Fort Erie Historical Museum’s 2011-2014 special exhibitions will focus on the social history of the years surrounding the War of 1812, examining what everyday life was like for Fort Erie’s early residents. A capsule exhibition will open in fall 2011, showcasing typical fashion worn by the men, women and children of the early 1800s in British North America. The exhibition will offer many opportunities for hands-on interaction with the garments. Re-enactors or researchers wanting to learn more about the fashion of era are welcome to access these along with selections from the Museum’s archives.

In early 2012, the Museum’s temporary gallery will be transformed into an 1812 streetscape, providing visitors with a glimpse into life in Fort Erie two hundred years ago.

Curriculum-linked school programs focused on the years surrounding the War of 1812 are currently under development and will be launched summer 2011. These programs and accompanying activities use the Museum’s collection and archival sources to re-construct the life of Fort Erie’s early settlers for students and provide them with the opportunity to engage in “hands-on” history!

A database, detailing the Museum’s 1812 archival resources, is currently under development and will be made available to researchers beginning in 2012.

The Museum’s gift shop currently stocks a number of publications and other merchandise relating to the War of 1812.

The Fort Erie Historical Museum is open 9am – 5pm, Sunday through Friday, September to June and daily in July and August. The Museum is located at 402 Ridge Road, Ridgeway, Ontario.

We can be reached by phone at (905) 894-5322, by email at museum@forterie.on.ca or visit us on the web at www.musuem.forterie.ca