About Us
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1814 Commemoration Inc.
PO Box 2549
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
Established February 7, 2020
Mission of 1814 Commemoration, Inc.: “To plan and produce a commemorative event which includes many different activities that enhance the awareness and knowledge of the historical significance of the British military invasion of the Champlain Valley in 1814 and the ensuing American naval victory which directly influenced the signing of the Treaty of Ghent and the end of The War of 1812."
Background
1814 Commemoration Inc., a 501(c) 3 not-for-profit corporation, were created by a dedicated group of long time Battle of Plattsburgh volunteers.
In early December 2019 the volunteers were notified by the City of Plattsburgh that the City would no longer be able to finance the Battle of Plattsburgh Commemoration and would no longer be holding the annual event.
Not wanting the historic significance of the annual commemoration to be lost, 1814 Commemoration Inc.was formed in 2020. The new organization's goal is to raise the funds needed for the continuation of the Battle of Plattsburgh Commemoration and other related events in the Plattsburgh and surrounding areas.
The not-for-profit designation allows greater latitude in fund raising and sponsorship procurement thereby enhancing the ability of the volunteer group to present the Battle of Plattsburgh Commemoration annually.
Disclosure Policy
1814 Commemoration Inc. does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.
Executive Committee
Tom Donahue – President
Tom is retired after working 30+ years as a Drafting Instructor for the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. Involved in the Battle of Plattsburgh as a volunteer since 2014.
Tim Horn - Vice President
Tim is a retired U.S. Navy Program Director after a 38 year civilian career. He's also retired from the USAF and Air National Guard after serving for 32 years. He has been involved with the Battle of Plattsburgh as a volunteer since 2015.
Vicki Giroux- Vice-President
Chris Ransom – Secretary
Chris retired after 33 years as Hospital Librarian at UVM Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital. She has been involved with husband, Stan Ransom in the Battle of Plattsburgh since 2000 providing historic games for children from the 1800s.
Forrest Edwards – Treasurer
Forrest is the owner of KnowTax, a professional tax and accounting firm in Plattsburgh, NY. He also serves as Treasurer of the Plattsburgh Noon Rotary Club and national enterpreneurship honor society Sigma Nua Tau.
Board of Directors
Sharon Bell
Mark DuBrey
Russell Feher
Wendy Gilchrist
Jim Guinness
Diane Kwarta
Judy Lefebvre
Nicole Martino
Mary Simmers
2024 Committees and Assignments
Advertising & Marketing: Tom Donahue, 1814 Inc. members
Buttons - Event Buttons: Forrest Edwards, Jim Guinness
Cannon Ball Run: TBD
Chateau Ramezay Museum Guides: Linda Ward
City Hall Exhibits: City of Plattsburgh Historian
Children’s Old Time Village Fair: Kristin Collins
Clinton County Historical Association: Geri Favreau
Costumes: Sharon Bell
Crab Island: John Rock
Education: Linda Ward
Entertainment: Tom Donahue, Russell Feher
Fire Engine Pull: Cristi Lawliss
Fireworks: Tom Donahue
Food Court, Vendors & Exhibits: Mark Dubrey, Tom Donahue
Fundraising: Board of Directors & Committee: Nicole Martino, Volunteers
Grant Writing: Tom Donahue, Linda Ward, Bill Donahue
Graphic Design: Jodi Brunner
History Talks: Richard Frost, Charles Loscalzo
Hospitality: Parade Committee
Parade Tent: Bruce Moore
Information Booth: Tim Horn
Infrastructure (Tents/Toilets etc.): Diane Kwarta
Israel Green’s Tavern: Tom Donahue, 1814 Inc Members
Kent Delord House Museum: Sharon Bell
Kids’ Games, Muster & Parade: Chris and Stan Ransom, NAMI
Macomb Ball: Wendy Gilchrist
Magazine: Mary Simmers
Memorial Services: Tim Horn
Macdonough Monument Challenge: Tom Donahue, Nancy Church and Kiwanis
Old Post Cemetery: Judy Lefebvre
Parade: Vicki Giroux
Play: Richard Frost
Plucky Rooster Crowing Contest: Emily Moosmann – Champlain Centre Mall
Poster Contest: Linda Ward, Shannon Piché-Smith (NYSATA)
Press Releases: Emily Moosmann
Raffles: Judy Lefebvre
Reenactments & Demonstrations: Paul “PJ” Miller
Rotary Races: Vicki Marking
Schedule – Event: Tom Donahue
Shape Note Singers: Wendy Gilchrist
Social Media: Nicole Martino
Sound: Russell Feher
Souvenirs: Tim Horn, Mary Simmers
Videos: Bruce Carlin
Volunteers: Tim Horn, Diane Kwarta
Website: Bruce Carlin, Tom Donahue, Linda Ward
Worship Service: Wendy Gilchrist
ADVISORS
Christopher “Kit” Booth: Former Event Co-Chairman
Gary VanCour: Former Event Co-Chairman
John Rock: Crab Island
Craig Russell: Reenactors
Linda Ward: Children’s Old Time Village Fair