New Exhibit On Philadelphia's Role In War Of 1812 Opens At Seaport Museum
By Paul Kurtz
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Independence Seaport Museum is opening a new exhibit today to mark the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812.
To many Americans, it's the forgotten war. Nearly thirty years after the end of the Revolutionary War, America was battling the British again.
And Seaport Museum curator Craig Bruns says Philadelphia was right in the thick of it. William Bainbridge, Steven Girard and Steven Decatur were among the local heroes.
"We have a tray and we have a wine cooler, and they are both beautiful, beautiful silver objects," Burns tells KYW Newsradio, "and they were given to Steven Decatur by the people of Philadelphia. We also have Decatur's hat and buttons from his uniform."
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The exhibit also features the first printed song sheet of "The Star Spangled Banner," and interactive cannon that visitors can fire.
"Home of the Brave: the War of 1812" runs through the end of December.