2010 Special Events

Memorial Day
Monday, May 31, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Join National Park Service Rangers for a day-long program of Memorial Day observances. Events include wreath-layings, flag demonstration involving veterans at noon, services at Mt. Auburn Cemetery in Baltimore, observance of the National Moment of Silence (3 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 5-6, 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.

Flag Day
Monday, June 14

Juneteenth! - A celebration of Freedom!
Saturday, June 19, 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
What better place to commemorate the oldest celebration of freedom and the ending of slavery than Fort McHenry? It was on June 19th when Union soldiers, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the Civil War had ended and that all slaves were free. Although beginning in Texas, Juneteenth spread nationwide. Today the holiday celebrates African-American freedom while encouraging self-development and respect for all cultures. Activities at Fort McHenry include: a salute to Black Living Legends, Civil War reenactors, speeches, special presentations by local historians, and public reading of the Emancipation Proclamation.

"The Glorious Fourth!...an Old Fashioned Fourth of July!"
Sunday, July 4, 12 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 for 18 states, period dancing and games. Highlight of the event will be the public reading of the Declaration of Independence at 3 p.m.

Twilight Tattoo Ceremony and Concert
U.S. Navy
Saturday, July 31, 6 p.m.
Join us for the first tattoo of the season! Each program is a blend of historical tradition, pageantry and music. See the precision drill of the U.S. Navy Drill Team, hear the stirring patriotic music of the Navy Band and enjoy a special “living history” experience with the Fort McHenry Guard. Program concludes with a “hands-on” folding of the 30'x42' Star-Spangled Banner flag and firing of the fort's evening gun.

Defenders’ Day – The Star-Spangled Banner Weekend!!
Friday, Saturday & Sunday, September 10, 11 & 12
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 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.
Last Video Presentation: 4 p.m.

Extended Summer Hours: May 29-September 6, 2010
Park: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Star Fort: 8 a.m. - 7:45 p.m.
Visitor Center: 8 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Last Video Presentation: 6:40 p.m

Closed: Thanksgiving Day, December 25 and January 1.

Last updated: February 26, 2015

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

2400 East Fort Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21230

Phone:

410 962-4290 x250

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