MARQUETTE -- As the 200th anniversary to the War of 1812 approaches, U.P. historians are preparing a celebration.  Historian and professor at Northern Michigan University, Russell Magnaghi, will be spearheading an event aimed to pay tribute to the war.
    
The War of 1812 commemoration will take place on June 18 starting at 3 p.m. at the University Center.
    
Magnaghi says what happened after the end of the war heavily shaped the future of the State of Michigan and the Upper Peninsula.

"Since 1815, in that time to the present, the U.S. and Canada have the longest undefended boundary in the world.  The really major importance of the war is the outcome and the peace and tranquility that allows the two countries to interact," said Magnaghi.

The celebration is free and open to the public.