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Contact: Abbi Wicklein-Bayne, 410-353-2545
BALTIMORE, MD – In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine’s annual Defenders’ Day event will be virtual this year. 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.
Known as Baltimore's oldest holiday, Defenders' Day commemorates the anniversary of the Battle of Baltimore and the writing of the nation's national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner." This year’s weekend-long event will feature virtual ranger programs, living history demonstrations, and a concert.
The commemoration will kick off on Monday September 7 with videos featuring local partner sites and their connection to the Battle as a lead-in to the weekend.
Stay tuned for details! A schedule of events, including full details of the weekend’s programs, will soon be available on the park website and Facebook page.
The National Park Service (NPS) is working servicewide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and is using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis. Based on guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine has closed its historic Star Fort, visitor center and restrooms; its grounds and parking lot are open for recreational visitors. There are no on-site public programs or visitor information and services. Park gates will open at 9am and close at 5pm.
A return to full operations will continue to be phased, and services may be limited for some time. For more information, please visit the park’s website.
About Fort McHenry National Monument & Historic Shrine
During the Battle of Baltimore, September 13–14, 1814, the valiant defense of the star-shaped Fort McHenry against the might of the British navy inspired Francis Scott Key to write "The Star-Spangled Banner." The 15 broad stripes and 15 bright stars still fly over the fort 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Most famous as the birthplace of our national anthem, the fort was used continuously in a variety of ways through World War II. Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FtMcHenryNPS, Twitter, @FtMcHenryNPS, and Instagram @fortmchenrynps
Last updated: August 18, 2020