How do we celebrate our heritage?  How can we understand our past and project the lessons learned on our present lives in a manner that allows us to improve our communities as well as ourselves?  One means is to become involved in local historical initiatives, local organizations, and local events.  In this area Baldwin County offers myriad ways to become involved as well as a diverse menu of cultural and historical elements from which to choose.  This year the emphasis has been, and rightfully so, on the War of 1812 and the Creek War that was an integral component of that conflict.  However, that is by no means the only focus that amateur and professional historians can find in this historically rich region.  Nevertheless, for the purpose of inspiring others to embrace history and include its preservation in their lives we will focus on the 200^th anniversary of events that directly affected our corner of the world.

Most recently the Fort Mims Restoration Association sponsored a weekend or presentations, speakers, and participants that explored the causes and ramifications of the War of 1812 on a local and national level.  Moreover, the Restoration Association has commemorated the battle that took place at Fort Mims and at Burnt Corn that initiated the Creek War in the summer of 1813.  Each August re-enactors have played out the fateful events that changed the history of the region and the future of our nation.  Involvement in this event can provide the novice and the seasoned veteran re-enactor the opportunity to become fully immersed in the lifestyle of the period.  An August weekend spent at Fort Mims can also open up avenues of understanding for the casual visitor that can reveal life in the region during a very difficult time.  Interested parties should contact the Fort Mims Restoration Association to find out more about their annual event.  Information can be found on their website at www.fortmims.org.

In order to initiate a series of lifestyles exhibits and discussions of the early 19^th century, Baldwin County’s Bicentennial Park will host an 1812 Lifestyles exhibition this November which will feature an examination of the diverse cultural backgrounds of the people who settled this region.   Particular attention will be given to the interaction between white settlers, the Creeks, and the Métis (those with Indian and European backgrounds) that populated the area.  The event participants will include re-enactors portraying frontier life as well as speakers discussing topics of social, political, and military importance for the time period and locality.  Beyond this singular event Bicentennial Park hosts other events throughout the year and is open seven days a week catering to hikers who can travel along the two mile long nature trail or for guided educational tours.  There is also an active Friends of the Park organization that assists the full time park staff in hosting events, working on general maintenance of the park, and preparation of the historical exhibits that are beginning to populate the park facility.

The most recent project to involve both park staff and volunteer input has been the development of the 19^th century blacksmith shop that, in turn, is one of the components of the proposed 19^th century village.  Members of the Friends of the Park along with the Bay Forge Council and staff of the Bicentennial Park combined to construct a 19^th century blacksmith shop that will be unveiled at the Bicentennial Park Old Time Country Festival which will be held on Saturday April 28 from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM.  More information on Bicentennial Park, the events hosted at the park, and involvement in park activities can be obtained by calling the Baldwin County Department of Archives and History at 580-1897.

Living in one of the richest historical regions in the southeast, if not the entire United States, Baldwin County residents have the unique opportunity to preserve their history, to learn from past mistakes and from past triumphs.  Baldwin County residents can become involved in their heritage by working with local organizations that strive to preserve the past as a learning tool for the future.  And there is no better time than this year as we observe the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 and its effects on the Gulf Coast region to get involved.  Our involvement will hopefully encourage younger generations of Baldwin County Residents to cherish and preserve local history as a means to better understand themselves and their place in the world.