The War of 1812, Washington in Flames

BGES Bicentennial Commemoration The War of 1812

November 1-3, 2012

Bert Dunkerly and Mark Swift from Annapolis, Maryland

The War of 1812 took place 200 years ago and this is its Bicentennial. Nowhere do you see Bicentennial commemorations or any special recognition of this second war with Great Britain and yet it is filled with defining events which created some of the most memorable and quotable moments in American history. It started when President Madison declared war against England because of American frustrations over British maritime policies, impressments of our sailors and restrictions on trade. Madison also suspected the British were fomenting discord along the frontier with Indian tribes to the detriment of American settlements. We are planning a series of five programs in the period between now and 2015—each will be singular and you won’t want to miss it. This program covers the British operations against Baltimore and Washington—it brings you Fort McHenry, the battle of Bladensburg and other events such as the burning of Washington and the evacuation of the national capital and Dolly Madison’s heroics in rescuing the portrait of George Washington. Led by War of 1812 expert Bert Dunkerly and Gloria Swift’s husband, Mark you will get a great look at one of the primary campaigns in the war.
Limited to 20 people.