Following the Ontario Heritage Trust's 2012 Heritage Week theme of "Defending a Nation," our speakers will examine the role of David and Andrew Thompson in the War of 1812 and years leading up to World War 1.

1812: Beginning of the Thompson Military Legacy

Ron Dale, War of 1812 Bicentennial Project Manager for Parks Canada will reflect on David Thompson who volunteered for the 2nd Flank Company of the Second Regiment of Lincoln Militia and was active on the Niagara frontier in 1812-1814. He was wounded at the Battle of Lundy's Lane on July 25, 1814.  Our speaker will discuss likely experiences that David encountered during the war, his role as an Adjutant and how the militia was organized and trained.

...A century later, following the assassination of the Archduke Franz Ferdinand by Serbian terrorist, Europe was girding for war...

1912: A Century -Update of the Thompson Family and Canadian Militia

By 1912, the Thompson family of Ruthven Park was thoroughly committed to maintaining both family heritage and ties to the Canadian Militia. Lt. Col Andrew Thorburn Thompson has risen from local service with the 37th Haldimand Rifles to the command of a militia brigade. Both sons, Andrew Ruthven and Walter Hepburn Thompson, followed in their father's footsteps, first serving with the 37th Haldimands, and later joining him as officers of the 114th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force.  They would continue to honour the military traditions established by Colonel Andrew's grandfather David in the War of 1812-14, departing for the Western Front a century later in defence of Canada and the Empire during the first World War.

Speaker Marty Wood, who teaches Ontario and Canadian History for Laurentian University at the Georgian College Campus, will highlight the role of Colonel Thompson and his family in Ontario of 1912: the importance of the Militia, a growing awareness of Canada's part in the British Empire as war grew steadily more probable and contributions of the Thompson family in establishing social leadership alongside informed public opinion.

Admission by donation.