests about historical issues that relate directly to our changing world, while sharing the journey to transform his ancestral homestead into a vital community space for today.

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The Open Door

Heritage Without Borders: Global Lessons for Conservation at Home

February 28, 2026 • The Brown Homestead • Season 5 • Episode 2

0:00 | 44:38

Heritage conservation doesn’t happen in isolation. The Brown Homestead’s Jessica Linzel and Theresa Felicetti reflect on their immersive summer programs in Italy and Scotland, and the lessons they’ve brought home to Niagara. From conserving cave frescoes to learning traditional building crafts, their conversation explores community building, generational knowledge, and slowing down in a culture driven by efficiency. As heritage in Ontario faces mounting threats, they consider how global perspectives can strengthen local advocacy.

A special note that this podcast episode was recorded outdoors on The Brown Homestead property on a summer's day. We invite you to imagine yourself at our pastoral historic site as you take in the background sounds of cicadas, birds, and the occasional passing car.

Interested in more conversations on heritage conservation? Check out Heritage is Living produced by the Niagara Trust for Canada. Available wherever you find your podcasts.