We hope this message finds you in good spirits and health, as we extend our Holiday greetings from The School of Restoration Arts at Willowbank.
As you may be aware, after a thorough review of all aspects of the School of Restoration Arts, the Board after due deliberation, courageously made the determination to pause the intake of students in September 2023, a standing down to assess and to plan for the future of the School, National Historic Site House and Estate. This was a painful decision for everyone in the Willowbank family. Yet the outpouring of passion and support for Willowbank that was previously latent reinvigorated the School, Board, faculty and staff, and a new first-year class of exceptional students began their studies this September. The healing process is well underway.
This is founded on a renewed commitment to the School’s Founder, Laura Dodson, Order of Canada, and her and the Niagara community’s valiant mission of restoring Willowbank which achieved National Historic Site designation in 2005, and welcomed the School’s first cohort in September 2006. As we enter into 2025, we “Strive for 2025”, to proudly proclaim our commitment to Laura’s original premise and promise a renewed School of Restoration Arts as a nationally significant place of academic excellence, a model National Historic Site and a nationally significant Place of Reconciliation. These are all within our grasp – with your support.
Our ambitious goal is to raise $250,000 each year over the next three years, funds for both operating costs and capital expenses, including the adaptive restoration of our historic site which includes the much-needed third-floor fire exit so that we can grow the School facility. Our nearly 200-year-old Manor House is in need of investment and crucially these repairs are becoming increasingly urgent. We are pleased to share that we already have a commitment of $25,000 each year, over the next three years, from Willowbank Board member Dr. Elizabeth Oliver-Malone. In May of this year, His Majesty King Charles III also chose to renew and retain the Royal Patronage of The School of Restoration Arts at Willowbank after a thorough analysis of over one thousand organisations. Further endorsement of Willowbank by His Majesty as Royal Patron highlights the recognition of the School’s innovative approach to heritage conservation, and its approach to the stewardship of historical places and sustainable communities.
Please consider joining Dr. Oliver-Malone, His Majesty King Charles III and others by contributing towards a sustainable Willowbank either through Canada Helps or directly to Willowbank at 14487 Niagara Parkway, Niagara-On-The-Lake, ON, L0S 1L0. We also accept e-transfers at willowbank@willowbank.ca Willowbank is a registered charity so you will receive a tax receipt, and you are welcome to designate your funds according to your preference. Canadian charitable registration number: 891476400RR0001.
Grandmother Jackie LaBonte (left) and Marie-Louise Bowering (far right), both advocates and leaders within the Indigenous Community, working with Truth and ReconciliACTION, celebrate the completion of the tear-dropped shape cairn at Willowbank, October. The cairn has been designed and created to honour the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Children. Willowbank faculty Dean McLellan (middle) led on the construction, volunteering his time and expertise, assisted by volunteer students. Perry Hartwick of Upper Canada Stone Company graciously donated the drystone. Photo credit: Suzanne McVicar.
LEFT: Class of ‘25 Willowbank students watch faculty expert and stone carver/sculptor, Danny Barber, carve a tudor rose out of limestone. Photo credit: Julia Hodgson.
RIGHT: Class of ‘25 install the final segment of elliptical archway in heritage carpentry class, under expert guidance from carpentry faculty Doug Vickers. Photo credit: Julia Hodgson.
We are grateful for your consideration to support the School of Restoration Arts at Willowbank and its educational campus. Our vision: Willowbank is the preeminent place where students from a wide range of backgrounds and disciplines learn the art and science of heritage conservation that honours our ancestors and informs our descendants of the value of our built and landscape inheritance, in Niagara, across Canada and around the world. We are committed to renewing the School and National Historic Site as exemplary models of meeting the challenges of activating heritage places for all people in the 21st century, and we look forward to you – our community – supporting this bold journey.
Thank you for your support.
Yours sincerely,
Clinton Brown, BA, M. Arch., FAIA
Chair (Interim)
The School of Restoration Arts at Willowbank
Willowbank Board member, Dr. Elizabeth Oliver-Malone, dresses up as former Willowbank resident, Hannah Jarvis, ca 1797 - 1888, to help bring the Estate’s history to life at the annual Ontario Heritage Trust’s province-wide event, Doors Open, October. Photo credit: Louie Iliadis.