Curator Talk: U.S. Marshals and the Invasion of Canada
December 14 @ 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
The job of the United States Marshals, if nothing else, is to enforce the laws of the United States. One of the nation’s oldest laws – still largely in effect – is the Neutrality Act of 1794. One element of the Neutrality Act prevented private citizens from breaking the peace with other nations. This law prevented wars waged by American citizens on nations across the world.
‘Filibustering,’ the act of waging wars as a private citizen, was common across the Caribbean and in Central and South America from the 1830s to the 20th century. While the Fenian Invasion of Canada is relatively well known, an early test of American relations with England was the “Patriot War” of 1837-1838. Still smarting from a Revolution and the War of 1812, American Marshals enforced their law while preserving the peace.
December 14, 2024. 12:00pm-1:00pm.
Talks are $5 or included with museum admission. Free for members.
