The next presentation in the NOTL Museum’s popular lecture series is on Thursday April 17, hosted by
Ron Dale, and entitled “Every Survivor Has a Story: The War of 1812 Collection”. The author of several
historical publications, and numerous articles on sites and figures related to the War of 1812, Ron Dale
firmly believes the Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum has one of the best collections of War of 1812 artifacts
anywhere in Canada, including objects that are unique and extremely rare.
“In the late 19th century other museums were collecting exotic curios,” said Dale, “ including mummies
looted from Egyptian tombs. However, museum founder Janet Carnochan, was collecting artifacts
reflecting Niagara's rich history.”
To illustrate his point, Dale selected a two-hundred-year-old Canadian militia coat currently on display at
the Museum, belonging to Aeneas Shaw, Adjutant General of the Militia, and one of the most senior
officers in the British army.
“Not only did this coat literally go through the War of 1812,” said Dale, “but it also survived the long
years after. How many generations of boys played war games with that jacket? How was it so well
preserved before being donated to the NOTL Museum? And what other stories could it tell? ”
Those same questions can be applied to the entire 1812 collection at the NOTL Museum. When Janet
Carnochan founded the Niagara Historical Society in 1895, donations began pouring in, which led to the
building of Memorial Hall, the first purpose-built museum in Ontario. Today, 130 years later, the
Museum’s War of 1812 collection is one of the foundational collections of the museum, featuring such
treasured items as muskets, swords, unusually detailed Lincoln Militia papers, and other well-worn
uniforms bearing the signs of battle wounds. And, of course, the black felt bicorn, ostrich-capped hat
made for General Isaac Brock, which is always on display.
For Ron Dale, these artifacts represent an iconic period in Canadian history. “Things would have turned
out so differently had there not been a successful conclusion to the War of 1812,” said Dale. “But thanks
to the teamwork between British regulars, Canadian Militia, and especially the Indigenous Allies, British
North America remained British North American and eventually became Canada.” Strong words that
echo even more profoundly today.
“Every Survivor Has a Story: The War of 1812 Collection”: Thursday, April 17, at 7.30pm.
Admission is free for Museum members or $15 for non-members.
Registration is required as space is limited. Register online: www.notlmuseum.ca