Government of Canada Invests in War of 1812 Traveling Exhibit in Simcoe County

MINESING, ON, Aug. 25, 2012 /CNW/ - An investment by the Government of Canada in the Simcoe County Museum will promote tourism, while highlighting a significant moment in Canada's history. Funding for the Corporation of the County of Simcoe for its War of 1812 project was announced today by Dr. Kellie Leitch, Member of Parliament (Simcoe-Grey) and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and to the Minister of Labour. Dr. Leitch made this announcement on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

Funding will help develop a bilingual travelling exhibit highlighting the events and impact of the War of 1812 in Simcoe County. It will be presented in traditional museums and at a variety of community locations from fall 2012 through 2014. More than 100,000 people are expected to view the exhibition over the three-year commemoration.

"This year marks the start of the five-year countdown to Canada's 150^th birthday in 2017," said Minister Moore. "Our Government is proud to invest in projects that contribute to our collective identity and define who we are as Canadians. On the road to 2017, let us continue to celebrate all of the things that make Canada the united, prosperous, and free country we are today."

"Investing in this new travelling exhibit will help our citizens and visitors better appreciate our contribution to the outcome of the War of 1812," said Dr. Leitch. "People of Simcoe are proud of their heritage, and we are excited to be able to share it with others across Ontario and Canada."

"From vital locations, such as the Nottawasaga River, the Nine Mile Portage and Willow Creek, to those who put their lives on the line for our county, including Chief William Yellowhead and James Keating, the imprint left on the County of Simcoe by the War of 1812 stretches far and wide," said Cal Patterson, County of Simcoe Warden. "We salute the Government of Canada for providing the Simcoe County Museum with funds to keep the memories alive."

The Government of Canada has provided funding of $49,950 through Canadian Heritage's 1812 Commemoration Fund. The Fund supports community-based projects to foster greater awareness and understanding of the importance of this conflict.

Visit 1812.gc.ca to learn more about the 200^th anniversary of the War of 1812.

SOURCE: Canadian Heritage

For further information:

For more information (media only), please contact:

Sébastien Gariépy
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
and Official Languages
819-997-7788

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
[e-mail]

(This news release is available on the Internet at www.canadianheritage.gc.ca under Newsroom.)