Twenty years ago, a heritage property in Queenston that was rescued from the threat of demolition began a new chapter in its history as a place where people would learn not only to cherish the past, but how to preserve it for generations to come.
Today, the School of Restoration Arts at Willowbank in Niagara-on-the-Lake is one of a handful of educational programs in the country that’s teaching people the ins and out of preserving and restoring historical buildings and other heritage sites.
This fall, the Willowbank school is celebrating 20 years since its foundation in 2006, with plans to invite the public onto its 13-acre property to tour the 19th-century Willowbank Estate, learn more about what the school does and take part in day-long activities — including an evening concert.
“We’re delighted to welcome the community to this celebration,” said Katie Houghton, Willowbank’s executive director.
The estate building itself was built between 1832 and 1834 for Alexander Hamilton, son of Robert Hamilton, one of the founders of Upper Canada. In the early 2000s, it faced the threat of demolition or commercialization.
In response, NOTL resident Laura Dodson created the Friends of Willowbank, which helped to raise more than $1 million to buy the property and turn it into the School of Restoration Arts it is today. It was designated a National Historic Site in 2003 and began operating as a school three years later.
The 20th anniversary celebration is set for Saturday, Sept. 19, with a free community afternoon gathering being held from 1 to 5 p.m. It’ll feature heritage demonstrations, an artisan market, activities for children and tours of the school’s Indigenous Love Garden, used to grow sacred medicines: tobacco, cedar, sage and sweetgrass.
“This day will be a celebration of all things heritage, including local artisans, vendors, and faculty sharing their skills with the community,” Houghton said.
Then, in the evening, Willowbank will host the Woodshed Orchestra for a performance from 6 to 9 p.m., with a mix of jazz, blues, R&B, soul Balkan and Klezmer influenced-music. Tickets for that concert are $20.
All the proceeds from the celebration will go toward supporting the school’s goal of restoring its historic manor house and allow everyone to safely access the third floor, which the school hopes to use for teaching, learning and community uses.
Willowbank is looking to raise up to $193,000 for the project — that amount is going to be matched by Parks Canada, which is pledging to support the project. This means the school could have up to $386,000 for its restoration efforts.
“We hope to welcome you to Willowbank, whether you’re new or returning. This is a very special place and everyone is welcome,” Houghton said.
