The Erie Maritime Museum welcomes author Gerard T. Altoff to speak on The Battle of Lake Erie on Sunday, November 18, 2012, at 2:30 p.m. in the Hirt Auditorium. Mr. Altoff’s presentation is open to the public, admission free.
Altoff will place the Battle of Lake Erie in its historic context as well as discuss building and manning Perry’s fleet at Erie, then focus on the complex naval engagement itself. He’ll explore problems faced by both American and British commanders, the tactical complexities of the battle, and Niagara’s role in it. The program will close with the political and military implications of Perry’s crucial victory.
Gerry Altoff authored or co-authored five books about the Battle of Lake Erie during his career with the National Parks Service, stationed at the site of the battle, Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial at Put-In-Bay, Ohio. A widely recognized expert on the War of 1812, he has been a frequent speaker at scholarly conferences and contributor to journals, including The Journal of Erie Studies in 1994 and 1998. The Museum Gift Shop will open prior to Mr. Altoff’s talk, for those who wish to purchase books for the author to sign after the presentation.