Jim Hill: The Niagara in 1812 - The War Begins

For this episode, we turn to Jim Hill from the Niagara Parks Commission to talk to us about the nature of affairs in the year of 1812 prior to commencement of the war and then turn his attention to the conflicts along the Niagara River to close the year out including the Battle of Queenston Heights, the death of Major General Sir Isaac Brock and the lesser known Battle of Frenchman's Creek.Jim 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.