https://www.nps.gov/fomc News releases from Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine. en-us https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/2026-baltimore-blossoms.htm Tue, 10 Mar 2026 06:30:00 EST The National Park Service projects peak bloom for cherry blossoms at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine to fall between April 3—5, depending on the weather conditions. The park will celebrate the start of spring by inviting visitors to learn about the many historic sites and local attractions in and around Baltimore. https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/2026-baltimore-blossoms.htm https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/historic-ordnance-discovered-during-excavation.htm Fri, 21 Nov 2025 08:51:00 EST In the early afternoon of Friday, November 21, evidence of buried historic ordnance was discovered by National Park Service preservationists. Following standard operating procedures, the park was immediately cleared and closed to ensure the safety of visitors and staff. Local authorities and NPS personnel were contacted to address the situation. Once the situation has been fully addressed and responders deem the area safe, the park will reopen. https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/historic-ordnance-discovered-during-excavation.htm https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/tourism-to-fort-mchenry-contributes-$38-6-million-to-local-economy.htm Mon, 29 Sep 2025 11:05:00 EST A new National Park Service report shows that 394,000 visitors to Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine in 2024 spent $27.7 million in communities near the park. That spending had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $38.6 million. https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/tourism-to-fort-mchenry-contributes-$38-6-million-to-local-economy.htm https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/fort-mchenry-celebrates-defenders-day-and-100-years-as-baltimore-s-hometown-national-park.htm Wed, 27 Aug 2025 10:00:00 EST Join us the weekend of September 12—14 for special Defenders’ Day events commemorating the successful defense of Baltimore against British attack in 1814 and the generations of defenders who served at Fort McHenry and who fought to preserve Fort McHenry as a national park in 1925. Celebrated since 1815, Defenders’ Day is Baltimore’s oldest holiday and this year’s activities will explore the dedication and bravery of Fort McHenry’s from the American Revolution to the 20th century. https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/fort-mchenry-celebrates-defenders-day-and-100-years-as-baltimore-s-hometown-national-park.htm https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/celebrate-flag-day-at-the-home-of-the-star-spangled-banner.htm Wed, 04 Jun 2025 05:00:00 EST Learn how you can celebrate Flag Day by exploring the history of the Star-Spangled Banner throughout Baltimore. https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/celebrate-flag-day-at-the-home-of-the-star-spangled-banner.htm https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/fort-mchenry-celebrates-its-100th-anniversary-as-a-national-park.htm Tue, 25 Feb 2025 06:12:00 EST On March 1–2, Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine will celebrate its 100th anniversary as a national park with special ranger programs, living history, and the debut of new 100th anniversary museum exhibit “Fort McHenry: The Early Years” which highlights how Fort McHenry became part of the National Park Service and its history from 1925 to 1939. In the late 19th century, as the strategic value of the fort waned, its historical significance as the original “home of the brave” inspired the public to take action. On March 3, 1925, Congress designated Fort McHenry as “a national park and perpetual memorial shrine as the birthplace of the ‘Star-Spangled Banner’.” Join us this weekend to explore many generations of service at Fort McHenry from the Early Republic to World War II, and enjoy Baltimore’s hometown national park. https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/fort-mchenry-celebrates-its-100th-anniversary-as-a-national-park.htm https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/frias-sauter-super.htm Thu, 19 Dec 2024 09:23:00 EST National Park Service (NPS) Northeast Deputy Regional Director Kirsten Talken-Spaulding has selected Marie Frías Sauter as superintendent of Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, Hampton National Historic Site and the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail, all based in Baltimore. She begins her new role early next year. https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/frias-sauter-super.htm https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/fort-mchenry-celebrates-baltimore-s-strength-and-stories-with-defenders-day-events.htm Sat, 13 Jul 2024 09:00:00 EST BALTIMORE —Join us the weekend of September 13—15th for special Defenders’ Day events commemorating the successful defense of Baltimore against British attack in 1814 and celebrating the stories, strength, and rich cultural diversity of the city. Celebrated since 1815, Defenders’ Day is Baltimore’s oldest holiday and this year’s activities highlight Baltimore’s history as a port city and its strength and unity during the War of 1812, and invite visitors to explore the arts and culture of modern Baltimore communities. https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/fort-mchenry-celebrates-baltimore-s-strength-and-stories-with-defenders-day-events.htm https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/temporary-emergency-closure-order-public-notice-april-10-2024.htm Tue, 09 Apr 2024 08:00:00 EST Public Notice of temporary closure of park areas on April 10, 2024. https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/temporary-emergency-closure-order-public-notice-april-10-2024.htm https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/public-notice-temporary-closure-march-29-2024.htm Fri, 29 Mar 2024 06:37:00 EST Public Notice of temporary closure of park areas on March 29, 2024. https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/public-notice-temporary-closure-march-29-2024.htm https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/2024-03-02-fort-mchenry-cherry-blossoms-peak.htm Sat, 02 Mar 2024 05:00:00 EST Peak bloom predicted for cherry blossoms at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine. https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/2024-03-02-fort-mchenry-cherry-blossoms-peak.htm https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/fort-mchenry-celebrates-baltimore-s-defenders-past-and-present.htm Tue, 11 Jul 2023 09:56:00 EST From September 15th—17th the National Park Service and its partners invite visitors to commemorate Defenders’ Day by exploring the history of Baltimore’s diverse community of defenders who came together to defend their city in 1814, and those who continue to support their local and national communities today. https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/fort-mchenry-celebrates-baltimore-s-defenders-past-and-present.htm https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/fort-mchenry-national-monument-historic-shrine-announces-temporary-closure-january-30-2023.htm Sat, 28 Jan 2023 19:00:00 EST Fort McHenry NM&HS announces temporary park closure for January 30, 2023. https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/fort-mchenry-national-monument-historic-shrine-announces-temporary-closure-january-30-2023.htm https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/2022-12-19-stewart-announcement.htm Mon, 19 Dec 2022 09:00:00 EST Superintendent David H. Moore is pleased to announce Robert J. Stewart as the assistant superintendent for Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine located in Baltimore, Maryland and Hampton National Historic Site in Towson, Maryland. https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/2022-12-19-stewart-announcement.htm https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1465/national-park-tourism-in-maryland-creates-344-3-million-in-economic-benefit.htm Wed, 13 Jul 2022 10:36:00 EST A new National Park Service (NPS) report shows that 6,675,119 visitors to national parks in Maryland spent $246.6 million in the state in 2021. That spending resulted in 2,940 jobs and had a cumulative benefit to the state economy of $344.3 million. https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1465/national-park-tourism-in-maryland-creates-344-3-million-in-economic-benefit.htm https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/2021-09-09-defenders-day.htm Thu, 09 Sep 2021 08:01:00 EST DEFENDERS’ DAY WEEKEND! September 17 & 18, 2021 This year’s theme: “A Tribute to Baltimore: Community. Service. Sacrifice.” Commemorates Defenders’ Day, Baltimore’s oldest holiday, which honors the successful defense of the city from British attack and the writing of the National Anthem in 1814! https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/2021-09-09-defenders-day.htm https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/david-h-moore.htm Mon, 15 Mar 2021 08:58:00 EST Deputy Regional Director Debbie Conway has named David H. Moore as superintendent of Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, Hampton National Historic Site and the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail, all based in Baltimore, Maryland. He begins his new role on April 25, 2021. https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/david-h-moore.htm https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/august-27-closure.htm Wed, 26 Aug 2020 17:37:00 EST Park Closure Announced for Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine for All Day Thursday, August 27, 2020 and from 9:00am until 12:00pm on Friday, August 28, 2020. https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/august-27-closure.htm https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/park-closure-august-2020.htm Mon, 24 Aug 2020 15:35:00 EST Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine will be closed on Tuesday, August 25 from 1pm until 11:59 pm, and on Wednesday, August 26. https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/park-closure-august-2020.htm https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/2020-virtual-defenders-day.htm Tue, 18 Aug 2020 08:05:00 EST In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 Defenders' Day event at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine will be virtual.  The public is encouraged to join the Fort for a series of online programs hosted on the park’s Facebook page on September 12 and 13.  https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/2020-virtual-defenders-day.htm https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/june2020increasedaccess.htm Mon, 08 Jun 2020 05:00:00 EST Beginning June 8, Fort McHenry NMHS will increase access to its grounds and parking lot for recreational visitors. The Star Fort, visitor center, and restrooms will remain closed. Fort McHenry NMHS will not conduct on-site public programs or provide visitor information and services. Park gates will be opened and closed at 9am – 5pm.  https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/june2020increasedaccess.htm https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/parkclosurecovid19.htm Sat, 28 Mar 2020 10:18:00 EST As of 5:00pm on Saturday, March 28, 2020, Fort McHenry NMHS will be closed to the public. This includes all park facilities, grounds, and parking lots. The closure is in accordance with Executive Orders issued the Governor of the State of Maryland, and in an effort to support federal, state, and local efforts to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/parkclosurecovid19.htm https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/cannon-breech-failure.htm Tue, 16 Sep 2014 10:01:00 EST Cannon Breech Failure at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine on September 16 https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/cannon-breech-failure.htm https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/ssb_bydawnsearlylight.htm Fri, 12 Sep 2014 12:43:00 EST The signature event of the weeklong Star-Spangled 200th Anniversary will commence “by dawn’s early light,” promptly Sunday at 8:30 a.m., with a 100-round artillery barrage by the Third U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) signifying the conclusion of the 25-hour bombardment of Fort McHenry on September 14, 1814. As the gun smoke clears, the 30-by-42 Star-Spangled Banner will be raised over Fort McHenry, unfurling its glorious colors to the city of Baltimore. https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/ssb_bydawnsearlylight.htm https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/ssb200_sept13.htm Thu, 11 Sep 2014 11:37:00 EST September 13 marks the 200th anniversary of the bombardment of Fort McHenry. Vice President Joe Biden will join the National Park Service and Star-Spangled 200 to observe the event with an evening program at Fort McHenry featuring patriotic music by the United States Marine Band (“The President's Own”), performances by the Fort McHenry Guard, the raising of the 30 x 42-foot Star-Spangled Banner flag and fireworks. https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/ssb200_sept13.htm https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/ssb_keymanuscript.htm Wed, 10 Sep 2014 02:28:00 EST While Americans hear the lyrics of Francis Scott Key’s 1814 song in advance of nearly every event, his original handwritten manuscript can be seen at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine through September 14 in the park’s Visitor Center, courtesy of the Maryland Historical Society. https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/ssb_keymanuscript.htm https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/ssb_livingflag.htm Tue, 09 Sep 2014 13:34:00 EST In a spectacular show of red, white and blue today at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, more than 6,600 Maryland students, teachers and chaperons created the largest 15 stars and 15 stripes Star-Spangled Banner Living Flag ever assembled. https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/ssb_livingflag.htm https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/ssb_sept11ceremony.htm Tue, 09 Sep 2014 05:28:00 EST On September 11, Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine will honor Baltimore’s city defenders from 1814 and those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 with special commemoration programs and will have the National 9/11 Flag on display. Ranger-led programs will trace the development of the American flag from the War of 1812 to the present day as a national icon. https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/ssb_sept11ceremony.htm https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/ssb200_logistics.htm Sat, 06 Sep 2014 15:01:00 EST As Star-Spangled Spectacular events kick off at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine kick off this weekend, the National Park Service reminds visitors to plan ahead and be aware of changes to normal park vehicular access and bag policies that will be in place. https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/ssb200_logistics.htm https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/ssb200_webcast.htm Fri, 05 Sep 2014 11:14:00 EST The formation of the largest 15 star and stripe Living Flag will be broadcast live on YouTube during the Star-Spangled Bicentennial celebration. https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/ssb200_webcast.htm https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/making-sense-of-the-american-civil-war.htm Wed, 23 Jan 2013 09:04:00 EST Engage in the 150th Anniversary of the American Civil War by “enlisting” in a special Civil War Discussion series! https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/making-sense-of-the-american-civil-war.htm https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/air-force-tattoo-2012.htm Fri, 04 May 2012 04:51:00 EST The Bicentennial of the War of 1812 is FLYING HIGH with a special performance by the United States Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team. https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/air-force-tattoo-2012.htm https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/ranger-for-a-day.htm Mon, 30 Apr 2012 10:32:00 EST Have you ever wondered what, exactly, National Park Rangers do? https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/ranger-for-a-day.htm https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/memorial-day-2012.htm Thu, 26 Apr 2012 05:03:00 EST Fort McHenry Rangers and Fife and Drum Corps to honor the fallen at three historic cemeteries and with special programs at the fort! https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/memorial-day-2012.htm https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/2012-special-events.htm Thu, 15 Mar 2012 05:20:00 EST With the War of 1812 Bicentennial launching this year, there are lots of activities planned for Fort McHenry. https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/2012-special-events.htm https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/rally-round-the-flag-civil-war-tattoo-ceremony.htm Sun, 11 Mar 2012 05:24:00 EST 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. https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/rally-round-the-flag-civil-war-tattoo-ceremony.htm https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/us-navy-to-commemorate-bicentennial-battle.htm Sun, 11 Mar 2012 05:19:00 EST Saturday, August 18, 6:00 P.M. - This event highlights the 200th anniversary of the famous naval victory of the U.S. frigate Constitution over the British frigate Guerriere. https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/us-navy-to-commemorate-bicentennial-battle.htm https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/fighting-for-freedom.htm Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:26:00 EST Kick off the War of 1812 Bicentennial at Fort McHenry in dramatic fashion with a performance of “Fighting for Freedom!” https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/fighting-for-freedom.htm https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/artifacts-and-apparitions.htm Fri, 07 Oct 2011 09:02:00 EST Dedication of new Archeology Room : At 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 27 the ribbon will be cut, opening the first of a series of permanent exhibits that will be showcased during the War of 1812 bicentennial! https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/artifacts-and-apparitions.htm https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/the-british-are-coming.htm Wed, 27 Jul 2011 09:00:00 EST A special performance by the Fort George Fife and Drum Corps from Canada! https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/the-british-are-coming.htm https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/2011-special-events.htm Tue, 22 Feb 2011 19:00:00 EST Plan your family outings to include the special events scheduled for Fort McHenry. https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/2011-special-events.htm https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/ssb-weekend.htm Wed, 11 Aug 2010 20:00:00 EST Star-Spangled Banner Weekend to be commemorated in Baltimore and at Fort McHenry September 10, 11 & 12, 2010! https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/ssb-weekend.htm https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/mount-auburn-cemetery-on-memorial-day.htm Sun, 16 May 2010 20:00:00 EST Fort McHenry Rangers visit Mount Auburn Cemetery on Traditional Memorial Day https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/mount-auburn-cemetery-on-memorial-day.htm https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/bike-restrictions-at-fort-mchenry.htm Wed, 12 May 2010 20:00:00 EST Due to construction of a new visitor center, a temporary prohibition on bicycle use has been issued. https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/bike-restrictions-at-fort-mchenry.htm https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/the-fort-mchenry-experience.htm Tue, 13 Apr 2010 20:00:00 EST April 19-23, 2010 - An education program that immerses students from selected Baltimore City schools in the history of Fort McHenry. https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/the-fort-mchenry-experience.htm https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/celebrate-the-yuletide-season-with-candlelight-tours.htm Mon, 16 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/celebrate-the-yuletide-season-with-candlelight-tours.htm https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/new-classroom-lesson-plan-celebrates-star-spangled-banner.htm Sun, 13 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EST https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/new-classroom-lesson-plan-celebrates-star-spangled-banner.htm https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/defenders-day-the-star-spangled-banner-weekend.htm Mon, 10 Aug 2009 20:00:00 EST https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/defenders-day-the-star-spangled-banner-weekend.htm https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/2009-special-events.htm Tue, 21 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EST In preparing your travel plans, Fort McHenry is offering several special events for the 2009 season. https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/2009-special-events.htm https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/fort-flag-and-fire.htm Mon, 20 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EST Each Saturday during the Summer, fort visitors will have the opportunity to partake in our newest Ranger program: Fort, Flag and Fire. https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/fort-flag-and-fire.htm https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/us-army-to-perform-at-twilight-tattoo-ceremony.htm Thu, 09 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EST Come to Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine on August 1 at 6:00 p.m. for the most musical and colorful twilight tattoo ceremony of the summer season! https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/us-army-to-perform-at-twilight-tattoo-ceremony.htm https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/an-old-fashioned-fourth.htm Mon, 29 Jun 2009 20:00:00 EST Independence Day will be celebrated at Fort McHenry in true wild and historic fashion with cannon-firing, toasting and feasting! https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/an-old-fashioned-fourth.htm https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/possible-fort-closure.htm Wed, 24 Jun 2009 20:00:00 EST The Star Fort of Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine may be closed on any day from June 29 until July 3rd for the installation of a new flagpole. https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/possible-fort-closure.htm https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/fee-free-weekends-at-fort-mchenry.htm Mon, 15 Jun 2009 20:00:00 EST Entrance fees at Fort McHenry will be suspended on the weekends of June 20- 21, July 18-19 and August 15-16. https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/fee-free-weekends-at-fort-mchenry.htm https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/star-fort-closed.htm Wed, 03 Jun 2009 20:00:00 EST The Star-Spangled Banner will still wave by the “Dawn’s Early Light” but on a new flagpole. On June 19, 2009 the existing pole, dating to 1989, will be removed. https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/star-fort-closed.htm https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/us-navy-to-perform-at-twilight-tattoo-ceremony.htm Mon, 25 May 2009 20:00:00 EST Come to Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine on June 27 at 6:00 p.m. for a special twilight tattoo ceremony featuring patriotic music, military pageantry and living history! https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/us-navy-to-perform-at-twilight-tattoo-ceremony.htm https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/fort-mchenry-honors-veterans.htm Sun, 19 Oct 2008 20:00:00 EST Fort McHenry Honors Veterans with Special Displays and Living History Presentation! https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/fort-mchenry-honors-veterans.htm https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/calendar2008.htm Wed, 30 Jan 2008 19:00:00 EST Plan to visit Fort McHenry during one of the special events planned for 2008. https://www.nps.gov/fomc/learn/news/calendar2008.htm