Defense of the Nation Exhibit at Abingdon Library Honors Maryland’s Role in War of 1812

From the Harford County Public Library:

Harford County Public Library is proud to offer the community the opportunity to tour Defense of the Nation: Maryland in the War of 1812, a traveling exhibit on loan through the Baltimore National Heritage Area (U.S. National Park Service). On display at the Abingdon Library now through March 28th, the exhibit portrays the experience of the crucial Chesapeake Campaign of the War of 1812.

“I am so pleased to have the Harford County Public Library wrap up the tour of this exhibition,” said Bethany Hacker, community relations specialist for Harford County Public Library. “We started the 1812 commemoration in the county at Havre de Grace with a bang, and now we can close the tribute with some quiet reflection.”

The War of 1812 unified a fractured nation, secured U.S. independence from Great Britain, and produced two powerful national symbols: the national anthem and “The Star-Spangled Banner” flag. And because so much of the War of 1812 happened on Maryland soil and in Chesapeake waters, Marylanders can be proud. The War of 1812 is remembered as a bloody and courageous three-year effort, and Defense of the Nation shows why events that took place 200 years ago continue to inspire and enlighten Americans. Historical information and images reveal the hardships and fear felt by the people of Maryland and the Chesapeake region so long ago, as well as their inspired response. The exhibit brings a new sense of appreciation for the freedom U.S. citizens enjoy today as it revisits the human drama that shaped and propelled an important turning point in the American experience.

Defense of the Nation: Maryland in the War of 1812 is part of the three-year commemoration of the War of 1812. For more information about the exhibit, please contact Community Relations Specialist Bethany Hacker at 410-273-5600, ext. 2243 or hacker@hcplonline.org.