Major General Robert Ross three day event in Rostrevor

A special conference focusing on the life and career of Major General Ross of Rostrevor is to take place in Rostrevor on 18th-20th October 2013 with BBC veteran Peter Snow as a key speaker.

Maynard Hanna, Development Officer Ulster Scots Agency, Marian Fitzpatrick, Community Liaison Officer Peace III, Robert Linden, Ross Conference local committee representative, Mayor of Newry and Mourne District Council Cllr Michael Ruane

Major General Robert Ross from Rostrevor became a British commander during the War of 1812 and fought in America and Europe.

He is famously noted burning the White House in an attack on Washington. A granite Obelisk was erected to his memory in Rostrevor in 1826 and vested by the Council in 2008.

This free 3 day conference, entitled ‘Personalities and Pivotal Moments in the Napoleonic Wars and War of 1812’, is supported by Peace III Southern Partnership under the ‘Future Foundations’ priority funded through the European Union’s PEACE III Programme.

Key speakers at the 3 day event include BBC veteran Peter Snow, author of When Britain Burned the White House, Washington Post journalist Steve Vogel, author of Through the Perilous Fight: Six Weeks that Saved the Nation.

Other speakers include local historians, visiting lecturers and independent scholars from Ireland, the UK, the USA, Canada and France.

Mayor of Newry and Mourne District Council Michael Ruane said the conference would have local and international appeal.

“From a historical point of view there is significant international interest in Ross and the conference is part of a strategy to raise the profile of the Ross story with a view to promoting cultural tourism in the area.”

“There are also a number of local people living in the area who perhaps want to use this opportunity to find out more about the village connection to a historically significant character.”

During the conference delegates will examine the role and personality of key characters involved in the War of 1812. There will also be opportunities to examine how we recall, interpret and commemorate history in the context of Peace and Reconciliation.

Peace III Southern Partnership Chairs, Councillor Roy McCartney and Dr James McCammick said, “Ross’ career provides a platform for exploration of a number of issues relating to identity and how we interpret history.

“Peace III, under the ‘Future Foundations priority’, provide opportunities such as these to engage a cross section of the community in discussions around our history, identity and how we can ethically remember and commemorate the past both of individuals and communities which impact on our localities.”

Delegates can opt to attend the Friday, Saturday or Sunday lectures. The event is free to attend. For more information or to book online visit www.macpr.co.uk/news or tel 028 4173 9017.

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Posted by Newry Times News on Sep 27 2013. Filed under Community, What's On. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry