A web tour reveals a lot of people have done a lot of thinking about how best to commemorate the War of 1812 — and the friendship that has since blossomed between Canada and the United States.

Communities on both sides of the border have events planned over the next three years–re-enactments, exhibits, new museum displays, conferences–even workshops for those who want to make their own costumes and take part in events.

Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont., gives an open invitation to  participate in events.

The Niagara 1812 Legacy Council website has a list of events planned over the next three years, history of the war and for those who want to visit battlefields, forts, historic sites and museums, a handy planner for five self-guided history tours through the region.

The Official War of 1812 Bicentennial Website reminds us that as well as  commemorating events of a couple of centuries ago, we are  also celebrating 200 years of peaceful co-existence. It, too, recaps history and suggests things to see and do, but it also includes the American perspective, listing battles, historic sites and trips in the U.S. as well as several websites of interest in Great Britain.

Parks Canada lures in history buffs with a video reenactment of the loss of Fort George.

On the federal government website are details on planned activities and funding for projects while the eighteentwelve website, sponsored by the Historica Dominion Institute, the Royal Canadian Geographic Society and Parks Canada, features an interactive timeline, videos, historical tidbits and an invitation to enter the Make Your Own War of 1812 Heritage Minute video contest.