"Hancocks Resolution, A Narrow Escape from the Lion” by Pamela Patrick White. COURTESY HANCOCKS RESOLUTION.

This Saturday, Aug. 21, from 10 a.m. To 4 p.m., explore how the War of 1812 touched Anne Arundel County, Maryland, at the Hancocks Resolution historic site. If you haven’t been there, expect a small but historic home that’s modest, along with some acreage that includes 19th century-style gardens.

See history brought to life as “Ship’s Company,” a living history organization, reenacts naval and artillery maneuvers. Experience “Escape from the Lion” a reenactment of sailors abandoning the Privateer Schooner Lion to prevent British capture. Talk with the soldiers and see what their lives were like. Learn about the farms role in the war. Relive the sounds of the past as the “Chanteymen” perform maritime tunes. Admission $10 per family or $5 a person.  Inclement Weather may force cancellation of any or all events. Call 410-255-4048.

Note that the painting shown, by award-winning artist, Pamela Patrick White, has contributed to the preservation of Hancock’s Resolution with her latest release, “Hancocks Resolution, A Narrow Escape from the Lion.” The painting depicts the historic homestead as it might have appeared during the War of 1812, and its possible involvement in rescuing sailors escaping from the Lion of Baltimore, an American vessel destroyed by the British off Bodkin Creek. Limited edition signed & numbered prints are available (23″x16″). Proceeds will benefit the Hancock’s Resolution Foundation.

Pamela Patrick White specializes in accurate depictions of life in 18th century America, and its diverse people. To view her work, visit her website at www.ppatrickwhite.com or call the studio at 410-247-8886.

A player from the Great Voices event. PHOTO COURTESY THE GLEANER.

Our Canadian friends just can’t seem to get over the War of 1812. In many ways, it seems almost akin to the Lost Cause sentiment expressed by some Southerners when discussing the American Civil War. But let’s just be clear here, that for all intents and purposes, the Canadians won their facet of the War of 1812 by maintaining their independence from the United States invaders. Kind of inspiring, eh?

That said, we came across this post from the Gleaner Community Newspapers in the Toronto area, which describes an upcoming and informative play about a local battle. If you’ll be in the area, it sounds like a great event, or else read this story to get a fresh Canadian perspective on 1812:

‘Great Voices’ at Festival at the Fort

By Beth Macdonell

On now through Aug. 22, Festival at the Fort presents Great Voices, a play that tells the story of the Battle of York during the war of 1812 between America and British Canada.

Written by columnist and author Rick Salutin, Great Voices is an enriching and fun journey into one of the most violent periods between the Yankees and the Canucks.

Arriving at the fort, the audience is encouraged to stroll through the grounds before taking their seats on benches by the campfire. As you listen to bagpipes clash with the city soundscape and admire two centuries-old British military buildings, the play begins. The audience is told to “forget the Gardiner, forget the sounds of traffic.”

Instead, you are to imagine it’s the spring of 1813, and America has just decided to attack.

The article continues here.

General Hull surrendering Fort Detroit to the British.

Detroit may have seen better days since the fall of the auto industry. In 1812 Detroit had a “fall” of another kind, when General William Hull surrendered Detroit to the British under Sir Issac Brock on August 16. This surrender by the former Revolutionary War hero enabled the British to gain control of the entire Michigan Territory. This was a dismal turn of events for the United States, which had envisioned itself liberating Canada from the British. Instead, the “upstart nation” found itself invaded and defeated, with a huge swath of territory lost. On September 29, 1813, the Northwest Army under General William Henry Harrison would retake Detroit.

“War of 1812 is an elegant strategy wargame depicting the Anglo-American struggle to control the Great Lakes and Canada.

War of 1812 sets up in five minutes and plays in 1-2 hours. This classic game has been enjoyed by thousands of gamers for over 30 years.

Unit types in this edition include artillery, cavalry, infantry, and navies. The map board is unchanged from previous editions.

Read what others are saying about this game on BoardgameGeek.”

According to the publisher, “When playing 1812, it is generally better to concentrate forces. This allows a player to attack or defend in strength. But some division of forces is necessary to control key towns such as naval bases, wintering and reinforcement towns, etc. Beware of wintering attrition, especially in enemy territory.

The burden of attack generally falls on the American player in 1812. It is best for him to concentrate his efforts on one or two of the four major fronts: Detroit, Niagara, Kingston, and Champlain. Trying to mount an attack on three or four fronts simultaneously is usually futile. During 1813, the American must make decisive gains because of the large number of reinforcements the British receive for 1814.

The British player is usually forced to remain on the defensive, at least until mid-1813. However, some limited offense to force the American to respond, such as an aggressive western campaign with the assistance of the Indians may buy valuable time. Protection of Montreal and Quebec is crucial since they are worth 9 VPs. Control of the lakes is often decisive.”

This game sounds like an interesting way to experience 1812 strategy first-hand.

The battle of Bladensburg. COURTESY NATIONAL PARKS SERVICE.

The 15th Annual Battle of Bladensburg Encampment was held Saturday, August 14, starting at noon. British and American War of 1812 troops camped  on the lawn at Riversdale House to prepare for the battle.  There are children’s activities and live music through the afternoon. The Riversdale Kitchen Guild sold period-inspired refreshments and demonstrated “Cooking for a Crowd” as part of the Seasonal Selections program. You can read more about the event at Riversdale Patch or  at www.riversdale.org

Pride of Baltimore II. PHOTO COURTESY PRIDE OF BALTIMORE II.

Replicas of several 1812-era tall ships will be visiting Lake Erie in September not only as ambassadors of history, but also bringing a more modern message.

The Flagship Niagara League announced the names of the eight tall ships visiting Erie for the Tall Ships festival Sept. 9-12. The announcement was delivered July 14 at the Erie Maritime Museum.

The U.S. Brig Niagara, built in 1988 and sponsored by Logistics Plus, is a reconstruction of Oliver Hazard Perry’s warship that won the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812. Niagara’s mission is to interpret War of 1812 history, promote Pennsylvania and Erie and to preserve the skills of square-rig seafaring.

Also on hand for the event will be the Pride of Baltimore II. Visitors will be able to board the ships and learn about their history.

But the voyage and visit also has a a foot—or perhaps an anchor—planted in the 21st century with an environmental message.

According to the Pride II organization: “The 2010 sailing season will take Pride of Baltimore II to the Great Lakes.  Pride II will join a fleet of 15+ tall ships racing through the five Great Lakes, making port appearances in cities throughout the U.S. and Canada.  In addition to promoting sail training, the vessels will also be sailing to promote water conservation education.

“The Great Lakes is the largest body of fresh water in the world.  Despite their immensity, the lakes are a fragile ecosystem susceptible to degradation.  Tall ships represent one of the most sustainable forms of transportation.  Join Pride of Baltimore II as we help carry the message of water conservation from Maryland through the Great Lakes.”

Eel River Battlefield - War of 1812 Marker. Courtesy Historical Marker Database.

It’s fun to see which local ones you may have missed or overlooked. Or, you can search by topic …. Such as “1812.” Here’s one I stumbled across for the battle of Eel River in Indiana: “After General William Henry Harrison relieved Fort Wayne, he ordered Colonel James Simrall in September 1812 to prevent further Miami Indian attacks in the area. The Miamis fled as troops destroyed villages, crops, and supplies along Eel River; Miamis then stood to fight a losing battle on this site.

Erected 2001 by Installed 2001 Indiana Historical Bureau and Youth of First Presbyterian Church.”

Another nice feature of this site is that you can take your time and read the inscription. Recently, while driving around Maryland’s Eastern Shore, I came across a marker for an 1812 site I hadn’t seen before. Unfortunately, I created a bit of a traffic hazard when I pulled over to read it. (It didn’t help that there was a storm coming on and it was starting to rain.) Later, I was able to revisit this site online.

Of course, as we all now, roadside historical markers come with the caveat that 1) they are not always accurate, because sometimes they were erected decades ago and they have not been updated with the latest research and 2) historical markers are not always located in the actual area where the event took place because it was more convenient to erect them on the roadside. They are usually close, however.

The battle of Plattsburgh.

This is a difficult era for small museums both in terms of falling attendance and funding. However, the overall picture hasn’t daunted the spirit of the War of 1812 Museum in Plattsburgh, N.Y. Here is a look at how the museum plans to expand overall. Perhaps some of the War of 1812 buffs out there can help.

The original article appears at the Press Republican website:

By JEFF MEYERS

Staff Writer

PLATTSBURGH — As the Battle of Plattsburgh Association expands at the War of 1812 Museum, officials need financial support from the community.

“We’re a business that happens to be a museum,” said Museum Manager Kristina Parker-Wingler. “We want people to come in and experience the history that we have to offer, but we also rely a lot on our gift-shop sales.”

Besides sales revenue, the museum raises funds through donations and fees from its 250 members.

Admission is free, though a donation box is available for any visitors wishing to help the museum meet its financial needs.

Officials have begun a 2010 capital campaign to raise funds for the museum’s continued expansion.

A donation of $1,000 or more is eligible as a direct credit toward New York state income tax.

Contributors can claim 25 percent of their donations, but those must be made by the end of June to be eligible for the 2010 tax year.

In addition, contributions may be listed as charitable donations on both state and federal tax returns.

Parker-Wingler advises people to speak with their financial advisers about pending legislation that may discontinue the Empire Zone tax-credit program as of June 29.

For more information, call the museum office at 566-1814. Donations can be sent to the Batle of Plattsburgh Association at 31 Washington Road, Plattsburgh, N.Y. 12903 or by visiting the association’s web site at www.battleofplattsburgh.org and donating by credit card.

Below, here is the Q&A section on the new plate from Maryland’s Motor Vehicle Administration:

Questions and Answers for the War of 1812 Plate

Q.1: When will the War of 1812 standard plate be available?

A.1: Beginning June 14, 2010, the War of 1812 plate (right) will replace the black and white standard issue plate, for all passenger, trucks, disability, motorcycles, motorcycle disability and multipurpose vehicles. This new plate will be issued through June 2015.

Q2: Is the War of 1812 plate replacing all of the black and white plates? Is this considered replating?

A2: No, the War of 1812 plate is not replacing all black and white standard plates. If you already have standard black and white plates, you will keep them. As not all plates are being replaced, this is not considered replating.

Q3: I want to get the new War of 1812 standard plate. If I wait until it’s time to renew my registration, will there be a fee?

A3: Yes, you will be charged an additional substitute tag fee of $20.00 in addition to your renewal fee.

Q4: If I am purchasing a new vehicle after June 14, 2010, what will be the standard plate issued for my vehicle and is there an additional cost?

A4: The War of 1812 plate will be issued as the standard plate for all passenger, trucks, and multipurpose vehicles. There is no additional cost other than your regular registration fee.

Q5: Can the 1812 plate be transferred to a different class vehicle (i.e. passenger vehicle to a truck)?  Can the plate be repurchased like the Chesapeake Bay and Agricultural plate?

A5: You can keep your 1812 plate by repurchasing it on your new vehicle. The fee is the same as if you purchased a plate at the time of titling. You cannot transfer a plate to a vehicle that has a different classification.

Q6:  Will a new issuance personalized plate be on the War of 1812 stock?

A6: All personalized standard passenger, multipurpose, disability, motorcycles, and motorcycle disability vehicles will receive the new standard War of 1812 plate. Trailers, Street Rod, and Historic vehicles will continue to be printed on the black and white plate. In addition, you can continue to receive an Agricultural or Chesapeake Bay personalized plate upon request.

Q7:  If I already have a personalized plate and want to re-order it on the War of 1812 stock, will I have to pay a fee?

A7: Yes. A fee of $20.00 is required to replace a personalized plate.

Royal Marines attacking Havre de Grace. Courtesy the Lock House Museum.

Up at the top of Chesapeake Bay, the town of Havre de Grace is hosting an 1812 event this weekend, May 1. In the past, this has been a worthwhile event and kid friendly for all those young history buffs! You can read the article at the local community blog, The Cecil Observer:

On a sunny May afternoon nearly 200 years to the day since it was sacked and burned by the British, the town of Havre de Grace will be captured all over again this weekend.

The Lock House Museum on the Susquehanna River plans to host its annual War of 1812 reenactment event this Saturday, May 1, with a living history encampment, historical programs — and a battle or two.

With a little imagination, visitors can envision what the attack early on the morning of May 4, 1813, was like as the British landed to ransack and burn the town.

The town was put to the torch in 1813 with a substantial property loss. The attack was surprisingly bloodless, probably because most of the fifty or sixty American militia soldiers ran after a few shots were exchanged. The British lost three killed and two wounded. One American was killed when he was beheaded by a Congreve rocket.

The attack gave rise to one of the town’s most enduring legends. A monument at the base of the Concord Point lighthouse features a badly weathered cannon set into a chunk of Port Deposit granite. A bronze plaque honors John O’Neill for his defense of the city. It adds that his daughter, Matilda, obtained her father’s release from Cockburn’s ship after he was captured. Cockburn supposedly gave her a gold snuffbox. The plaque also mentions that the citizens of Philadelphia later presented O’Neill with a sword for his heroism. Another historical marker at the water’s edge notes that O’Neill manned a gun battery on high ground nearby.

The attack early on May 3 caught the townspeople by surprise. According to an account published in the Baltimore Sun in 1959 and written by Catherine O’Neill Gunther – great-granddaughter of the man who became the hero of the battle – the British launched their attack with a fifteen-minute bombardment by nineteen barges. Rockets exploded and shells burst overhead. That terrifying show of firepower was enough to discourage any serious resistance from the local militia.

Come and watch American and British forces drill and train throughout the day in preparation for the attack on Havre de Grace later that afternoon.  Listen to historical lectures on the event and interact with the re-enactors in a variety of activities.  The event culminates with a Star Spangled Banner presentation by the Fort McHenry Guard — the unfurling of a full-sized replica of the flag that flew over the fort during the War of 1812

Schedule

10:00 AM                   Morning Gun – Event Begins

10:30 AM                   Militia and US Marine Drill

11:30 AM                   Cannon firing

12:00 Noon              Troops stand down for Lunch

1:00 PM                     Discussion of Background of War of 1812

1:30 PM                    “The John O’Neill Perspective”

2:00 PM                     Militia Pre-Attack Activities

2:30 PM                   Attack on Havre De Grace

3:30 PM                     Star Spangled Banner Presentation

4:00 PM                     Event ends