War of 1812's end is subject of free talk at New York Military Musem Saturday

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In this painting depicting the signing of the Treaty of Ghent, John Qunicy Adams shakes hands with the chief British negotiator.

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY (02/04/2015)(readMedia)-- A Plattsburgh resident who portrays President John Quincy Adams will talk about the treaty the ended the War of 1812 and Adams role in those negotiations on Saturday, Feb 7 at the New York State Military Museum here.

Vincent Puliafico will discuss the Treaty of Ghent and the events which led up to its signing on Christmas Eve 1814 using Adam's diary and other historical references.

The free program begins at 2 p.m.

Dressed as Adams, Puliafico will discuss the 6th President's thoughts during the negotiations which began in August of 1814. Puliafico will also talk about how events, like the American victory at the Battle of Plattsburgh on Sept. 11, 1914 effected the discussions in the Belgium city of Ghent.

The treaty is famous for restoring the situation between the United States and Great Britain to what it was at the beginning of the conflict.

Because of the communications lag in getting word across the Atlantic Ocean at the time the war's last major battle, the British Defeat at the Battle of New Orleans on Jan. 8, 1815, was fought two weeks after the war was officially over. The last major naval engagement of the war, the U.S.S Constitution's defeat of the British ships Cyane and Levant, also occurred well after the peace had been signed, on Feb. 20, 1815.

Puliafico, as Adams, will discuss who actually "won" the War of 1812.

The program is sponsored by the Friends of the New York State Military Museum and the Friends of the Saratoga Battle Field.

The New York State Military Museum is located at 61 Lake Avenue.