Welcome to Brubacher House at the University of Waterloo!
Brubacher House is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the traditional territory of the Attawandaron (Neutral), Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Explore local history with a tour of the restored 1850s Pennsylvania German Mennonite farmhouse and four square garden. Participate in an Artist-in-Residence program or book our event space for your own private event. Enjoy a nature walk on nearby trails around beautiful Columbia Lake and Laurel Creek. Experience the digital exhibit, Life Upstairs. We look forward to your visit!
Events
Home Routes folk concert: Shawna Caspi
SHAWNA CASPI is a folk-roots singer-songwriter who can make a room full of people feel like they’re hanging out with an old friend in a plush corner booth. She takes her time crafting lyrics that are poetic and meaningful, often using unusual rhymes and surprising turns of phrase. Shawna spent years on the road, playing festivals and concert halls, train cars, backyards, and living rooms, supporting her warm voice with intricate fingerstyle guitar accompaniment, and drawing energy from shifting landscapes and long drives through Canada and the United States. Her songs resonate with stories that are relatable, but told in new and unexpected ways. This is music that makes an authentic human connection, that conveys a sense of closeness, of being understood, of feeling less alone. Her latest album, Hurricane Coming, was nominated for a Canadian Folk Music Award and
an Ontario Folk Music Award. Shawna is currently working on her next album, slated for release in 2027.
News
2025-26 Artists-in-Residence: Janna Martin and Amir Al-Azraki
Janna Martin and Amir Al-Azraki rehearse for reconciliation through Forum Theatre.
From Shore to Shore poetry book launch
The old summer kitchen of Brubacher House was filled with warmth and excitement on Sunday evening, February 1st, as local Mennonite history enthusiasts, members of the literary community, and friends and family of Hannah Gardiner and Jakob-Michael Stephan gathered to celebrate the launch of their first book, From Shore to Shore: Ukrainian Mennonite Poetry in Translation.
Open Call for Poems
Do you or your relatives have self-composed German Mennonite poetry that you’re interested in sharing with the community? We’d love to hear from you!