Ask A Historian - On the Waterfront: the War of 1812

Join Historian Matthew Wilkinson for Ask A Historian on January 13, 2022!

This week Matthew welcomes Gurth Pretty, Director of HMS Psyche Canadian Maritime Heritage   Society, as they explore the fascinating history of the War of 1812, the iconic vessels that fought   during the conflict, and the battles that occurred right here on Lake Ontario.

 HMS Psyche Canadian Maritime Heritage Society is a registered not-for-profit corporation   dedicated to preserving and teaching the heritage and traditional maritime skills of the Great   Lakes, prior to Confederation.

The Society offers experiential education to all age groups, including static displays, historic   presentations, War of 1812 re-enactments and on-the-water seamanship. 

The Society is named in honour of the HMS Psyche. During the War of 1812, there was a naval   arms race on Lake Ontario. The British & Americans sought to build the biggest fleet to subdue   the other. 

One of the vessels the British built was named HMS Psyche.