Save the Date for this exciting event, remembering 206 years since the engagement.
What engagement?
A military engagement took place in our town of Grimsby on June 8th in 1813 during the War of 1812. As the American army retreated from Stoney Creek, they camped along the Forty Mile Creek and were subsequently bombarded by British naval fire along the shores of Lake Ontario, joined by attacks on foot from our own 4th and 5th Regiments of the Lincoln Militia, along with our Indigenous allies.
Due to the significance of this event for our town, we will commemorate the 205th Anniversary of the Engagement at the Forty this June. We are a officially designated Battle Site, and a registered charitable organization whose purpose is to educate the public about some of our town’s earliest days, and to bring history to life. This event will be taking place in THREE locations: Nelles Manor, the Grimsby Museum, and Coronation Park.
This event is NOT meant be a full re-enactment of the Engagement at the Forty. Rather, there will be a flag-raising ceremony on the front lawn of Nelles Manor, speeches by dignitaries, and a number of historical demonstrations including musket-fire and military drills. Visitors are welcome to wander the encampments and see how soldiers and camp followers lived during the War. You will also get to enjoy a variety of historical exhibitors, period correct food and drinks, a military fashion show featuring 1812 uniforms, and fife & drum music all in 1812 style. There will be plenty of activities for both children and adults to enjoy! Kids can take part in the mini militias that are scheduled throughout the day, and adults can enjoy the historic licensed tasting area that includes vendors from Forty Creek Whisky, Bench Brewery, and Puddicombe Farms. Of course, there will also be door prizes and tours of our historic house and the Grimsby Museum exhibits.
This promises to be an exciting day! We are hard at work planning for this event, and will provide a finalized Programming Schedule & Event Map as the date draws nearer.
A note for the re-enactors: Due to limited space, we ask that your units please pre-register with us in order to ensure maximum efficiency. You can email us at info@nellesmanor.ca to discuss the details.
Keep calm & toast the King!
