Special Events 2008 Schedule
Special Events at Fort Meigs are sponsored by the Old Northwest Military History Association, Smoke & Fire Co., and the Campaign for Fort Meigs.
Hearthside Cooking Class
April 5, 2008
Experience life in an 1812 kitchen! Learn how to cook on a hearth with period kitchen tools. Participants will help prepare period recipes to go along with a lunch. Class members will eat the meal at the end of the class. Cost is $25 per person. $20 for OHS members. Call (800) 283-8916 to reserve your space.
Yesteryear's Essentials:
Material Culture for War of 1812 Reenacting Conference
April 19 - 20, 2008
Fort Meigs partners with Smoke & Fire Co. to explore the intricacies of clothing and fashion of the early republic in this informative and entertaining conference. Knowledgeable presenters will discuss many facets on men and women's clothing of the time period. Sessions include a period fashion show, a fashion parade of hats and a presentation on uniforms of the time period. Cost of registration includes sessions on Saturday and a guided tour of the fort. A Sunday clothing workshop is available at an additional fee.
And in conjunction with Yesteryear's Essentials:
Fort Meigs Cannon Convergence
This brand new event focuses on various aspects of muzzle loading artillery. Lectures range from a history of War of 1812 artillery to tips and tricks on researching cannon tubes, carriages, and more! Guest lecturers include Matt Switlik, Rob Trumbull, and John Morris. Sunday, blacksmith Randy Wolfe demonstrates how to create tools and implements used with muzzle loading artillery pieces. A special Friday afternoon treat awaits for those who arrive early. Bob Gillmor, of Gillmor Ordinance, will be pouring a 3 pound bronze cannon tube!
$50 per person. $45 for OHS members. Fee covers both programs.
Pre-registration is required by calling (800) 766-5334 or visit www.smoke-fire.com.
War on the Home Front: 1000 A.D. vs. 1813
April 26 - 27, 2008
How have people's roles in conflict changed over time and between cultures? Learn about these differences by touring an authentic Viking encampment and a War of 1812 camp. Compare and contrast how two cultures prepared and sustained war efforts.
Join Viking re-enactors from the U.S., Canada, England, and Scotland as they recreate an authentic Viking encampment. See a 27-foot long Viking raiding boat, watch weapons demonstrations and battles, see spinning, weaving, and metal working. Listen to Viking stories and watch pewter casting. Tour a War of 1812 encampment to learn about the war effort during the War of 1812. See musket and artillery demonstrations. Try your hand at period activities and see a period bake oven in action.
Drums at the Rapids: Miniature War Gaming Conference
May 16 - 17, 2008
Fight epic battles on a small scale Friday and Saturday in the Visitor Center during our miniature war gaming event. Many time periods will be represented from Roman wars to WWII. Warfare on the land, sea, and air will be re-created on tabletop battlefields. Admission to participate is $12 per day of $18 for both days which includes admission to the site. Regular site admission applies for those who wish to watch but not participate.
So You Want to Be a Soldier?
May 17 - 18, 2008
Ever wonder what life was like for a soldier at Fort Meigs? Now is your chance to learn by being a soldier for the weekend. Your experience begins Saturday morning with your enlistment into the "militia." Throughout the weekend you will drill with soldiers, learn how to fire muskets and cannons, participate in "fatigues," cook a period meal and more! You can stay out with the soldiers on Saturday night in a period tent or book your own lodgings if you prefer. This hands-on immersion program is for adults only. Pre-registration is required by calling (800) 283-8916. $100 per person; $90 for OHS members.
First Siege 1813
May 24 - 25, 2008
The British are coming! United States and British soldiers as well as Woodland Indians recreate historic 1813 battles at Fort Meigs. See recreated battles, musket and artillery demonstrations, and camp life demonstrations. Returning this year is "1813 Patrol." Accompany a squad of American soldiers as they scout around the fort.
Memorial Day Commemoration
May 26, 2008
Join the staff and volunteers of Fort Meigs in honoring the men and women of our armed forces. War of 1812 soldiers and civilians reenact camp life throughout the day. A special wreath laying ceremony takes place at 2 p.m. at the Fort Meigs Monument. The ceremony ends with a wreath laying and musket salute at the Pennsylvania Monument.
Muster on the Maumee
June 14 - 15, 2008
See the evolution of the common soldier from the Roman Legionnaire through the 20th Century. Soldiers, artisans, and civilians give demonstrations throughout the weekend. Period military camps are open for visiting. Weapons demonstrations take place throughout each day. Try your hand at the "pike college" too! Period trades people offer their wares for sale and food is available from a variety of vendors. Co-sponsored by Smoke & Fire Co.
1813 Independence Celebration
July 4 - 6, 2008
The 4th of July at Fort Meigs was celebrated with cannon firings, toasts, music, and a day of leisure. War of 1812 soldiers and civilians will recreate this day through cannon firings, demonstrations, and hands-on activities for children. The highlight of the day is the eighteen-gun National Salute accompanied by toasts, and fife and drum music starting at 2 p.m. A War of 1812 living history encampment, weapons demonstrations, and more take place throughout the weekend.
Drums Along the Maumee
July 26 - 27, 2008
See and hear fife and drum corps from across the country play military music from the 1750s through the War of 1812. The musicians perform with authentic wooden fifes and rope tension drums. The visiting corps change each year. The music starts at 10 a.m. both days and the corps perform a massed ensemble at 4 p.m. each afternoon. War of 1812 soldiers and civilians will provide demonstrations of weapons, camp life and provide hands-on activities for children.
Frontier Skills Weekend
August 23 - 24, 2008
Blacksmithing, coopering, and tinsmithing are just a few historic skills that are considered lost arts today. In 1813 they were common skills learned by tradesmen. Come see these skills and learn about a different side of military and frontier life. Also see historic trades of the Native Americans and the fur trade. Watch historic trades people demonstrate their skills, shop for one-of-a-kind items, try your hand at frontier skills, see musket and cannon demonstrations and more!
A Day of Remembrance:
100th Anniversary of the Fort Meigs Monument
September 6, 2008
The Fort Meigs Monument has stood watch for 100 years and given mute testimony to the service and
sacrifice of the thousands of United States soldiers that defended Fort Meigs in 1813. Help us celebrate the 100th anniversary of this important monument. War of 1812 soldiers and American Civil War soldiers will represent the Grand Army of the Republic veterans that attended the dedication ceremonies on September 1, 1908. See musket and cannon demonstrations and try hands-on activities. A special rededication ceremony will take place in the afternoon.
Garrison Ghost Walk
October 17 - 18 & 24 - 25, 2008
Come to Fort Meigs for a "spirited" stroll this fall at the Garrison Ghost Walk. Tour the fort with your 1812 guide and encounter the spookier side of this historic place. The whole family will enjoy hearing tales from the past, and while the ghosts may not be real, the fun certainly is! Proceeds from this event go to the Old Northwest Military History Association. Reservations are required by calling (419) 874-4121.
The World at War: Miniature War Gaming Day
November 1, 2008
Come fight the War of 1812, World War I, and World War II all in one room! Miniature war gaming experts help you play more than 16 different war games and learn about this family friendly hobby. No experience is required and kids are welcome. Food will be available on site. Admission price includes the miniature war gaming and the museum. All new games this year!
Holiday Open House
December 14, 2008
Join us in the Visitor Center to celebrate the holidays. War of 1812 soldiers and civilians will be on hand to provide demonstrations and answer questions about the War of 1812 and camp life. Enjoy holiday music, hot cider and cookies, and hands-on activities. Try your hand at period dancing. We will provide instructions and no partner or experience is necessary. While you're here, shop our museum store for unique holiday gifts! New this year is tinsmithing demonstrations. Co-sponsored by the Campaign for Fort Meigs.