News Release

Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary with Defenders’ Day Special Events at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine September 11-13

Explore 250 years of history at Fort McHenry!

NPS/Tim Ervin

News Release Date: August 5, 2026

Contact: Fort McHenry Office of Communications

BALTIMORE—Best known as “home of ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’” for its role in the War of 1812, Fort McHenry has protected and inspired Americans from the country’s earliest years. This year’s Defenders’ Day events will explore 250 years of the fort’s history as an artillery garrison, hospital, training ground, and commemorative landscape.  

Celebrated since 1815, Defenders’ Day is Baltimore’s oldest holiday which honors the successful defense of the city from British attack in 1814 and the writing of our national anthem.  Visitors can help park rangers at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine hoist the “Star-Spangled Banner” over the storied ramparts, hear the roar of the drums and cannon fire, and learn about how the lives and sacrifices of soldiers, sailors, and civilians throughout the fort’s long history helped establish and defend the United States and continue to inspire Americans today. 

Highlights include: 

• Special flag change program honoring Patriot Day and the National Day of Service and Remembrance on Friday morning. 

• Parade through Locust Point community on Friday evening. 

• “American Anthem” ranger program featuring stories of 250 years of service at Fort McHenry 

• Living history encampment over the weekend featuring the Fort McHenry Guard and Chesapeake Independent Blues highlighting the lives of soldiers, sailors, and civilians from 1776 to 1945. 

• Fun family-friendly activities including Junior Ranger, games, cannon demonstrations, cutlass drill, and music.  

• FREE Saturday deck tours with Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail partner Pride of Baltimore II. 

• FREE Saturday evening program with performances by the Maryland Military Band and Fort McHenry Guard Fife & Drum Corps, followed by fireworks sponsored by The Grand Lodge of Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of Maryland! 

More event information is available at: https://www.nps.gov/fomc/planyourvisit/defenders-day.htm 

About the National Park Service: Established in 1916, the National Park Service preserves America’s most treasured natural and cultural places for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of current and future generations. Learn more at www.nps.gov 

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