Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario – On behalf of the Honourable Peter Kent, Canada’s Environment Minister and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, the Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., Member of Parliament for Niagara Falls, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, today marked the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 at Fort George National Historic Site. As part of a special evening ceremony, Minister Nicholson unveiled a new visitor exhibit at the fort.
“Our Government is proud to mark the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 with authentic, powerful and moving programs,” said Minister Nicholson. “The new experiences being unveiled today at Fort George are designed to touch the hearts and minds of visitors at this treasured national historic site.”
Canada would not exist had the American invasion of 1812-14 not been repelled and for that reason, the War of 1812 was a defining chapter in Canadian history. To commemorate these events, Parks Canada is revealing three new visitor experiences at Fort George National Historic Site. With $500,000 in funding provided by Canada’s Economic Action Plan, a new, interactive War of 1812 exhibit was constructed in Blockhouse 1. In partnership with High Fidelity HDTV, the Government of Canada has invested $1.25 million to produce a new six-part documentary TV series featuring a selection of the heroes of the War of 1812, including Sir Isaac Brock, “The saviour of Upper Canada.” Using $400,000 in funds provided by the 1812 Commemoration Fund, Son et Lumière has created a new sound and light show that will offer our visitors the opportunity to experience the dramatic essence of the War of 1812.
“The dramatic events of the War of 1812 tell the story of how a fiery conflict with an uncertain outcome brought forth unity, bravery and perseverance,” said Minister Kent “By commemorating these events Parks Canada hopes to create for all Canadians a heightened sense of connection and pride in their shared history and values as a nation.”
“The 200th anniversary of the War is an important milestone leading up to the 150th anniversary of Canada’s Confederation in 2017,” said Minister Moore. “We invite all Canadians to participate in the commemoration and connect with a defining part of our heritage, by learning more about our past and the heroes that helped shape our country.
With more than twenty War of 1812 sites, Parks Canada is the leading presenter of historic experiences from this pivotal era in North American history. For the next three years, these sites where War of 1812 history still echoes will resonate with authentic and stirring programs to capture the imagination, engage the senses and inspire discovery among our visitors. Parks Canada invites Canadians to personally experience many of the most important landscapes, forts and buildings related to the War of 1812 at Parks Canada’s national historic sites.
