Isabella B.

What was the most interesting thing you learned about your topic?

The most interesting thing that I learned is that all of the family homes and outbuildings were heated from the same plant source. Also, I found it interesting that the servants had to use a secret staircase in the mansion.

What important lessons have you learned that you want to share with other Canadians?

I think it is important for young people to have the opportunity to learn outside of the classroom and be able to explore and experience things first hand. Visiting an historical site is more meaningful than only learning about it through a screen or in a book.

How would you compare your life today to the lives of those studied in your project?

In the past, the O'Brien family were just getting introduced to cars being invented and one of the family members, John O'Brien (J. Leonard's father) was one of the first in New Brunswick to be killed in a car crash. Today, cars are used by almost every family to travel and there are more safety features in vehicles today to help better protect people in case of an accident.