Traci Langworthy, Jamestown Community College associate professor and coordinator of history, will give the illustrated lecture “The War of 1812: Myths and Realities” on Aug. 8 at the 1891 Fredonia Opera House.

FREDONIA — The 1891 Fredonia Opera House will present The War of 1812: Myths and Realities as the fifth talk in its 2019 Chautauqua County History Lecture Series on Thursday, Aug. 8, at 7 p.m.

Traci Langworthy, Jamestown Community College associate professor and coordinator of history, will give the illustrated lecture.

In her talk, Langworthy traces the real history of Dunkirk’s War of 1812 skirmish in the context of national mythmaking and balladry during the early years of the United States. The War of 1812 not only produced our national anthem, but also spawned a slew of local stories, including that of the supposed “first” shots of the war at the mouth of the Canadaway Creek.

But what truths are behind these stories?

Langworthy will sleuth out the evidence while exploring how “history” gets made from both fact and fiction.

Langworthy has taught history at JCC since 2004. She earned her master’s degree in history and museum studies from the University of Delaware and completed her bachelor’s degree in history at Oberlin College.

She is at work on her PhD in American Studies through Penn State-Harrisburg.

An avid supporter of local history, she has volunteered for the Sheridan Historical Society and Fenton History Center for a number of years. She also serves on the Jamestown Historical Markers Committee.

Through her research into local women’s history, she has shone a light on the area’s role in the women’s suffrage movement. She has spoken on this subject at a variety of venues including at the Opera House this past year.

Admission to the presentation is free, with donations accepted.