Living history reenactors will gather in Dunvegan to recreate early 19th-century Upper Canada on September 26 and 27 at the Glengarry Pioneer Museum. Visitors of all ages are welcome to come to the museum to learn more about the original American – Upper Canadian conflict in a historical setting that is like stepping back in time.
Living up to its name as one of the best kept secrets of the region, this War of 1812 Reenactment is the last big event of the 2026 season at the Museum before closing in October.
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 take part in a children’s military muster. Trades such as blacksmithing, rope making, weaving, and leatherwork will also be taking place.
Bring some cash as unique vendors 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.
One of the biggest hits of the event is heading to the Star Inn Tavern to visit our lively, widowed tavern keeper, Brigit Gallagher. Stay and have an ale or two, but be mindful of the Tavern rules, or she will be charging you extra.
The historic Star Inn tavern will be featuring microbrewery, Brauwerk Hoffman’s line of ales. 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 all weekend at the museum’s canteen, “Flora’s Kitchen”.
Although some programming is still being finalized, some of the event’s favourites are making a return such as the Fashion Show, where various types of historical clothing and equipment will be highlighted, and the ever-popular age-appropriate children’s military muster. Here’s your chance to learn what “mutton chops” were and why they were important on the battlefield.
The military skirmishing and battles will take place both days, weather depending, at 3 pm on Saturday and 2:00 pm on Sunday. Be sure to plan extra time when arriving.
The Glengarry Pioneer Museum will be open from 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday and until 3pm on
Sunday. The cost to attend the War of 1812 event is $12/adult, $6/student, $30/family or 50% off
for members of the museum. Children five and under are free. This event happens rain or shine, please dress for the weather and please leave your pets at home.
For event enquiries, please email info@glengarrypioneermuseum or call the museum at 613-527-5230. More details can also be found at www.glengarrypioneermuseum.ca
