Media Release
The Re-enactment of the Battle of Stoney Creek returns on June 3 & 4
HAMILTON, ON - The Re-enactment of the Battle of Stoney Creek returns to Battlefield House Museum & Park National Historic Site on Saturday, June 3 from 10 am to 10 pm and Sunday, June 4 from 10 am to 4:30 pm. Admission is FREE in honour of Sara Calder, founder of Battlefield House Museum.
The Re-enactment takes place at Battlefield House Museum & Park located at 77 King St. W. in Hamilton. The event will feature reenactors from across Canada and the United States, who will be dressed in historically accurate uniforms and will use period weapons and tactics to bring the battle to life. Battle re-enactments are scheduled at 3:30 pm and 8:30 pm on Saturday and at 2:00 pm on Sunday.
In addition to the battle re-enactments, the event will also feature a variety of other activities, including a 19th century military encampment, musket and cannon demonstrations, period music and dance performances, one-of-a-kind shopping, old-fashioned games for children, fireworks, guided tours of the Battlefield House Museum and Battlefield Monument and food and refreshments will be available for sale by the Stoney Creek Kiwanis, Stoney Creek Optimists and Stoney Creek Lions Club. Please note that dogs are not permitted on the grounds during the event.
This year features Indigenous programming including a narrated ‘Great Peace Game’ of Haudenosaunee Lacrosse on the Battlefield prior to each Battle Re-enactment on Saturday, June 3. After the game, the young men will be joined by Haudenosaunee singers and dancers who will share Gada:tro (Standing Quiver Dance), and the Smoke Dance with audience participation.
Parking and Transportation - There is no on-site parking for the event. Free parking is available at St. David’s Catholic School, 33 Cromwell Cres. Hamilton and Sir John Henry Newman Catholic School, 127 Grays Rd. Stoney Creek. A free, accessible shuttle bus will run a constant loop between the event site and the school parking lots.
The Re-enactment of the Battle of Stoney Creek is part of the City of Hamilton’s ongoing efforts to promote its rich history and culture. For additional information about the Re-enactment of the Battle of Stoney Creek, visit www.hamilton.ca/reenactment, email [email protected] or call 905-521-3168.
Quick facts
- Battlefield House Museum & Park National Historic Site is owned and operated by the City of Hamilton and is located at 77 King St. W. in Stoney Creek. The Georgian-style homestead is the site where the Gage family was held as the Battle of Stoney Creek raged outside. Built in 1796, Battlefield House provides visitors the opportunity to experience life in Upper Canada during the early 1800s.
- The Battle of Stoney Creek took place on June 6, 1813 and was a significant moment in the War of 1812. The battle was fought between 700 British and Upper Canadian forces led by Major-General John Vincent, and a larger American force of 3500 led by Brigadier General John Chandler. The British and Indigenous allies were able to mount a successful raid on the American position, stopping the American advance into Upper Canada.
We are pleased to see the return of this in-person event. The re-enactment is an opportunity for Hamiltonians and visitors alike to experience a significant moment in our city’s history. We are proud to commemorate the brave individuals who fought to defend our land and to educate future generations about the importance of this battle. In the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation, I am equally pleased to see interactive Indigenous activities and artistic performances taking place during the weekend.
Mayor Andrea Horwath
The Re-enactment of the Battle of Stoney Creek provides visitors an opportunity to immerse themselves in the past and learn about the Battle of Stoney of Creek. Attendees will wander through the re-created military encampment and mingle with early 19th century settler and soldier reenactors demonstrating daily tasks of the time; shop among one-of-a-kind merchants; witness historical demonstrations of cooking, dancing, blacksmithing, games, musical entertainment, and more. This is a terrific event for families, history enthusiasts, and those looking for an unique experience.
Carrie Brooks-Joiner, Director, Tourism and Culture Division, Planning and Economic Development Department
In the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation and understanding the Indigenous history and community connection to Hamilton, we have enhanced existing programming with Indigenous demonstrations, interpretations, and artistic performances. To the Haudenosaunee, lacrosse was a medicine game in its purest form and was also played as a peaceful alternative to war amongst warring nations. A narrated Haudenosaunee Lacrosse demonstration will be presented on the re-enactment battlefield prior to each Battle Re-enactment on June 3.
Travis Hill, Curator Indigenous Culture and Heritage, Tourism and Culture Division, Planning and Economic Development Department
Additional resources
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Hamilton Civic Museum
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