PERRYSBURG, Ohio — Between parades, cookouts and great weather, there are plenty of things to do during the upcoming Memorial Day holiday weekend.
But some more somber events will be held in Perrysburg that will honor some of the first soldiers in our nation's history who defended against invasion right here in northwest Ohio.
Established in 1813, Fort Meigs was the site of a nine-day siege during the War of 1812.
Now, a museum and reconstructed wooden-walled fort invites visitors to experience our history first-hand.
"It's an immersive experience to be here," said John Thomspon, manager of historical programming at the fort. "Once you walk through the gates, it is 1813. And that has an effect on the way that you feel, and an effect on the way that you learn."
This Saturday and Sunday, Fort Meigs will host the First Siege 1813, an event featuring reenactors, period-accurate camps, tactical demonstrations and battle reenactments.
The historical organization also has a few new items to showcase, like a US Army artillery gun gin, used to move cannons into place. Staff at Fort Meigs researched the item for years, and built the equipment by hand on site.
Along with showcasing living history in person, this is also an appropriate location for Memorial Day because Fort Meigs is also a historic military cemetery.
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"It deserves respect, and deserves tender care from our public," Thompson said.
And on Memorial Day, staff and volunteers will be honoring our country's fallen soldiers with more War of 1812 reenactments and a wreath laying ceremony at 2 p.m.
Thompson said even if you aren't a history buff, there will be something for everyone with any interest to showcase.
"It doesn't necessarily have to be military history, or even history," he said. "But if you're into baking, for example, the army ovens will be going. We'll be creating breads all weekend and historic cooking."
First Siege 1813 will be held on Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Memorial Day Commemorations will be held on Monday from noon to 5 p.m.
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