Date: February 23, 2011
Contact: Vince Vaise, 410-962-4290
Contact: Jim Bailey, 410-962-4290, x206
Memorial Day
Monday, May 30, 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, 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 4-5, 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.
Flag Day - Pause for the Pledge of Allegiance
Tuesday, June 14, 6:30 p.m.
An event sponsored by The American Flag Foundation, Inc. to foster patriotism. This annual event encourages citizens all over the United States to pause at 7 p.m. (EDT) and say the Pledge of Allegiance.
Tattoo Ceremony and Concert - U.S. Army
Saturday, June 18, 3:00 p.m. - 4 p.m.
What better way to celebrate the weekend than with a tattoo with the U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps and Continental Color Guard? Dressed in the uniforms of the Revolutionary War, the Old Guard's stirring fife and drum music embodies the Spirit of '76 and George Washington's Continental Army. The U.S. Army drill team will perform as part of the tattoo. Intricate maneuvers, split-second timing and the famous "nine-man rifle toss" make this afternoon ceremony especially memorable. Enjoy a special "living history" experience with the Fort McHenry Guard.
"The Glorious Fourth...an Old-Fashioned Fourth of July!"
Monday, 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 for 18 states, period dancing and games. Highlight of the event will be the public reading of the Declaration of Independence at 3:00 p.m.
First time ever! "The British are Coming…Tattoo
Fort George Fife and Drum Corps!"
Saturday, August 20, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Join our own Fort McHenry Guard Fife and Drum Corps and the Fort George Fife and Drum Corps from Canada as we host them for the first time ever. A battle of thundering drums and ear piercing fifes will start at 6:00 pm. An evening of War of 1812 Fife and Drum music and musket demonstrations from both sides!
Defenders' Day - The Star-Spangled Banner Weekend!!
Friday, Saturday & Sunday, September 9, 10 & 11
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 6:00 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.
