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.
Vicki Giroux - Vice President
Vicki is currently employed as the Benefits Director for the CEWW Health Insurance Consortium. She has been involved in the Battle of Plattsburgh since the late 90’s working on many committees including the parade, group coordination and many others.
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.
Board of Directors:
Rich Frost
Wendy Gilchrist
Jim Guinness
Tim Horn
Judy LeFevbre
Charles Loscalzo
Paul J. Miller
Emily Moosmann
Lana Putnam
Mary Simmers
Linda Masterson Ward
Samantha Williams
Advisors:
Kit Booth
Bruce Carlin
Alice Church
John Rock
Craig Russell
Gary VanCour
Finance Committee
Chair- Forrest Edwards
Development Committee
Chair- Linda Masterson Ward
Members- Forrest Edwards, Smanatha Williams, Lana Putnam, Tim Horn, Steve McDonald
Advisers- Kit Booth, Gary VanCour
Public Relations Committee
Chair- Lana Putnam
Members- Rich Frost
Media Committee
Chair-
Members- Chris Ransom, Vicki Giroux, Casey Degon
B&G (Inventory) Committee
Chair- Chris Ransom
Members- Linda Masterson Ward
BOP Commemoration Committee
All Chairs and Advisors
Website Committee
Tom Donahue, Linda Masterson Ward, Bruce Carlin
BOP SUB-COMMITTEES
Ceremony Coordination
Chair- Mary Simmers
Members- Tim Horn, Judy Lefebvre
History & Education
Chair- Linda Masterson Ward
Members- Rich Frost, Lana Putnam, Mary Simmers
Volunteers
Chair- Diana Kwarta
Members- Richard Daly, Jim Guiness, Tim Horn, Steve McDonald, Anastasia Pratt
BOP Committee Volunteers
Sharon Bell- Kent Delord House
Casey Degan - Social Media
Geri Favreau- CCHA
Jim Guinness- Volunteers
Tim Horn - Volunteers
Diane Kwarta- Volunteers
Judy Lefebvre- Old Post Cemetery
Charles Loscalzo- Champlain Centre Mall
Steve McDonald- Volunteers
Bruce Moore- Trinity Church
PJ Miller- Reenactors/ Advisor
Emily Moosmann- Champlain Centre Mall
PJ Miller- Reenactors/ Advisor
Helen Nerska- CCHA
Vince Puliafico- Historian
Lana Putnam- Public Relations/ Marketing
John Rock- Reenactors/ Advisor
Craig Russell- Reenactors/ Advisor
Madison Spear- Graphic Design