For Immediate Release
February 4, 2014
As part of the “1812: Star-Spangled Banner Nation” exhibit, the Michigan War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission is offering a series of six free Saturday lectures. All programs will take place at 2 p.m. in the Main Branch of the Detroit Public Library located at 5201 Woodward Avenue in Detroit’s Cultural Center.
The traveling exhibit of 25 original oil paintings was created by the American Society of Marine Artists (ASMA) to help commemorate the bicentennial of the War of 1812. The paintings reflect nautical scenes from the War of 1812, including the famous battle between USS Constitution v. HMS Guerriere, August 19, 1812, in the Atlantic Ocean.The exhibit, hosted by the Detroit Public Library, is open at no charge, through Saturday, March 1st, during regular library hours.
Eric Hemenway, the Director of Repatriation, Archives and Records for the Little Traverse Bay Bans of Odawa Indians, presents “Native Americans in the War of 1812” on Sat.,Feb. 8, at 2 p.m. Hemenway currently sits on the Michigan Humanities Council, Emmet County Historical Commission and the Harbor Springs Board of Trustees.
In addition to repatriation work, Eric has been involved in five different exhibits, from national to state levels, on Great Lakes Indian history. Eric also performs educational outreach with local schools in northern Michigan, as well as speak nationally on Great Lakes history and the importance of repatriation for Michigan tribes. Eric currently sits on the Michigan Humanities Council, Emmet County Historical Commission and the Harbor Springs Board of Trustees.”
Eric Hemenway’s talk will discuss the Odawa involvement in the War and the drastic outcome it had for the tribe. He stated, “The War of 1812 represents one of the major turning points in Great Lakes Indian history. The Odawa, Ojibwe, Potawatomi and other tribes would have their futures forever altered after this war. In many scenarios, the repercussions for the tribes were severe and long lasting.”
Other lectures remaining the “1812” Saturday Series include:
Feb. 15: ” “Battles of the River Raisin” by Ralph Naveaux
Feb. 22 “Story of ‘Friends Good Will’” by Jim Spurr
March 1 “The American Attack on Mackinac, 1814″ by Brian Dunnigan
All presenters serve on the Michigan war of 1812 Bicentennial Commission.
Lodging is available at a special rate of $129/night plus tax at the Inn On Ferry Street, located a
short walk from the Detroit Public Library. The Inn on Ferry Street also is close to the Detroit
Institute of Art , the Detroit Historical Museum and other Cultural Center institutions. A free
shuttle servicer is available within three miles of the Inn. To make your “1812” reservation,
contact Stephanie Chapman at 313.871.6000 For more on the Inn on Ferry Street, visit
The Detroit Public Library provides the opportunity to change your life through open and
equitable access to quality services, programming and technologies. We help to change, enhance,
and empower others. Our desire is to be recognized as a strong, relevant, sustainable and exciting
library system for Detroit. For more information, visit http://www.detroit.lib.mi.us/
Founded in 1978, he American Society of Marine Artists (ASMA) is a non-profit educational
organization. ASMA’s purpose is to recognize and promote marine art and maritime history, and
to encourage cooperation among artists, historians, academics, enthusiasts and others engaged in
activities relating to marine art and maritime history. For more information, visit http://
americansocietyofmarineartists.com/
The governor-appointed Michigan Commission on the Commemoration of the Bicentennial of
the War of 1812 is charged with encouraging, planning and developing activities, events,
programs, observances and services appropriate to commemorate Michigan’s role in the War of
1812. More information at www.michigan.gov/war1812
For more information, contact
Romondo Locke, Publications Specialist
Detroit Public Library
5201 Woodward Avenue
Detroit, MI 48202
(o) 313-481-1344
(f) 313-481-1481
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