War of 1812 documentary available for online viewing at no cost

War of 1812 Bicentennial

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 21, 2012

Contact: Dr. Jim McConnell, 734-525-2962


Michigan War of 1812 documentary available
for online viewing at no cost

"Michigan at War: The Struggle for the Old Northwest, 1812-1815," a documentary produced by the Michigan Commission on the Commemoration of the Bicentennial of the War of 1812, is now available online and free of charge at http://tinyurl.com/d8azesz through a partnership with Wayne Regional Educational Services Agency. The documentary, sponsored by DTE Energy, the Michigan Humanities Council and the Monroe County War of 1812 Bicentennial Steering Committee, premiered in August and was subsequently shown at many Michigan museums throughout the month.

A resource guide for students throughout all grade levels provides support materials for teachers who use the documentary in classroom instruction. The guide includes classroom activities, bibliographies, suggested resource websites and reference materials. The documentary is also available on DVD for $15. Visit www.michigan.gov/war1812 for the guide and DVD order form.

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. During this documentary, hear the stories of what has been called America's second War of Independence, the British capture of Mackinac and the American surrender of Detroit.

“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.”

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. 

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