Detroit Public Television to air Michigan-based War of 1812 documentary Sept. 10

War of 1812 Bicentennial 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 5, 2012

 

Contact: Jim McConnell, 734-525-2962

 

 

Michigan-based War of 1812 documentary
to air Sept. 10 on Detroit Public Television

 

Two hundred years after the start of the War of 1812, bicentennial events and programs are now under way, including the premiere broadcast of “Michigan at War: The Struggle for the Old Northwest, 1812-1815” at 9 p.m. Monday, Sept. 10, on Detroit Public Television.

 

On the 199th anniversary of the Battle of Lake Erie, a key event in the War of 1812, Detroit PBS TV will broadcast the 30-minute documentary, sponsored by the Michigan Commission on the Commemoration of the Bicentennial of the War of 1812. The documentary features the stories of the British capture of Mackinac, the American surrender of Detroit, the Battles of the River Raisin and more.

 

“This thought-provoking documentary is the culmination of several years of research, detailed work and production by the commission and its many generous donors and sponsors,” said Phil Porter, commission chairman and director of Mackinac State Historic Parks. "The territory of Michigan and its people played a key strategic and political role in the War of 1812, and this documentary helps explain this important chapter in our state's history. Educational and fast-paced, 'Michigan at War' can be enjoyed and appreciated by historians and elementary school children alike."

 

Twenty-five years before it became a state, Michigan was a key battleground in the War of 1812. From Monroe to Mackinac and Detroit to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan was the site of several key conflicts between Great Britain and the United States of America in a struggle that cemented the boundaries and governments of North America.  

 

Historian James E. Davis stated, "It reflects cutting-edge research and thinking, it is fast-paced, and it commands respect. It highlights diverse and complex societies waging war across vast distances in fluid frontier conditions, and it illustrates how relatively few determined soldiers can produce significant results. The fog and friction of war, personality traits, and contingencies shape the narrative. A ‘must’ for understanding the complexities of the struggle for the Old Northwest. “

 

Key support for the documentary was provided by DTE Energy, the Michigan Humanities Council and the Monroe County War of 1812 Bicentennial Steering Committee.

 

Detroit PBS plans a second broadcast in October. DVD copies of the program are available for purchase for $15 by filling out an order form, available online at www.michigan.gov/war1812. For further information, email Jim McConnell, Michigan War of 1812 secretary, at jam1776@sbcglobal.net.

 

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, including a complete list of War of 1812 bicentennial events, can be found at www.michigan.gov/war1812.

 

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.