Sign up for the War of 1812 Symposium in Oswego March 31

Come to the American Foundry on state Route 104 West in Oswego for an intriguing series of lectures about the War of 1812 on the New York-Canadian Frontier. The day-long symposium runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 31.  Eight speakers will talk about a variety of War of 1812 topics, including naval and military logistics, society and fashion in the early 19th century, historic preservation, service organizations and the Native American perspective.

“Attack of Fort Oswego, on Lake Ontario, North America.” May 6, 1814.

Drawn by Captain Steele and engraved by R. Havell & Sons, c. 1814 (click the image for a large, detailed view.)  Capt. Steele was on board one of the British ships and an eyewitness to the attack.

Image is courtesy of the Collection of Paul Lear.

Noted historian Dr. Gary Gibson will return to the Oswego County War of 1812 Symposium to paint a colorful picture of life in Sackets Harbor in 1812. His presentation, “Society, Sex and Scandal: Sackets Harbor in the War of 1812,” offers a glimpse of this quaint little village beyond war maneuvers and ship-building.  “During the War of 1812, life in Sackets Harbor was not limited to building warships, housing soldiers or beating off British attacks,” said Dr. Gibson. “Society was enhanced by the presence of many military and naval officers. However, village life was also augmented by the merchants, tavern keepers and prostitutes who accommodated them. Local history is filled with fascinating stories about spies and espionage, court-martials and executions, labor disputes and duels, gala balls and sham marriages. All of these things contributed to a residential experience that was vastly different from what had been before and what would come after.”

Registration is $25 and includes lunch and workshop materials. Advance registration is required and may be paid by credit card through the Fort Ontario State Historic Site. Contact Jon Zella at 315-343-4711 on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., or by e-mail at fortontariointern@gmail.com. Checks should be made payable to Friends of Fort Ontario Inc. and mailed to Fort Ontario State Historic Site,

1 East Fourth Street, Oswego, N.Y. 13126

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