Jim Hill - Niagara in the Summer of 1813

Wedged between a frantic spring of 1813 with a number of major actions and a dramatic autumn, not a lot of attention is spent on the summer of 1813.In the Niagara region of Upper Canada it was actually a busy time!Join us as we have Jim Hill discuss:Laura SecordLt. James FitzGibbonBattle of Beaver DamsCecil BisshopPeter PorterBlack Rock Reconnaissance in ForceJim Hill is a long-standing heritage professional with the Niagara Parks Commission (NPC), where he plays a key role in preserving and interpreting the cultural and historical legacy of the Niagara region.He has been with NPC since 1996, contributing decades of leadership in heritage planning and public programming.Professional Background:Hill has worked in heritage interpretation and historical programming for multiple Canadian organizations, including Parks Canada and the Friends of Fort George prior to joining the Niagara Parks Commission.He is responsible for developing and managing programs that tell the stories of the people, places, and events that have shaped the Niagara area’s past.This includes Indigenous history, early settlement, military heritage, and the broader cultural landscape.Role at Niagara Parks Commission:At NPC, Jim Hill holds the title Senior Manager, Heritage & Legacy (sometimes styled Superintendent of Heritage and Legacy), overseeing heritage projects, interpretive planning, and commemorative initiatives across NPC sites.Military and Personal Background:Beyond his heritage career, Hill is a retired Captain in the Reserve Army with the Royal Canadian Artillery, bringing both historical and practical military insight to his work.This episode was recorded on June 12, 2026