Living history reenactors from Ontario, Quebec and the United States will return to the Glengarry Pioneer Museum in Dunvegan on September 24 and 25, where they will recreate life as it was in Upper and Lower Canada in the early 1800s.
Living up to its name as the best kept secret of the region, the 13th edition of the 1812 Living History weekend is the last big event of the 2022 season at the site in Dunvegan. Buildings at the Pioneer Museum will come alive as reenactors portray various aspects of civilian, business and military life in this region during the War of 1812 time period.
Surrounding the buildings, tented encampments will be scattered across the grounds – offering behind-the-scenes glimpses of military and civilian life. Tour around to see what’s cooking over the fires, hear live historical music being played, pop into the one-room schoolhouse to meet the school mistress, have your children visit the craft and game area and take part in a children’s military muster. Trades such as blacksmithing, rope making, weaving, and leatherwork will also be taking place.
If shopping is on your list, bring some cash, as unique vendors offering historic wares are always a mainstay of this event. Vendors will be offering an array of historical reproductions and clothing, leather goods, cast-iron cookware, maple syrup, fresh vegetables and fruit for sale. The historic Star Inn tavern will have three varieties of ale on tap by local Cassel Brewery. If there is a chill in the air, hot apple cider will also be available at the bar (non-alcoholic). Other food and refreshments will be available onsite each day.
Although some programming is still being finalized, Saturday at 1 p.m., outside the Star Inn tavern, there will be a presentation on early tavern games in Upper Canada. At 1:30 p.m., a fashion show highlighting the various types of historical clothing will be in the pavilion. At 2:30 p.m., children can dawn uniforms and wooden muskets and be led in an age-appropriate military muster.
Saturday’s battle will be at 3 p.m. and Sunday’s battle will be at 2 p.m.
If animals are your thing, look for “Moose” the donkey on Sunday and learn about the use of animals in the early 1800s. The final schedule will be available at the gates upon arrival.
The Glengarry Pioneer Museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. The cost to attend the 1812 Living History event is $10 for adults or $25 per family. Members of the museum receive 50 percent off. Children five and under are free.
Payment can be made by cash, debit or credit upon arrival; or ahead of time through the museum’s website. The event happens rain or shine and visitors are requested to please leave their pets at home.
More details can be found at www.glengarrypioneermuseum.ca or by calling the museum 613-527-5230.
Above: Glengarry Light Infantry and British soldiers at the annual war of 1812 living history event. Below photos: American soldiers at the battle reenactment. Early morning encampment. Photos: Glengarry Pioneer Museum
