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During Discover Day, visitors not only had the opportunity to explore Fort McHenry National Park and Historic Shrine fee free, they were able to observe a musical tradition special to the historic sight. The Fort McHenry Guard, the site's living history program, performed a full fife and drum rehearsal for all to see! The Fort McHenry Guard Field Musicians are an integral part of fort activity. Much of the routine of a soldier was dictated by the fife and drum. Fort drummers play on a variety of rope-tension drums with natural heads, and fifers use wooden fifes of various keys to provide the sounds appropriate to the War of 1812 era and help visitors experience what life in the garrison would have sounded like. Fort musicians are trained in a wide variety of drum calls as well as marching tunes as music was used to direct the troops. The Field Musicians often perform as a part of larger living history programs and demonstrations so this was an opportunity for those in attendance to experience a focused performance of the Guard's musical unit.
Established in 1982, the Guard is trained and equipped by the National Park Service to represent several generations of men and women who served and worked at Fort McHenry and in the City of Baltimore from the War of 1812 through World War II. Throughout the year, Guard members provide historical interpretation and demonstrations at Fort McHenry, sites along the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail, and related National Park Service sites that bring history to life for visitors.
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Last updated: April 25, 2024