HMS Psyche Canadian Maritime Heritage Society
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War of 1812
Re-enactment Units
British Forces
Crown Forces North America
A listing of British infantry, artillery, cavalry & militia re-enactment units across North America.
To enquire for more information of units in your region…
The Naval Establishment of the Crown Forces North America
A listing of the Royal Navy & Provincial Marine replica vessels & their crews & Royal Marine re-enactment companies throughout North America.
Facilities Host
Port Credit Yacht Club
The Port Credit Yacht Club is a year round, private club, dedicated to member enjoyment through excellence in yachting, facilities, services & our favourite place to eat. https://pcyc.net/
Friends
Grigg Design Solutions
Designer Russell Grigg
Rindlisbacher Marine Art
Windsor-born Canadian marine artist, renown for his paintings of War of 1812 naval themes.
Marine Suppliers
Holystone Harbour
Oshawa-based craftsman offering high quality, handmade nautical items such as fids, belaying pins, serving mallets, seam rubbers & blocks, by personally selecting the wood for each item. Special ropework (ie. fenders) & canvas work (ie. buckets) are also available.
https://holystoneharbour.weebly.com/
G.H. Laco & Associates
Midland-based company that supplied the Hempex, a synthetic line with the appearance of natural hemp, for the longboat’s running & standing rigging.
Outfitting Classic Yachts, Museum Ships and Working Sail.
Distributors for:
Langman Ropes, Lewmar Winches, Ording Ship and Yacht Blocks, Toplicht Traditional Marine Hardware, Wilmex Marine Equipment, Hutton Winches.
Gill Bibby
Hamilton-based marine surveyor, boat builder & repairman. Gill initially surveyed the longboat prior to its purchase & has made repairs to it.
https://everythingaboutboats.org/gill-bibby/
Sutlers & Merchants
Access Heritage
Ottawa-based company providing top quality history products to world-class museums, collectors, theatre, film & re-enactors. Formerly known as the Discriminating General.
http://www.militaryheritage.com/
Coughlin & Upton
Penetanguishene-based company that offers a wide range of products for re-enactors & military enthusiasts.
Sutlers & Merchants
(cont.)
G.G. Godwin
Pennsylvania-based company that offers a wide range of products for re-enactors. http://gggodwin-com.3dcartstores.com/
Linda's Early Fashions
Barrie-based seamstress who creates personalized clothing items for both men and women.
https://www.lindasearlyfashions.com/
Lion’s Den Arms
Orangeville-based purveyor of small arms, artillery cast iron cannons & swivel guns. Period correct full scale replicas 1700 to 1840 accessories and parts.
Loyalist Arms
Nova Scotia-based purveyors of fine goods. They carry historical arms, muskets, revolvers, swords, bayonets, armor, accessories, period clothing, shoes & boots, cannons, nautical items, leather items, coins, wagons, household items, gift items, and more! https://www.loyalistarms.ca/
Sanderson Leather
Oakville-based craftsman producing authentic handcrafted 18th & 19th century leather goods
Terry.Sanderson@ottobock.com
A Stitch in Time
Kitchener-based seamstress creates custom museum quality clothing & accessories for the living history re-enactment community. https://historiccostumes.wixsite.com/astitchintime
Jas. Townsend & Son
Indiana-based manufacturer & retailer of quality reproduction 18th & early 19th Century clothing & personal accessories.
Great Lakes Maritime Museums, Historic Sites
& Other Associations
TRADITIONAL SAIL ASSOCIATIONS
Atlantic Challenge Canada/Défi Internationale des Jeunes Marins
Midland & Quebec City-based organizations for youth & adults practices, shares, & encourages the rise of skills of the sea including traditional boatbuilding, sailing, rowing, & seamanship aboard their replica 38 foot Bantry Bay boats. http://atlanticchallenge.ca/ http://www.defijeunesmarins.com/
Bytown Brigantines
Ottawa-based sail training youth & adult programmes aboard the Black Jack & the Fair Jeanne brigantines. https://www.tallshipexpeditions.com/
St. Lawrence II Brigantine Learn-to-Sail
Kingston-based sail training programme aboard their 75 foot vessel. https://www.tallshipexpeditions.com/
Toronto Brigantine
Toronto-based sail training youth & adult programmes aboard the Playfair brigantine. https://www.torontobrigantine.org/
Save Ontario Shipwrecks
A province-wide, not-for-profit organization, dedicated to marine heritage conservation. https://saveontarioshipwrecks.ca/
ARCHIVES
Canadian Nautical Research Society
(Ottawa, Ottawa River) Society encouraging an awareness of Canadian & world maritime heritage by promoting nautical research & presenting the results of such research by conferences, presentations & publications.
https://cnrs-scrn.org/index.html
Canadian War Museum
(Ottawa, Ottawa River) Search through their archives. https://catalogue.warmuseum.ca/musvw/Vubis.csp?Profile=Profile28&OpacLanguage=eng
City of Toronto Archives
(Toronto, Lake Ontario) The municipal archives for the City of Toronto. It holds records created by the City of Toronto government & its predecessor municipalities from 1792 to the present day, as well as non-government records created by private groups & individuals.
Library & Archives Canada
(Ottawa, Ottawa River) Library and Archives Canada holds many documents & are regrouped into one major fonds, Record Group 8 (RG8). This fonds covers a wide range of military & naval subjects such as British regiments in Canada, the Canadian militia, the War of 1812, the Rebellion of 1837-38, the Fenian Raids, ordnance, fortifications, chaplaincies, commissariats, canals, the management of Indian affairs & the Provincial Marine Establishment. https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/military-heritage/war-of-1812/Pages/introduction.aspx https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/mass-digitized-archives/british-military-naval-records-index/Pages/british-military-naval-records-index.aspx
Naval Marine Archive - The Canadian Collection
(Picton, Bay of Quinte, Lake Ontario) A non-profit Canadian charity dedicated to maritime history, conservation, marine research, nautical education, documents, books, images, charts, magazines, video, sound. They have an extensive collection of used marine & naval books for sale. http://navalmarinearchive.com/
Navy Records Society
British-based society founded in 1893 by a small group of historians, naval officers, publicists & statesmen, to publish original materials on the history of the Royal Navy. https://www.navyrecords.org.uk/
Toronto Port Authority Archives
(Toronto, Lake Ontario) Original documentation dates back to the creation of the Toronto Harbour Trust in the 1850s. Duplicated documentation dates back to the early 1830s, such as engineer drawings. https://pubhist.info.yorku.ca/institution/toronto-port-authority-archives/
MUSEUMS & HISTORIC SITES
ST. LAWRENCE RIVER:
Coteau-du-Lac National Historic Site (Coteau-du-Lac, St. Lawrence River)
With a history spanning 7,000 years, the site was a portage & encampment location used by Amerindians to avoid the rapids, a military fortification & a canal that opened the way for commercial shipping into the Great Lakes. https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/qc/coteaudulac/activ/sentiers-trails/fort-coteau-du-lac
Crysler's Farm Battlefield (Morrisburg, St. Lawrence River)
British infantry & artillery, Canadian militia, First Nation warriors & Royal Navy gunboats defeated a larger American army, descending the St. Lawrence River to attack Montreal. http://cryslersfarm.com/
War of 1812 Gunboat hull - Fort Wellington National Historic Site (Prescott, St. Lawrence River)
First built during the War of 1812 to defend the St. Lawrence River shipping route from attack by the United States, Fort Wellington also helped thwart another American invasion during the 1837-38 Upper & Lower Canada rebellions. Explore the wreck of an 1812-era gunboat on display. https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/on/wellington
Doran Bay Ship Model Museum (Iroquois, St. Lawrence River)
A collection of wooden ship models, with many War of 1812 ships, vessels & gun boats. http://www.doranbaymodelshipmuseum.com/
1000 Islands History Museum (Gananoque, St. Lawrence River)
From beaver pelts to the arrival of the Loyalists, to cannon balls & muskets, this museum has permanent displays on the maritime & naval history of the region. https://www.1000islandsheritagemuseum.com/permanent-gallery
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OTTAWA RIVER & THE RIDEAU CANAL:
Canadian War Museum (Ottawa, Ottawa River)
Canada’s national museum of military history, one of the world’s most respected museums for the study & understanding of armed conflict. Gallery 1 of their permanent exhibits include artifacts from the War of 1812. https://www.warmuseum.ca/event/canadian-experience-gallery-1-early-wars-in-canada/
Search the collections for War of 1812 artifacts https://www.warmuseum.ca/collections/search-results/?q=war+of+1812&per_page=25&view=grid&page_num=1
Search through their archives https://catalogue.warmuseum.ca/musvw/Vubis.csp?Profile=Profile28&OpacLanguage=eng
Rideau Canal Visitor Centre (Smiths Falls, Rideau Canal)
Housed in a 19th century stone mill, the Rideau Canal Visitor Centre is the flagship interpretation centre for the historic Rideau Canal system — a National Historic Site of Canada, a designated Canadian Heritage River, and a UNESCO World Heritage destination. https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/on/rideau/activ/accueil_info
Lockmaster's House Museum (Chaffey’s Lock, Rideau Canal)
Historic home built with defensive blockhouse features, to protect this lock on the Rideau Canal from American attack. Five lockmaster families lived there from 1844 to 1967. http://www.chaffeyslock.ca/lockmasters-house-museum.html
Merrickville Blockhouse Museum (Merrickville, Rideau Canal)
Constructed in 1832 as a defensive building by Colonel By (Royal Engineers), to protect the Rideau Canal from possible American invasion. https://www.merrickvillehistory.org/blank-3
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LAKE ONTARIO:
Marine Museum of the Great Lakes at Kingston (Kingston, Lake Ontario)
Museum whose vision is to be Canada's premier museum for studying, exhibiting and preserving the maritime heritage of Kingston and the largest body of inter-connected fresh water lakes in the world. http://www.marmuseum.ca/
Royal Military College Museum & Fort Frederick (Kingston, Lake Ontario)
Housed in the Fort Frederick Martello Tower, a National Historic Site and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the RMC Museum tells the story of Canada's oldest military college & the earlier Kingston Royal Navy dockyard. https://www.kingstonmuseums.ca/royal-military-college-museum-and-fort-frederick
Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site (Sackets Harbor, NY, U.S. - Lake Ontario)
Was the center of American naval & military activity for the upper St. Lawrence Valley & Lake Ontario. Experience exhibits, outdoor signs, guided & self-guided tours, a restored 1850's navy yard & Commandant's House. https://parks.ny.gov/historic-sites/7/details.aspx
Mariners Park Museum (South Bay, Prince Edward County)
Displays regarding early shipping on Lake Ontario, HMS St. Lawrence, HM Schooner Tecumseh & the War of 1812. http://thecounty.ca/county-government/departments/museums/about-us/mariners-park-museum/
Presqu'ile Provincial Park Visitor Centre (Presqu’ile, Lake Ontario)
Displays in the Lighthouse Interpretive Centre regarding early shipping on Lake Ontario, the HM Schooner Speedy & the War of 1812. https://www.ontarioparks.com/park/presquile
Fort York National Historic Site (Toronto, Lake Ontario)
Canada's largest collection of original War of 1812 buildings & 1813 battle site. https://www.fortyork.ca/
The Anchorage House at the Bradley Museum (Clarkson, Lake Ontario)
Home of Commander John Skynner RN, upon his retirement from the Royal Navy in 1838, at the age of 76. Skynner served in all of Admiral Nelson’s campaigns except for Trafalgar - Nelson’s historic final victory over Napoleon’s combined navy in 1805. https://culture.mississauga.ca/collection/heritage-houses
Hamilton & Scourge Project (Hamilton, Lake Ontario)
Project to preserve the shipwrecks of two War of 1812 American armed schooners. Lest we forget. http://www.hamilton-scourge.hamilton.ca/
Hamilton Military Museum (Burlington Heights, Lake Ontario)
Burlington Heights, where Dundurn Castle & the Hamilton Military Museum now stand, was occupied by the British military from 1813 -1815. Built as a gate house by Sir Allan MacNab in the late 1830s atop a battery from the War of 1812, this building known as Battery Lodge, now houses The Hamilton Military Museum with a very good display regarding the Hamilton & Scourge, the only complete 1812 warships in the world. https://www.hamilton.ca/attractions/hamilton-civic-museums/hamilton-military-museum
St. Catharines Museum (St. Catharines, Lake Ontario)
First built in 1829 for shipping to bypass Niagara Falls between Lakes Ontario & Erie, museum displays explore the fascinating story of the four Welland Canals & the history of the City of St. Catharines that grew up alongside this engineering wonder. https://www.stcatharines.ca/en/St-Catharines-Museum.asp
Navy Hall Complex at Fort George National Historic Site (Niagara-on-the-Lake, Lake Ontario)
In 1765, British naval craftsmen from Fort Niagara erected a barracks on the opposite side of the Niagara River. Over the years several buildings, known collectively as Navy Hall, evolved into a large military complex & became a key supply depot for British forts on the upper Great Lakes. http://www.friendsoffortgeorge.ca/sites/navy-hall/index.html
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LAKE ERIE:
Old Fort Erie (Fort Erie, Lake Erie)
Join British, First Nations & American soldiers on a tour of the grounds of this re-constructed fort & learn more about Niagara’s pivotal role in the War of 1812. Step back in time and relive history with daily tours & musket demonstrations. The fort was also a staging point for naval actions against nearby American forts & posts. https://www.niagaraparks.com/visit/heritage/old-fort-erie/
Port Colborne Historical & Marine Museum (Port Colborne, Lake Erie)
The Museum interprets & exhibits the history of Port Colborne & the Welland Canal. Marine artifacts include the Wheelhouse from the Yvon Dupre Jr. Tug Boat, the anchor from the Raleigh & a Lifeboat from the S.S. Hochelaga. http://portcolborne.ca/page/museum
Erie Maritime Museum & US Brig Niagara (Erie, PA, U.S. - Lake Erie)
Home port of the replica US Brig Niagara & the museum that tells the story of the the community’s role in Great Lakes history. https://www.flagshipniagara.org/
Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial (Put-in-Bay, U.S. - Lake Erie)
Established to honor those who fought in the Battle of Lake Erie, during the War of 1812 & to celebrate the long-lasting peace among Great Britain, Canada & the U.S. https://www.nps.gov/pevi/index.htm
Fort Malden National Historic Site & Navy Yard Park (Amherstburg, Lake Erie)
War of 1812 British fort & site of Provincial Marine/Royal Navy shipbuilding complex on Lake Erie at the mouth of the Detroit River. https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/on/malden http://cdigs.uwindsor.ca/neighborhood-history/exhibits/show/amherstburg/kings-naval-yard
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LAKE HURON:
Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre (Southampton, Lake Huron)
Come aboard HM Brig General Hunter, a replica of a War of 1812 vessel, where an exciting virtual experience also awaits as you feel what it would be like on the ship during a storm & fire a cannon during the bombardment of Fort Detroit. Learn how the real brig was found wrecked on the beaches of Southampton. https://www.brucemuseum.ca/exhibit/hms-general-hunter-captivating-coastlines/
Fathom Five National Marine Park (Tobermory, Lake Huron)
Many shipwrecks dot the surrounding waters here offer the paddler, snorkeler & scuba diver a great chance to explore & learn about the maritime past. https://www.fathomfivenationalmarinepark.com/ https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/amnc-nmca/on/fathomfive/activ/plong-dive/activ2a#a1
Fort Mackinac Historic State Park (Mackinac Island, U.S. Strait of Mackinac)
Former British & American military outpost, garrisoned from the late 18th century to the late 19th century. The British built the fort during the American Revolution to control the Strategic Straits of Makinac, between Lakes Michigan & Huron & by extension the fur trade of the Great Lakes. Fort Mackinac later became the scene of two strategic battles for control of the Great Lakes during the War of 1812. https://www.mackinacparks.com/parks-and-attractions/fort-mackinac/
Fort St. Joseph National Historic Site (Richards Landing, Lake Superior)
Explore the ruins of Fort St. Joseph National Historic Site & feel the rich War of 1812 history that lingers – a history that saw a powerful alliance struck between the British & the First Nations People of the western Great Lakes region. Was the launching point for the British War of 1812 attack of American Fort Mackinac. https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/on/stjoseph
Sault Ste. Marie Canal Visitor Center (Sault Ste. Marie, Lake Huron)
Built in 1895, was the world’s longest lock, the first to operate using electricity & the last link in an all-Canadian navigational chain from the Atlantic to Lake Superior. https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/on/ssmarie
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GEORGIAN BAY:
Owen Sound Marine & Rail Museum (Owen Sound, Georgian Bay)
The Community Waterfront Heritage Centre celebrates & preserves Owen Sound’s heritage on the waterfront. It focuses on the marine, rail & industrial history of the City & surrounding communities. http://waterfrontheritage.ca/wordpress/community-waterfront-heritage-centre/
Nancy Island Historic Site (Wasaga Beach, Georgian Bay)
The most visible site of the War of 1812 in Simcoe County & the Georgian Bay region. It represents a major event during the War of 1812: HM Schooner Nancy’s battle against three American vessels on August 14th, 1814. The island houses the charred hull & artefacts of the HM Schooner Nancy. https://www.wasagabeachpark.com/nancy-island-historic-site/
Discovery Harbour (Penetanguishene, Georgian Bay)
A naval & military historic site, rebuilt to the appearance of 1820s. Many buildings to visit as well as the replica vessels HM Schooner Tecumseh & Bee. http://www.discoveryharbour.on.ca/dh/en/Home/index.htm
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LAKE SUPERIOR
Old Fort William (Thunder Bay, Lake Superior)
Fort William & the North West Company form part of a colourful chapter in Canadian history. Formed officially in 1784, the NWC was comprised of a loose coalition of independent traders based in Montreal. In 1973, Queen Elizabeth & Prince Philip officially opened the re-built Fort to the general public. http://fwhp.ca/
Canoe Museum (Peterborough, Trent-Severn Canal)
A unique national heritage centre that explores the canoe’s enduring significance to the peoples of Canada, through an exceptional collection of canoes, kayaks & paddled watercraft. They an engaging, family-friendly museum with more than 100 canoes & kayaks on display. https://canoemuseum.ca/