HAL to welcome Bob Emerson for March program

The Historical Association of Lewiston’s next program is titled, “It is Impossible to Defend the Country: The American Revolution on the New York Frontier.” Robert Emerson will present this event at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 23, at the Lutheran Church of the Messiah Fellowship Hall, 915 Oneida St.

A press release explained, “During the American Revolution, New York’s Mohawk Valley became the scene of all out warfare. British redcoats fought soldiers from Washington’s Continental Army, loyalists fought Patriot militia, and Native Americans fought on both sides. Raiders from British-held Fort Niagara and from Canada devastated the agriculturally rich region, leaving in their wake burned farms and mills and thousands of refugees. Continental forces retaliated in 1779, invading the country of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, destroying villages and crops throughout Central and Western New York. The campaign resulted in a desperate refugee crisis around Fort Niagara during the bitter winter of 1780. When the war ended in 1783, Fort Niagara was slated to be turned over to the United States, but Great Britain retained control until 1796.”

Emerson has served as executive director of Old Fort Niagara since 1997. He has been an avid student of the American Revolution since the bicentennial of 1776 and has authored numerous articles about 18th century military history. He was a member of the New York State French and Indian War 250th Anniversary Commission and the War of 1812 Bicentennial Legacy Council. Most recently, Emerson was knighted by the French government for his work in preserving the early French history of the Great Lakes.

This community event is free and open to all, and refreshments will be served.