Nicole Drake
FOR BRANT NEWS

On Feb. 17, the 15th annual Heritage Day Workshop and Celebration will take place at the South Dumfries Community Centre in St. George.

The event is jointly hosted by the City of Brantford, County of Brant, Grand River Conservation Authority and the Grand Strategy Heritage Working Group. As part of the local commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812, the theme for this free, full-day session is Crossroads of Conflict, Pathways to Peace: Divided Loyalties.

During the bicentennial, War of 1812 commemorations offer a unique opportunity to invite visitors into our community to learn about our rich past and enjoy our vibrant present. The workshop program will explore the influence of the Grand River in shaping military strategies and the trials and tribulations that arose for the people of the watershed as a result of the conflict.

Presentations about the war by leading experts and local historians will be interspersed with interactive trivia and performances. Vendors and exhibitors will also be on hand to showcase local heritage groups and activities, as well as books and materials for those interested in the unique history of our region.

There is much to discover here, from visiting a local museum and learning more about the people who shaped our history to finding out about your own history by researching ancestors at the city or county libraries or the Brant County Branch library of the Ontario Genealogical Society. Why not start your journey of discovery at the Heritage Day Workshop on Feb. 17?

Registration is free, but donations to help support the event will be gratefully received online at www.grandriver.ca or at the workshop. Participants must be pre-registered to attend. Register online by visiting www.brant.ca and following the EZReg register online links. For more information, contact Tourism Brantford at 519-751-9900.

Nicole Drake is arts and culture co-ordinator with Tourism Brantford.