News Release
NPS/Tim Ervin
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Contact: Shannon McLucas, 443-691-3002
BALTIMORE —On June 14, join park rangers and living history volunteers from the Fort McHenry Guard as we celebrate Flag Day and the 250th birthday of the U.S. Army! Throughout the day, visitors at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine can learn about the history of the American flag, how different generations gave meaning to our nation’s most recognizable symbol, and how the defenders of Fort McHenry inspired the writing of our national anthem. Fort McHenry Guard living history volunteers will provide music and weapons demonstrations and share stories of military life at the fort throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.
Fort McHenry Program Schedule
10:00 a.m.—Morning Flag Change
11:15 a.m.—“A New Constellation”: America’s First Banner and Beyond
1:15 p.m.—“A New Constellation”: America’s First Banner and Beyond
5:00 p.m.—Evening Flag Change
Visitors may also wish to make another stop in Baltimore along the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail to explore the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House & Museum where Mary Young Pickersgill’s flag making business was located. Guided house tours will be available throughout the day from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. While there, stop by the National Park Service’s mobile visitor center to learn more about the Trail locations all over Maryland and Washington, DC. The “History Machine” will be on site from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Celebrate Flag Day by exploring the history of the Star-Spangled Banner flag, from its creation in at the Flag House 1813, to the ramparts over which it made history it flies to this day!
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About Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine: During the Battle of Baltimore, September 13 – 14, 1814, the defense of Fort McHenry against the might of the British navy saved Baltimore and inspired Francis Scott Key to write “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The U.S. flag flies over the Fort twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, by Presidential Proclamation. Though famous as home of the national anthem, the fort was used continuously in a variety of ways through World War II. For more information go to www.nps.gov/fomc. Follow the park on social media platforms at Facebook, X , and Instagram
About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 430+ national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
Last updated: June 3, 2025