2012 LECTURE SERIES 

Explore the often forgotten but pivotal conflict between a fledgling nation and the British, Canadian colonists and native nations on the bicentennial of the War of 1812 at the Portsmouth Athenaeum 2012 Program Series. Investigate the conflict from a sailor's point of view hands-on and broaden the scope to consider the war in a global context. (See schedule below)

The series will kick off Wednesday, Feb. 15 with historian George Daughan's "The Navy's War." Daughan will share a story of how a handful of heroic captains and their stalwart crews overcame great odds to lead the country to victory against the world's greatest imperial power. A former professor, Daughan received a doctoral degree in American history and government, and is the award-winning author of "1812: The Navy's War."

On March 14, Carolyn Eastman will present "Fighting War with Peace." Discover the story behind one of the first pacifist organizations in the nation as Eastman relates how the War of 1812 impacted retired Portsmouth sea captain William Ladd, founder of the American Peace Society. Learn of the "gentle manliness" espoused by our local anti-war activist. Eastman has a doctorate degree in history and is an associate professor of history at Virginia Commonwealth University.

The series will continue Sept. 12, with J. Dennis Robinson's "The Privateer Lynx." The historian and author will tell the tale of a ship with two lives, focusing on the square-topsail, wooden schooner named Lynx that was captured by the British as a privateer in the war of 1812, and learn about the $3 million Lynx vessel that sails today. Robinson is a columnist and author of "America's Privateer: Lynx and the War of 1812."

On Oct. 10, Sarah O'Connor will present "A Sailor's Life in War." What was life really like for sailors during the War of 1812? O'Connor will demonstrate reproduction clothing, weaponry and tools. She has a master's degree in Atlantic history and museum studies, and travels throughout New England and Canada as a maritime historical re-enactor aboard a reproduction gunboat.

The series will conclude Nov. 14 with Douglas Aykroyd's "A Foreign View of the War." The world was shocked by the declaration of war by the United States of America on Great Britain in 1812. The war between these countries is well documented, but the relationship of the two antagonists with the rest of the world is not so well known. Col. Aykroyd, a military historian with a master's degree in international relations, looks into other views of this conflict.

Each program will begin at 7 p.m. in the Athenaeum's Research Library at 9 Market Square. Members of the public are welcome to attend the entire series by becoming a Friend of the Athenaeum for a minimum of $25 per year, payable via mail or at the door; see "membership" at www.portsmouthathenaeum.org. Admission to individual programs is $10. Call 431-2538, ext. 2, for reservations. Refreshments will be served.