Detroit, Marquette, Lansing, Grand Rapids PBS to air War of 1812 documentary

War of 1812 Bicentennial

---

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Oct. 5, 2012

Contact: Phil Porter, 906-847-3328


Detroit, Marquette, Lansing, Grand Rapids PBS
to air Michigan-based War of 1812 documentary

 

Michigan is marking the bicentennial of the War of 1812 with many public events and programs, including the broadcast of “Michigan at War: The Struggle for the Old Northwest, 1812-1815” on Detroit Public Television (WTVS). Other PBS stations across Michigan have scheduled the 1812 program for various dates in October and November.

 

The 30-minute, Michigan-made documentary will air on the following dates:

 

• Detroit PBS TV, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 9
• WNMU Marquette, 10 p.m. Oct. 7 and Oct. 13
• Grand Rapids and communities served by WGVU, 5:30 p.m. Nov. 11 and 4:30 a.m. Nov. 13.
• Lansing WKAR, 9:30 p.m. Nov. 12

“Michigan at War” was 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.

James E. Davis, historian, 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.

DVD copies of the program are available for $15 by filling out an order form, available online at www.michigan.gov/war1812.

For more 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.