Fort McHenry

Group Tour Information

PLANNING YOUR VISIT:

To make a group arrangement, please call (410) 962-4290, extension 243, Monday afternoon from 12:30 P.M. to 4:00 P.M., Wednesday morning from 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 Noon, or Friday morning from 9:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. (all times Eastern).

Call no less than three weeks and up to six months in advance to insure openings for your group. Have all of your group's information ready when you call.

FILM ARRANGEMENTS:

A 16-minute introductory film, "The Defense of Fort McHenry," is shown every twenty minutes from 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. seven days a week in the Visitor Center auditorium. Only 50 people may view the film at each showing. Each film starts promptly at the scheduled times. After checking in at the Visitor Center, please have your group assemble outside the building ten minutes prior to your scheduled movie time. Please remain quiet while viewing the film.

GROUP PROGRAMS:

Daily Flag Change: This is open to all groups. This 15-minute program provides information on the variety of flags used at Fort McHenry and their historic significance. This program is offered daily at 9:30 A.M. and 4:20 P.M. (7:00 P.M. during extended summer hours), weather permitting.

For Grades K-2: The introductory film is optional. You may schedule the following 30-minute ranger activity at 11:00 A.M. or 2:00 P.M. during the school year.

For Grades 3 and above: You may schedule one of the following 30-minute ranger activities that are offered only after viewing the film at 10:40 A.M. or 1:40 P.M. during the school year.
For Grades 6 and above: In addition to the other programs, you may schedule one of the following 20 minute interpretive programs that are offered only after viewing the film at 10:40 A.M. or 1:40 P.M. during the school year.

ON THE DAY OF YOUR VISIT:

When your group arrives at Fort McHenry, please make sure your group leader has an accurate confirmation, a list of safety rules for the park, payment (A GROUP ARRIVING WITHOUT AN APPROVED WAIVER OF FEES ON FILE WILL BE CHARGED THE $5.00 PER ADULT ENTRANCE FEE.) and at least one adult chaperone for every ten children.

VISITOR CENTER:

When your group arrives at Fort McHenry, please have them remain on the bus while the group leader checks in. The group leader should have a confirmation and payment to present to the ranger at the Visitor Center desk. Program information will also be provided at this time. The Visitor Center is the park headquarters, as well as, a museum. Please have the group remain quiet so that others may enjoy their visit.

SELF-GUIDED TOURS:

For those groups unable to schedule a movie or program, the Fort can be toured independently. Teachers or tour leaders will escort the group through the Fort. CHILDREN MUST BE WITH AN ADULT CHAPERONE AT ALL TIMES. Adults will be responsible for the actions of the children in their charge. Before unloading your bus, check in at the Visitor Center. Please observe all safety rules. The map and Fort information should be studied prior to visiting. Allow 30 minutes for your self-guided tour. Throughout the fort and grounds are various wayside exhibits illustrating the history of Fort McHenry.

DEPARTURE:

Prior to leaving Fort McHenry, please have your group meet in a designated place. To avoid having pedestrians cross our busy parking lot, have bus drivers load and unload in front of the Visitor Center.

FACILITIES:

Restrooms, handicapped access ramps, pay phones, and a closed-captioned film. Gift Shop, owned and operated by the Evelyn Hill Corporation, is open from 9:00 A.M. to 4:45 P.M. daily. It is located in the Visitor Center.

NOTE: ALL PROGRAMS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER, STAFF SHORTAGES AND/OR SCHEDULING CONFLICTS. PLEASE INQUIRE AT THE VISITOR CENTER DESK FOR CURRENT INFORMATION.

APPLICATION FOR WAIVER OF FEES INFORMATION  (.pdf format)

PUBLIC SAFETY NOTICE  (.pdf format)

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ParkNet - National Park Service.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 04-JAN-2005
http://www.nps.gov/fomc/school.htm
Author: Jim Rogers