Date: March 15, 2012
Contact: Vince Vaise, 410-962-4290
Contact: Jim Bailey, 410-962-4290, x206
Memorial Day
Monday, May 28, 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Join National Park Service Rangers for a day-long program of Memorial Day observances. Events include wreath-layings, a flag demonstration involving veterans at noon, observance of the National Moment of Silence (3:00 p.m. in the Star Fort), historic Memorial Day speeches, poems and special programs about the history of Memorial Day.
Fort McHenry Guard - Defenders Return to the Fort
Summer Weekends - Beginning June 2-3, 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 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.
Star-Spangled Sailabration
Tuesday, June 12 to Tuesday, June 19
To launch Maryland's three year commemoration of the War of 1812, the State of Maryland, the City of Baltimore, and Fort McHenry will host a series of programs and events. Dozens of tall ships and U.S. Navy grey hulls are expected in Baltimore harbor during the week. The "Angels Over Baltimore" Air Show will take place over the harbor and Fort McHenry on Saturday and Sunday, June 16 and 17, featuring the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels aerobatic demonstration team. Read More
Pause for the Pledge - Flag Day
Thursday, June 14, 2012, 6:45 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
An event sponsored by the American Flag Foundation, Inc. to foster patriotism. The Flag Day Celebration will be inside the Fort featuring the 33rd Annual National Pause for the Pledge of Allegiance nationwide at 7 p.m. (EDT). Activities include the Fort McHenry Guard and patriotic songs performed by the Chorus of the Chesapeake. Remember to say the Pledge of Allegiance at 7:00 p.m. (EDT) on Flag Day, June 14th and plan to attend the Star-Spangled 200 Flag Day Celebration on Saturday, June 16th!
Celebration of the American Flag
Saturday, June 16, 2012, 6:30 p.m. - 9:15 p.m.
The ceremony includes the Pledge of Allegiance, the National Anthem, performances by Maryland Sings, Angela Hart, the Show Time Singers and the Morgan State University Chorus. The program concludes with a Spectacular Fireworks Display.
"The Glorious Fourth…an Old-Fashioned Fourth of July!"
Wednesday, July 4, 12:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
July 4th was the most important holiday in early America. Many regarded the War of 1812 as "America's Second War of Independence." Join the garrison of Fort McHenry and patriotic citizens of Baltimore for the following activities: fife and drum music, cannon firing, a musket salute, poetry reading and period games. Highlight of the event will be the public reading of the Declaration of Independence at 3:00 p.m.
Rally Round the Flag! - Civil War Tattoo Ceremony
Saturday, July 14, 6:00 p.m.
Performing for the first time at Fort McHenry, the Wildcat Band performs period pieces on original instruments from the Civil War era. This is the true sound of history. In addition to the Wildcat Band, the Fifes and Drums of the Fort McHenry Guard, attired as Union soldiers, will thrill audiences to stirring marches and favorites by Stephen Foster.
Twilight Tattoo Ceremony and Concert
Saturday, August 4, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Music along the Patapsco!
This evening's tattoo focuses on the role of martial music during Fort McHenry's History. The program compares concert music with stirring sounds of the fife and drum. Hear the Chesapeake Concert Band play favorites from John Philip Sousa, the "Fort McHenry Guard March" and their own "Fort McHenry March!" They will be joined by our own Fort McHenry Fife and Drum Corps. Well-versed in pieces from both the War of 1812 and the American Civil War, the Fort McHenry Fife and Drum Corps is the true sound of early Nineteenth Century fife and drum music. Following the concert, the garrison of the fort will perform the evening muster as it was done during the War of 1812. Every tattoo concludes with the playing of "Taps" and the firing of the fort's evening gun.
U.S. Navy to Commemorate Bicentennial Battle!
Saturday, August 18, 6:00 p.m.
The program begins with a concert by the U.S. Navy Band, Drill Team and Color Guard. This event highlights the 200th anniversary of the famous naval victory of the U.S. frigate Constitution over the British frigate Guerriere. The first major naval battle of the War of 1812, the American ship won fame for the young U.S. Navy as well as the nickname "Old Ironsides." For a flavor of history, the Fort McHenry Guard, representing sailors from the War of 1812 will demonstrate cutlass drill and cannon-firing from the War of 1812.
Defenders' Day - The Star-Spangled Banner Weekend!!
Friday, Saturday & Sunday, September 7, 8 & 9
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 salute from Federal Hill with muskets and cannon! 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 visit by Pride of Baltimore II. Saturday evening's program, beginning at 6:30 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., weather permitting. Help a ranger raise/lower a reproduction of the Star-Spangled Banner flag. Call for more details.
Regular Hours
Park: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Star Fort: 8 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Visitor Center: 8 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Extended Summer Hours: May 26-September 3, 2012
Park: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Star Fort: 8 a.m. - 7:45 p.m.
Visitor Center: 8 a.m. - 7:45 p.m.
"Legends and Lore"
June through August, 6 p.m.
Stroll the battlements of Fort McHenry every evening during the summer season.
Learn not only the history of the fort, but the "unexplained" occurrences over the last 200 years. Stick around for the 7:00 p.m. Flag Change!
