LIVING AMERICAN FLAG, Tuesday, May 24, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
An event sponsored by the National Flag Day Foundation to foster understanding of the flag as a symbol of national unity. Each year since 1984, up to 4,000 third, fourth and fifth graders from Maryland schools create a 130’ x 230’ Living American Flag. Participants are limited to schools registered with the National Flag Day Foundation (http://www.flagday.org).
FORT MCHENRY GUARD - DEFENDERS RETURN TO THE FORT, Summer Weekends – Beginning Sunday, June 5, 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Experience the daily life of the War of 1812 soldier, sailor and citizen through presentations by the Fort McHenry Guard. Dressed in replica clothing of the early Nineteenth Century, the Guard conducts drills, barracks activities, artillery and musket firing demonstrations, civilian activities, and children’s programs.
TWILIGHT TATTOO CEREMONY AND CONCERT, Dates to be announced – usually late May.
Tattoo is the military bugle call sounded shortly before Taps each evening. The Tattoos include precision drill and music performed by the Fort McHenry Guard, the park’s living history unit, and guest military units.
FLAG DAY – PAUSE FOR THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE, Tuesday, June 14, 6:30 p.m.
An event sponsored by the National Flag Day Foundation to foster patriotism. This annual event encourages citizens all over the United States to pause at 7:00 p.m. (EDT) and say the Pledge of Allegiance. A concert of patriotic music and fireworks follows.
FORT MCHENRY CONCERT SERIES - WHERE MUSIC MEETS HISTORY!, Saturday, June 18, 1:00 p.m. – 4:30p.m.
America’s second war with Great Britain began on June 18, 1812. “Free Trade and Sailors’ Rights” became the slogan for this “Second War of Independence.” Commemorate the start of the War of 1812! The afternoon program will feature a recruiting rendezvous, fife and drum concerts and living history reenactors. Learn how music inspired soldiers, raised morale and calmed fears during troubled times. Concert times to be announced.
CIVIL WAR DAYS AT FORT MCHENRY -“BATTLE CRY OF FREEDOM!,” Saturday, July 16, 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; Sunday, July 17, 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Although best known as the “Birthplace of the National Anthem,” Fort McHenry’s role in the Civil War was controversial. Some saw it as a symbol of freedom while others viewed it as a bastion of tyranny. Find out why people were arrested for singing “Maryland My Maryland,” and how Union soldiers imposed martial law in Baltimore. Civil War reenactors encamp on the grounds and perform musket drills, guard mounts and show what life was like at the Fort during the Civil War. * A CONCERT OF CIVIL WAR MUSIC will be held on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
FORT MCHENRY CONCERT SERIES – WHERE MUSIC MEETS HISTORY!, Saturday, August 20 - “Republic vs. Empire,” 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Compare and contrast the styles of music popular in the United States and Great Britain during the War of 1812! The selection of music includes “Yankee Doodle,” symbolic of early America to “Rule Britannia,” reflecting the British Empire during the Napoleonic era. Each concert features historical narration and a living history performance. Concert times to be announced.
DEFENDERS' DAY – THE STAR-SPANGLED BANNER WEEKEND!!, Friday, Saturday & Sunday, September 9, 10 & 11
Join us for Fort McHenry’s flagship event! This three-day encampment and extravaganza is celebrated with over 100 War of 1812 reenactors, parades, military bands, fireworks, a symbolic ship-to-shore bombardment and much more!
The Star-Spangled Banner Weekend honors Defenders’ Day, Baltimore’s oldest holiday commemorating the bombardment of Fort McHenry and the writing of “The Star-Spangled Banner!” Events begin with a Friday evening ceremonial procession of War of 1812 “soldiers” from the Star- Spangled Banner Flag House to the Inner Harbor, followed by a ceremony at the amphitheater. After the ceremony the reenactors will board sailing boats and return with the 30’x42’ replica flag to Fort McHenry. Saturday and Sunday, activities include children’s programs, historic boats, military encampments/demonstrations and a “privateer’s auction” of “captured goods.” Saturday evening’s program, beginning at 6:00 p.m., features a concert, a musket firing tactical demonstration with volunteer reenactors from all over the country (narrated), a symbolic ship-to-shore bombardment and evening fireworks show.
FLAG CHANGE PROGRAMS occur twice daily all year. These are presented at: 9:30 a.m. and 4:20 p.m. (Summer – 9:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. - PLEASE NOTE CHANGE IN SUMMER EVENING FLAG CHANGE TIME FROM PREVIOUS YEARS), weather permitting. Help a ranger raise a reproduction of the Star-Spangled Banner flag. Call for more details.
FORT MCHENRY NEEDS YOU! JOIN US!
Join us in preserving and remembering this national treasure, and have fun doing it! Volunteers at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine provide vital support as rangers, teachers, historic preservation specialists, assist in the museum collection and library, help in administrative offices, and serve visitors at the Visitor Center. HELP WITH PARK CLEANUPS - volunteers maintain the historic grounds and remove debris from the seawall and tidal wetlands on APRIL 16, JUNE 11, SEPTEMBER 24 and DECEMBER 3. The park living history unit, THE FORT MCHENRY GUARD, consists entirely of volunteers. All training and equipment are provided by the park – schedule is flexible. CONTACT: Ranger Vince Vaise, Volunteer Coordinator, at 410-962-4290, ext. 236 or email - vince_vaise@nps.gov, for an application. Be part of the National Park Service team!
EXTENDED SUMMER HOURS: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., June 4-September 5, 2005, Park: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., Star Fort: 8 a.m. - 7:15 p.m., PLEASE NOTE CHANGE IN STAR FORT CLOSING TIME FROM PREVIOUS YEARS.
