About Us
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, was created by a dedicated group of long time Battle of Plattsburgh volunteers. In early December the volunteers were notified by the City of Plattsburgh that the City would no longer be able to present the Battle of Plattsburgh Commemoration.
Not wanting the historic significance of the annual commemoration to be lost, 1814 Commemoration Inc.was formed. The new organization will be able to raise the funds needed for the continuation of the Battle of Plattsburgh Commemoration and other events in the Plattsburgh and surrounding areas.
The nonprofit designation will allow greater latitude in fund raising and sponsorship procurement thereby enhancing the ability of the volunteer group to present the Battle of Plattsburgh Commemoration this year and for many years to come.
About Our Logo
For more than 200 years, the United States has enjoyed close alliances with Canada and the United Kingdom. Often, that reality stands in stark contrast with the historical realities of our bitter fight for independence during the Revolutionary War and our second fight for independence during the War of 1812. Yet, we have long remembered the Battle of Plattsburgh together, cementing our friendship through shared memories. As we pay tribute to the Canadian and British soldiers who lost their lives fighting here during our commemoration ceremonies, we celebrate our ongoing alliance and our mutual past through this joining together of our flags in this logo.
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 currently employed at Alexander Edwards & Company CPAs, P.C. accounting firm. He has been on the Board of Directors of 1814 Commemoration Inc. since 2019.
2022 Committees and Assignments
Committees
1) Executive Committee-Tom Donahue, Chris Ransom, Forrest Edwards,Vicki Giroux & Tim Horn
2) Finance - Forrest Edwards
3) Marketing & Media (Print & Social Media) - Mary Simmer and Tim Horn
4) Development (Fund Raising, grants, sponsorships, donations, in kind donations & direct monetary donations)
Members- Tim Horn, Forrest Edwards, Lana Putnam, Tom Donahue, Chris Ransom
Advisors- Kit Booth, Gary Vancour, Linda Ward
5) Building and Grounds (Inventory)-Chris Ransom, Linda Ward
6) BOP Commemoration - All Board members and Advisors
7) Website Committee - T. Donahue, L.Ward, B.Carlin
8) Public/Community Relations Committee –
Chair- Lana Putnam
Members- Rich Frost
9)-Advertising & Promotion - Design
All advertising (posters, brochures, tickets, buttons etc.)
Committee person to work with printers and professional designers
BOP COMMEMORATION SUBCOMMITTEES
CEREMONY COORDINATION
Chair- Mary Simmers
Members-Tim Horn, Judy Lefebvre
HISTORY & EDUCATION
Chair- Charles Loscalzo
Members- Rich Frost, Mary Simmers, Lana Putnam, Vince Puliafico
Advisor: Anastasia Pratt
VOLUNTEERS
Chair- Diane Kwarta
Members- Richard Daly. Tim Horn, Jim Guinness
PARADE
Chair- Vicky Giroux
ENTERTAINMENT
Chair- Wendy Gilchrist
BOP COMMITTEE VOLUNTEERS 2022
* 1814 Board Members
*Sharon Bell- Kent Delord House
*Kristin Collins – Children’s Old Time Village Fair
McKenzie Delisle - Social Media
Geri Favreau- CCHA
*Jim Guinness- Volunteers
*Tim Horn – Riverside Cemetery/Volunteers
Diane Kwarta- Volunteers
Helen Nerska- CCHA
*Judy Lefebvre- Old Post Cemetery
*Charles Loscalzo- Champlain Centre Mall
Steve McDonald- Volunteers
*PJ Miller- Reenactors
Bruce Moore- Trinity Church
*Lana Putnam- Public Relations/ Marketing
Vince Puliafico- Historian
John Rock- Reenactors/ Crab Island/Advisor
Craig Russell- Reenactors/ Advisor
Madison Spear- Graphic Design