The famed Sir John Johnson Manor House in Williamstown is hosting a slew of activities to mark the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812.
The manor house is one of many focal points for local historians, including the Cornwall Community Museum and Upper Canada Village, looking to gather knowledge about the pivotal role the area played in the war that saw Britain defeat the invading United States forces.
Alicia Brown, summer curator of the manor house, said a bicentennial homecoming weekend is planned for June 30, which kicks off with a celebration at the manor house on June 29.
There will also be a parade through Williamstown to mark the anniversary.
Sir John Johnson was a key figure in local history. He fled the United States following the American Revolution and brought with him hundreds of British loyalist who settled in the Cornwall area.
His original log cabin is one of the oldest structures in Ontario.
“This is our history and it’s so important to know,” said Brown. “It won’t last forever, but I wish it would.”
The grounds of the manor house were also home to a mill site, located on the banks of the Raisin River. Parks Canada acquired the Manor in 1971 and declared it a national historic site. It currently houses both the Williamstown library, and the Glengarrry Archives.
