War Museum plans major exhibition for War of 1812 bicentennial

Ottawa, Ontario, October 12, 2011—The Canadian War Museum will mark the bicentennial of the War of 1812—a momentous event in Canadian history—with one of the largest and most innovative exhibitions it has ever produced. Four Wars of 1812 (working title) will weave together multiple perspectives on the conflict to produce a dramatic new account of the war. This groundbreaking exhibition will premiere at the War Museum in June 2012.

“The bicentennial of the War of 1812 is an opportunity for all Canadians to learn about, and reflect on, this seminal event in our nation’s military history,” said Mark O’Neill, President and CEO of the Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation, which includes the Canadian War Museum. “We are proud to make such a major contribution to this commemoration.”

Four Wars of 1812 will examine the causes and conduct of the war from the perspective of each of the four central participants: Canada, the United States, Britain and First Peoples. It will offer visitors a richer and deeper understanding of a conflict that helped shape Canada’s destiny to become the nation it is today.

The War of 1812 began when the United States declared war on Britain in response to British support for First Peoples resistance to American expansion, and British interference with American overseas trade. Unable to strike at Britain directly, the Americans repeatedly invaded Canada, which British regulars (members of the Royal Navy or British army), First Peoples warriors, and French- and English-speaking Canadian militia successfully defended. Canada survived the war to become a free and independent state.

Four Wars of 1812 will feature about 150 artifacts, including some exceptional pieces from the world-renowned collection of the Canadian War Museum, such as the tunic worn by Sir Isaac Brock—”The Hero of Upper Canada”—when he was fatally shot during the Battle of Queenston Heights.

In conjunction with the exhibition, the Canadian War Museum will also be producing travelling and virtual displays, as well as a companion publication.

Selected artifacts from the upcoming exhibition were on display today. These included a marker from the grave of a War of 1812 veteran; a drum from the Nova Scotia Fencibles (colonial regulars); and an Indian chief’s medal from 1814.

The Canadian War Museum is Canada’s national museum of military history. Its mission is to promote public understanding of Canada’s military history in its personal, national and international dimensions.

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