Heather McEwen
FOR BRANT NEWS

Commemorations for the War of 1812 have begun, marking 200 years since the start of this formative time in our nation’s history.

There are many ways to explore the War of 1812’s legacy here in Brantford and area.

Red geraniums, which are a symbol of the War of 1812, can be found in gardens around the city, including the Lorne Park flower bed display, at the cenotaph and at the Joseph Brant Monument. These flowers were a favourite of Ruth Redmond, who fought to preserve historic War of 1812 battle sites in Niagara.

To explore 1812-themed points of interest, take the family for a leisurely drive through the Southwest Ontario Barn Quilt Trail.

If you have not already been, make sure you visit the War of 1812 museum exhibits at the Canadian Military Heritage Museum and the Brant Museum and Archives, which highlight the local contribution and impact of the War of 1812.

Coming up later in the fall, don’t miss Doors Open Brant and Trails Open Brant on Sept. 22, featuring War of 1812 historic sites in Brantford, County of Brant and Six Nations.

Oct. 29 marks the opening of War Clubs and Wampum Belts: Haudenosaunee Experiences in the War of 1812 at the Woodland Cultural Centre. The exhibit runs until Dec. 23.

Glenhyrst Art Gallery of Brant’s 2012 biannual juried exhibition, War and Peace, runs from Nov. 3 to Jan. 2.

Museum exhibits are also planned for Adelaide Hunter Hoodless National Historic Site and the Paris Museum and Archives.

For more information, visit www.grandriver1812.ca or call Tourism Brantford at 519-751-9900.

Heather McEwen is a tourism information co-ordinator for the City of Brantford.