Fort Mackinac, Michigan – September 18, 2015 – At its final meeting on July 18 at 18 at Fort Mackinac, the Michigan War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission adopted its Final Report to Governor Rick Snyder, the Michigan Legislature and the People of Michigan. They also made a final distribution of their remaining assets, and prepared the official records for submission to the Archives of Michigan.
Commissioners approved a motion to allocate unencumbered funds equally to the Detroit Historical Museum, Mackinac State Historic Parks, and the River Raisin National Battlefield Park, Michigan’s three key historic sites from the War of 1812. An update on the status of the Fort Holmes Restoration Project was discussed and resolutions were adopted supporting the designation of Hull’s Trace (Jefferson Avenue from Detroit to the Ohio border) as a Heritage Road and expressing appreciation to Annette and Jim McConnell for their leadership of several 1812 Bicentennial projects.
That evening, following the final 1812 Commission meeting, Commissioners joined Michigan Governor Rick Snyder and Canadian Consul General Douglas George in a dedication ceremony for an International Peace Garden in the Father Marquette Park at historic Fort Mackinac. Other program participants were the Mayor of Mackinac Island and representatives of Mackinac Associates and the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians,
In reviewing the seven-year project, Phil Porter, Chairman, stated, “We are pleased to report that more than 125 organizations actively participated, offering over more than 250 public events, and 14 exhibits. The Commission produced a 30 minute documentary, “Michigan at War: The Struggle for the Old Northwest, 1812-1815.” The documentary was shown on PBS stations across the state and is available for viewing at http://tinyurl.com/d8azesz
Even after the formal dissolution of the 1812 Commission on July 31,2015, activities from the War of 1812 era continue. A major restoration of Fort Holmes on Mackinac Island was completed in August and a State of Michigan Historical Marker will be dedicated on Sat., Sept. 19, at Fort Wayne in Detroit, commemorating the September 8, 1815, Treaty of Spring Wells between the United States and several Native American tribes.
The governor-appointed Michigan Commission on the Commemoration of the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 was charged with encouraging, planning and developing activities, events, programs, observances and services appropriate to commemorate Michigan’s role in the War of 1812. The Commission officially completed its service on July 31, 2015. More information can be found at www.michigan.gov/war1812.
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