Bloodied soldiers uniform an important link to the past
A 200-year old red Militia uniform from the War of 1812, on permanent display at Hamilton’s Military Museum at Dundurn Castle, will become the center of a scientific investigation which seeks to link the soldier to relatives living today. It is the first time that DNA evidence from the War of 1812 will be used in this type of analysis.
The red military coat, worn by soldier Titus Gears Simons, is part of a commemorative exhibit entitled “Blood Ties”, which is part of the bicentennial celebration. The experiment will try to link Simons to his great-granddaughter and establish a direct connection between today’s contemporary society and our colorful past.
At the Battle of Lundy’s Lane, in the War of 1812, Simons was shot three times in the chest and arms as he rode a horse. He recovered from his wounds and went on to become a colonel in the 2nd Regiment. The coat on display at the Hamilton Military Museum shows clearly visible gunshot holes but the blood stain is now barely visible, disguised by the red of the jacket itself. The DNA testing is part of the museum’s interpretation strategy to commemorate real people and real stories, rather than a more stoic, factual approach.
The Hamilton Military Museum will likely be a stop on the self-guided trail currently being developed by the Hamilton Historic Board. Printing companies can assist the bicentennial celebrations by providing design expertise and through the production of flyer printing, brochures, poster printing and postcard printing.
The red military coat, worn by soldier Titus Gears Simons, is part of a commemorative exhibit entitled “Blood Ties”, which is part of the bicentennial celebration. The experiment will try to link Simons to his great-granddaughter and establish a direct connection between today’s contemporary society and our colorful past.
At the Battle of Lundy’s Lane, in the War of 1812, Simons was shot three times in the chest and arms as he rode a horse. He recovered from his wounds and went on to become a colonel in the 2nd Regiment. The coat on display at the Hamilton Military Museum shows clearly visible gunshot holes but the blood stain is now barely visible, disguised by the red of the jacket itself. The DNA testing is part of the museum’s interpretation strategy to commemorate real people and real stories, rather than a more stoic, factual approach.
The Hamilton Military Museum will likely be a stop on the self-guided trail currently being developed by the Hamilton Historic Board. Printing companies can assist the bicentennial celebrations by providing design expertise and through the production of flyer printing, brochures, poster printing and postcard printing.