Occasionally in the life of a country a small event, sometimes little noticed, can change the course of history. Such an event occurred on 19 July 1812 at Sackets Harbor, New York, when a small ship and her gallant commander turned back the first British attack of the War of 1812. Daniel Pariser will review how the political forces, the flawed policies, and the tactical mistakes of all the countries involved led inevitably to the battle, and how the Americans used a combination of ingenuity, guile, and pluck to defeat a force more than five times their size. The presentation will focus on the US brig of war Oneida and her captain, Melancthon Woolsey, before, during, and after the battle and show why their contributions to our liberty should never be forgotten.

Join Us! The Public Is Invited!
Please contact the National Maritime Historical Society at
914-737-7878, ext. 0, if you plan to attend. Or you may RSVP to [email protected].

Coffee is at 10:30 AM. Presentation is at 11:00 AM.
A $5 donation is appreciated.

Lunch afterwards for at The Cove. Cost for lunch per person is $20, prepaid, and includes coffee and dessert. Cash bar. Please make your reservation before 23 February.