Living history volunteers in War of 1812 uniforms and clothing at Federal Hill

Celebrate the Glorious Fourth!

Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

Special Event
  • Jul 4, 2025 at 10:00 AM
  • Fees apply

Join us for an old-fashioned Fourth as we celebrate Independence Day at Fort McHenry! 

 

Special programming will include:

10:00 a.m. “Raise the Colors!” – Join a park ranger and kickoff Independence Day by hoisting the grand “Star-Spangled Banner” flag o’er the ramparts!  

Location: Star Fort

11:00 a.m. Battle of Baltimore - The attack on Fort McHenry was but one aspect of the Battle of Baltimore. Learn about other phases of the battle and the War of 1812 that Francis Scott Key did not see. This program discusses the battle of North Point, the bombardment of Fort McHenry and places them in the context of the broader Chesapeake campaign.

Location: Chesapeake Map  

12:00 p.m. “Stirring Fife and Thunder of the Drum” - Join the Fort McHenry Guard Fife and Drum Corps as they perform a fife and drum in the Star Fort.

2:00 p.m. “Celebrating the Glorious Fourth”  - How did they celebrate July 4th in the early Republic?  The living history team will present live music, musket, and cannon demonstrations. Join a park ranger for a special reading of the Declaration of Independence!

4:00 pm – Evening Flag Change - Assist in the evening flag change.

Location: Star Fort

Fees

Fees are required to enter the Star Fort. Fee information is available at https://www.nps.gov/fomc/planyourvisit/fees.htm

Schedule

Date:

Jul 4, 2025

Time:

10:00 AM

Duration:

7 hours

Event Type

  • Living History
  • Performance
  • Talk
Tags: independence day, fourth of july, declaration of independence, fife and drum, ranger program, living history