Celebrate the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 at Fort Wadsworth

Date: May 22, 2012
Contact: Jason Wickersty, 718-354-4500

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - Gateway National Recreation Area hosts Staten Island Borough Historian Thomas Matteo as he reveals the impact of the War of 1812 on New York City, including a threatened British invasion which was averted by thousands of New Yorkers from all classes and races. Witness the unveiling of the War of 1812 Bicentennial Community Commemorative Quilt, a collaborative effort by over a dozen artists illustrating the effects of the war on everyday New Yorkers. Hands-on education activities include the firing of small air-powered cannon.

WHO:Dr. Thomas Matteo, Official Historian, Borough of Staten Island
NPS park rangers and Volunteers-in-Parks

WHAT: Profiles of 1812 legends DanielTompkins and William Wadsworth, 11:30 A.M.
Sentinels of Our Shores education programs, 12:15 P.M. and 3 P.M.
Lectures by Dr. Matteo at 1 P.M. and 3:45 P.M.
Unveiling, War of 1812 Bicentennial Quilt, 1:45 P.M.
Tours of historic Fort Tompkins and Mont Sec History House, 2 P.M.

WHEN:Sunday, May 27 from 11:30 A.M. through 4:30 P.M.

WHERE:Fort Wadsworth Visitor Center, 120 New York Avenue, Fort Wadsworth (at end of Bay Street). Mont Sec house tours are at 112-A Mont Sec Avenue.

About Gateway National Recreation Area

Established in 1972, Gateway National Recreation Area offers residents of the New York metropolitan area more than 26,000 acres to explore for recreation, natural wonders and military history. For information about Gateway's upcoming public programs, see the park's Web site at https://www.nps.gov/gate/index.htm

--NPS--