Community News

     The Lake Ontario Conference and Event Center, on East First Street, in Oswego, will host the third annual Oswego War of 1812 Symposium from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, April 6 and from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Sunday, April 7.

     There will be a meet-and-greet social with cash bar, a presentation of the painting of the U.S. Brig Oneida by Oswego artist Tim Ames, and early registration from 6-9 p.m., Friday, April 5.
     "This event has grown significantly over the last two years," said Paul Lear, Fort Ontario State Historic Site superintendent and chair of the Oswego War of 1812 Symposium Bicentennial Steering Committee. "To better accommodate participants, we moved to a new location and expanded the program to include more topics about the war and its effects by prominent speakers from across the U.S. and Canada."
     Lear continued, "This expansion would not have been possible without the gracious support of the community. Our primary source of funding comes from the generosity of donors, and this year, several businesses, organizations, and individuals have come forward to help ensure the continued success of the symposium."
     The event is sponsored by the Friends of Fort Ontario, Sackets Harbor Battlefield Alliance, Old Fort Niagara Association, Oswego County Tourism Advisory Council, NBT Bank, The Lake Ontario Event and Conference Center, Pathfinder Bank, SUNY Oswego Office of Business Relations, IHeartOswego, C & S Engineers, The Palladium-Times, H. Lee White Marine Museum, Man in the Moon Candies, City of Oswego, and the Oswego County Department of Community Development, Tourism and Planning.
     Throughout the weekend, eleven speakers will explore a variety of War of 1812 topics, including military training, strategy and battle analysis; maritime and military archeology; naval history; wartime society and commerce; espionage; and the art of war.
     Participants will also enjoy engaging exhibitors, living history demonstrators and book signings with two historical authors.
     Registration for both days is $75 per person or $35 for students with a valid ID. The registration fee includes Saturday's lunch and workshop materials. One day registration is also available: $50 for Saturday, including lunch or $25 for Sunday. For students with a valid ID, one day rates are $23 for Saturday, including lunch or $12 for Sunday.
     Advance registration is required and may be paid by check or credit card through the Friends of Fort Ontario. Contact Franshisca Cedillo at 315-343-4711 for credit card payments Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Checks should be made payable to "Friends of Fort Ontario – 1812" and mailed to the Fort Ontario State Historic Site, 1 East Fourth Street, Oswego, N.Y. 13126.
     Special room rates for symposium attendees are available at the Best Western Plus Captain's Quarters Hotel, 26 East First Street, Oswego. Please call the hotel at 315-342-4040 and mention the Oswego War of 1812 Symposium.
     For event details, visit www.fortontario.com. For visitor information, go to www.visitoswegocounty.com or contact the Oswego County Tourism Office at 315-349-8322. To follow other War of 1812 commemoration activities or to learn more about the history of Oswego County, go to http://visitoswegocounty.com/historical-info/war-of-1812/.