Five Eastern Shore counties have joined in an effort to form a re-enactor militia unit to participate in and promote regional activities associated with the bicentennial of the War of 1812.
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The tourism departments of Kent, Queen Anne's, Talbot, Caroline and Dorchester counties committed a share of the matching funds for the state's Star-Spangled 200 grant. The grant application was sent out last week.
The proposal is to provide enough equipment and uniforms to outfit 15-members of a recreated Eastern Shore militia unit based on research of the 21st Maryland Militia company that won the Battle of Caulk's Field on Aug. 30-31, 1814. The unit would be used in parades, encampments, exhibits, promotional efforts and other activities in the five-county region during and after the bicentennial years 2012 to 2015.
The estimated cost of the program is $94,570, which would be funded by the grant, cash and in-kind contributions and dona- tions. The costs include material for the uniforms, muskets, planning, maintenance and storage and promotion.
The concept was developed by Friends of Kent County Maryland War of 1812 committee and the Kent County Office of Tour- ism & Economic Development. The committee's membership includes re-enactors, historians and members of the business community. The committee meets weekly at the county offices at 400 High St. “We are delighted to be working on such an important regional project, said Bernadette Van Pelt, Director of the Kent County Office of Tourism & Economic Development, the tourism economic impact will be significant throughout and after the Bicentennial period.”
Partnering with the Eastern Shore War of 1812 Consortium, events within the five-county region will be identified to include the first of its kind militia unit. In Kent County, numerous bicentennial activities are planned, including an annual dedication at the site of the Caulk's Field battle memorial; a re-enactment of the Battle of Caulk's Field in 2014; re-enactments of the at- tack on Georgetown and Kitty Knight's confrontation with the British, to name a few. The effort will include educational and promotional activities to offer area residents and visitors a more complete picture of the impacts and results of the war that some have labeled as the national “second war of independence,” fought over maritime rights and border disputes. During the war the “Star-Spangled Banner” was written and the public buildings in Washington burned.
The Friends of Kent County Maryland War of 1812 committee will participate in the Dogwood Festival, Saturday, May 12, at Galena, with a parade entry. The parade kicks off at 10 a.m. There will be a booth where committee members will be available to provide information on the history of the war and activities planned around the bicentennial. Commemorative hats, satchels and T-shirts will be available for sale.
And remember to ring your bells at noon on June 18, the anniversary of the war's start and the kickoff of the bicentennial. Any- one can participate in this event, with a bell, large or small! For more information, see the website http://kentcounty1812.org.
