On behalf of the Glencoe & District Historical Society, I am honoured to write this letter in support of the Upper Thames Military Re-enactment Society’s application for the Governor General’s History Award for Community Programming.
The UTMRS— the Royal Scots —are more than skilled re-enactors; they are devoted stewards of local memory and dedicated community builders. Under the leadership of committed champions like Glenn Stott, they have brought the history of the Battle of the Longwoods to life for countless residents and visitors alike.
The Longwoods Memorial Service, held each March, is a vivid example of their impact. For decades, the story of the March 4th, 1814 skirmish was largely forgotten. In the 1980s, when my mother, Betty Simpson, noticed a solitary wreath placed at the federal monument near our family home, she discovered it was the Royal Scots who had revived this commemoration. Their dedication inspired local neighbours and organizations—including our Historical Society—to get involved and ensure the memory of those who fought and fell is never lost again.
The Royal Scots’ efforts extend beyond a single memorial service. They have taken on the ambitious Longwoods Heritage Weekend, an undertaking that draws families, students, and history enthusiasts from far and wide. Through authentic re-enactments, educational demonstrations, and engaging storytelling, they make our shared past accessible and meaningful for new generations.
Moreover, the UTMRS’s leadership and volunteer spirit have rippled outward. Champions like Glenn Stott were early supporters of the Canada Barn Quilt Trails project—encouraging community heritage work far beyond the battlefield. Their members give countless hours in costume and behind the scenes, sharing history with honesty, passion, and respect for the land and peoples connected to these stories.
Their work has even inspired film. The 2017 documentary by Barbara Urbach and Crocodile Productions is a testament to how the UTMRS bring history alive in both intimate, human ways and grand, dramatic moments on our historic landscapes.
In every sense, the Upper Thames Military Re-enactment Society are true keepers of our community memory. Their dedication ensures that stories like Lieutenant Patrick Graeme’s sacrifice—and the broader heritage of the War of 1812 in our region—continue to inspire reflection and understanding.
For these reasons, the Glencoe & District Historical Society wholeheartedly endorses the Upper Thames Military Re-enactment Society for the Governor General’s History Award. They richly deserve this recognition for their outstanding contribution to community history and heritage education.
There is so much more we could add. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us to learn more about their wonderful community work. It’s so much fun to work with them – they never say ‘no’ when we ask for a re-enactor to attend an event – no matter how small or modest the event is.
Sincerely,
Mary Simpson, President 2025/26
