Ohio in the War of 1812
On June 18, 1812, President James Madison declared war on Great Britain over the forced service of Americans in the British Royal Navy, trade restrictions, the and increasing British influence among Native Americans. The year 2013 marks the bicentennial of the major events of the war on the ‘Ohio Frontier’ - areas bordering Lake Erie that now are part of Ohio, Michigan, and Canada.

During the War of 1812, the Ohio Frontier played a pivotal role as the Army of the Northwest struggled against Great Britain for control of the Great Lakes. Through the holdings of the Hayes Presidential Center and the Lou Schultz Collection, the new exhbiti War of 1812 on the Ohio Frontier explores America’s early defeats and its eventual victories at Fort Meigs, Fort Stephenson, on Lake Erie, and at the Thames – successes that inspired a sense of pride throughout the young nation. The exhibit is on display now through October 6, 2013 . It was made possible through sponsorship from the Sidney Frohman Foundation.

A June 2 lecture is planned in conjunction with the exhibition. Lou Schultz, whose personal collection is the foundation of the exhibit and who serves on the Ohio War of 1812 Bicentennial Committee, speaks about Ohio's significance during the war. The free event begins at 2 p.m. in the Hayes Museum auditorium.