2020 Battle of New Orleans Anniversary

The Battle of New Orleans by E. Percy Moran. ©1910, image from Library of Congress.

Living History Program to be held January 10–12, 2020

The public is invited to attend a meeting on Saturday, August 3, 2019, at 4:00 p.m. at the Forty Arpent Wetlands Observatory to discuss the Battle of New Orleans Anniversary scheduled for January 2020. 

The Forty Arpent Wetlands Observatory is located at 8201 Benjamin Street, two blocks west of Jean Lafitte Parkway in Chalmette. Katherine “Katie” Tommaseo, Manager of the St. Bernard Parish Office of Tourism and Film is pleased to announce that the Forty Arpent Wetlands Observatory will be the site of the second annual Battle of New Orleans Living History Program. The event is scheduled for Friday, Saturday and Sunday, January 10th, 11th and 12th, 2020. 

The Living History Commemoration will consist of American and British opposing force reenactments in addition to examples of camp life and weapon firing demonstrations. Living history volunteers from throughout the United States and Canada will be invited to participate. The volunteers will be dressed in period-correct military uniforms, clothing and carrying period-correct weapons. A schedule of skirmish reenactments, black powder and artillery firing demonstrations will be developed. All living history events will be free and open to the public.

Charlene Strain, a veteran St. Bernard Parish Public School System educator and living history volunteer is serving as the living history coordinator for St. Bernard Parish Government. Charlene stated “we are thrilled to be moving to this new, larger venue with generous support from St. Bernard Parish Government, the Arlene and Joseph Meraux Charitable Foundation and other business and community partners. The new site will allow the program to expand so that skirmishes and living history programs will offer much more to visitors. This January 2020 should be very exciting!” Strain said.

Parish President Guy McInnis commented, “as the Battle of New Orleans event grows, there will be increased economic benefit to St. Bernard Parish while educating the public about this landmark event in the history of St. Bernard and the United States.” Tourism Manager Katie Tommaseo stated “we are indebted to the living history volunteers who have supported Battle of New Orleans anniversaries in the past – they were partners in our rebuilding following Hurricane Katrina and have contributed vastly to expanding recognition of the battle. We look forward to their continued presence in St. Bernard” Tommaseo said.

Anyone interested in participating in the reenactment and educational activities should attend the meeting on August 3rd. For more information visit www.visitstbernard.com.

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