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.” Continue reading →