Jordan exhibit recounts life in War of 1812

NIAGARA THIS WEEK
By PIETER VAN HIEL
January 17, 2012


The Jordan Historical Museum of the Twenty has opened a new exhibit that recount local experiences in the War of 1812. Yet, unlike similar exhibits and events around Niagara that mark the bicentennial of the war, this one celebrates life on the home front, the dedicated pacifism of the Mennonite community, and the bold contributions made to the war effort by black residents. The exhibit opened on Jan. 12, and will remain in place for the rest of the year. Curator Helen Booth said the exhibit is something unique.

“We’re doing something different from every other museum, because Lincoln doesn’t have the record of any military excursions or actions. We decided to take a totally different look at it. We wanted to be sure to show our differences,” said Booth.

 
The local experience of war. Lincoln mayor Bill Hodgson and curator Helen Booth cut the ribbon on a new exhibit at the Jordan Historical Museum of the Twenty on Jan. 12.

The three-panel exhibit details daily life, the pacifism of the Mennonite settlers, and the actions of some locals who did go to war, including black settlers who helped formed a battalion. Lincoln mayor Bill Hodgson, speaking at the opening of the exhibit, said Lincoln’s history stands apart, and thus required a unique presentation.

“There’s a special place in history that the town fills. Everybody who lived in the area was affected by the war in one way or another. There was no real record of conflict being fought within the town of Lincoln, and it was clear it’s right to highlight the pacifist doctrines of many of the settlers. We can only imagine them in the face of a pretty violent conflict, living as pacifists, and Mennonites are still doing that around the world,” he said. 

The Mennonite settlers had a greater dedication to God than to king or causes, and had only recently come to Canada from the United States. Handmade Bibles and hymnals decorated with traditional “Fraktur” art are on display. The dedication to pacifisim was difficult in a time when prejudices between the new nations ran high, but according to Bev Davie, chair of the museum’s volunteer association, the Mennonites of Lincoln by and large displayed an attitude of charity to soldiers on both sides of the conflict.

“They shared their food and everything with both sides. It was interesting,” she said.
A final panel of the exhibit shows evidence of how life carried on during the war, providing documents and excerpts from personal accounts that show how the war did not prevent commerce and family life.
“Life goes on. There’s indentures and business documents and things to show that the human spirit keeps on going,” said Booth.
The Jordan Historical Museum of the Twenty is located at 3802 Main St., in Jordan.

 



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