Brian Wood, long-time curator of the Bell Homestead National Historic Site, will retire from the City of Brantford on January 30, 2026.
Wood, who has been at the Homestead for the last 37 years, addressed his upcoming retirement.
“It has been an incredible privilege to spend my career preserving and sharing the story of the Bell family and the Bell Homestead,” said Wood. “This place has always been about more than history, it’s about creativity, connection, and community. I’m grateful to the many colleagues, volunteers, and visitors who helped bring these stories to life over the years.”
For nearly four decades, Wood played a central role in shaping the Bell Homestead NHS into a nationally recognized cultural and educational destination, preserving its legacy while bringing the story of Alexander Graham Bell and his family to life for generations of visitors. During his tenure, Wood introduced curriculum-based educational programming for school field trips and children’s day camps, significantly expanding the Bell Homestead NHS’s role as a learning destination. In recognition of this work, the Bell Homestead NHS received the Ontario Historical Society’s Museum Award of Excellence for Education for its Students as Museum Professionals program for Grades 7 and 8.
“Brian’s impact on the Bell Homestead and our community cannot be overstated,” said Kevin Davis, Mayor for the City of Brantford. “Through his passion, scholarship, and commitment to public history, Brian helped transform the Bell Homestead into a place of learning, discovery, and pride for Brantford and beyond. On behalf of City Council, we are deeply grateful for his extraordinary service and wish him the very best in his retirement.”
On June 28, 1997, following a successful submission to the National Historic Sites and Monuments Board, the Bell Homestead NHS was officially designated a Canadian National Historic Site, a milestone commemorated by a visit from the late Queen Elizabeth II during which the official plaque was unveiled.
Wood also led the acquisition and preservation of original Bell family letters and oral histories that formed the basis of four published volumes of My Dear Aleck: The Selected Letters of the Bell Family, now available for purchase at the museum store. These materials played a key role in restoring rooms within the historic family home to accurately interpret daily life of the Bell family in the 1870s.
In addition, Wood acquired numerous original family artifacts from descendants of Alexander and Mabel Bell, including personal items, furniture, ivory miniatures, sketchbooks and portraits painted by the inventor’s mother, Eliza. These include paintings of Aleck and his brothers as boys in Scotland, as well as landscapes that remain integral to the museum’s collection today. More recently, Brian led the redesign and undertook the installation of the museum’s new modern telephone gallery in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the telephone.
Beyond the Bell Homestead NHS, Wood helped re-establish the Brant Museums and Galleries Association to foster collaboration among local museums and galleries. He also partnered with former MPP Dave Levac to designate Highway 403 between Hamilton and Woodstock as the Alexander Graham Bell Parkway and played a key role in developing many of the community’s beloved special events, including the Summer Music Series, Summer Theatre Festival, Candlelight Christmas tours and more.
To celebrate Wood’s legacy, the community is invited to register for Brian Wood’s Last Call Bell Homestead Tour and Tea this month. Limited tours are available to offer visitors a final opportunity to experience the historic home through the perspective of the curator who helped shape its interpretation for nearly four decades. Each tour will include the sharing of career highlights while enjoying treats and non-alcoholic refreshments in The Exchange Café.
The Tour and Tea are $20 per person (including taxes) and will be offered on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Thursday, January 15, 2026 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Space is limited to 10 people per tour. Registration is available on a first-come, first-served basis online at www.Brantford.ca/ACTIVEnet or by calling 519-756-6220. Learn more about the Bell Homestead NHS, book a tour and find upcoming special events at Brantford.ca/BellHomestead or by calling 519-756-6220.
The City of Brantford is also extremely pleased to welcome Robert Stanczyk, who assumed the role of Curator at the Bell Homestead NHS effective on Monday, January 5, 2026.
