This week on Ask A Historian, Matthew Wilkinson explores the world of 1812 re-enactment with a special episode that features interviews on the battlefield.

Matthew interviews re-enactors as they train for the many battle re-enactments ahead, including Heritage Mississauga’s very own 2nd Regt. of York Militia – Thompson’s Coy who are preparing for the 2022 Engagement at Bradley.

Discover the world of re-enacting, why people are drawn to the popular hobby, and what life was like for women during the conflict.

The 2nd Regiment of York Militia – Thompson’s Company, is a group of living history enthusiasts who, through research and living history, recreate the lives of soldiers and civilians of Toronto township during the War of 1812.
The original Company served in the War of 1812 as part of the 2nd Regiment of York Militia. It is named for Captain William Thompson who served with the 2nd Regiment of York Militia during the war.

The re-enactment company was formed to honour the contributions of volunteer militiamen and First Nations people from Toronto Township (now the City of Mississauga) who served in the 2nd Regiment of the York Militia. Many of them were present at and participated in many of the battles in the War of 1812 along the Niagara frontier, including Chippawa, Fort Detroit, Fort Erie, Fort George, Fort York, Lundy’s Lane, Queenston Heights, St. David’s and Stoney Creek.

Thompson’s Company functions, in part, as an educational component of Heritage Mississauga by participating in community events and functions and through re-enactments.

2nd York Militia will take part in the Siege of Fort Erie which is taking place on the weekend of August 5-7, 2022 at Old Fort Erie as well as the 2022 Engagement at Bradley taking place October 1-2, 2022 at the Bradley Museum.

For more information visit: https://www.2ndyork.com/

You are invited to email us questions you have about Mississauga and we encourage you to send a short (less than 1 minute) MP4 video of your question, which we may feature in one of our “Ask a Historian” videos.

Any questions not featured in our videos will receive a written response from Matthew.

We would also love to feature questions from young Mississauga residents who are curious about their city and will feature a dedicated video to these inquisitive kids.

Send your questions to us at: [email protected]