Living historians at Patterson Park near the observation tower

Tracing the Trail - Defenders' Day

Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail

Special Event
  • Every week on Sunday, Friday, and Saturday at 9:00 AM from September 13, 2024 to September 15, 2024
  • Free

Join us September 13th—15th to commemorate Defenders’ Day which honors the successful defense of the city from British attack in 1814 and the North Point Battle that led to the the Defense of Fort McHenry.

Celebrated since 1815, Defenders’ Day is Baltimore’s oldest holiday.

The National Park Service and its partners invite visitors to explore the history of Baltimore’s diverse community of defenders by learning about the daily lives and experiences of soldiers, sailors, and civilians who came together to defend their city in 1814, and those who continue to support their local and national communities today.

Highlights

• Free Saturday evening program of musical performances

• Fun Family Activities—Experience living history at military and civilian encampments showing life during 1814 featuring fife and drum, military drills, musket and cannon firings. Family-oriented activities include a morning formation, children’s programs, and raising of the Star-Spangled Banner flag over the fort.

Click to Learn Details of Daily Events!

More information

Fees

When entering Fort McHenry there is a fee of $15/person, visit the visitor center for more information

Location

From Patterson Park Friday during the day, to Locust Point for the Parade Friday evening. From Todd's Inheritance, North Point Battlefield to Fort McHenry in the evening Saturday. Fort McHenry all day Sunday. You will be able to find us in multiple places throughout Baltimore this weekend! Keep an eye out for updates https://go.nps.gov/210DefendersDay

Latitude and Longitude 39.000000, -77.000000

Schedule

Days:

Every week on Sunday, Friday, and Saturday

Dates:

September 13, 2024 to September 15, 2024

Time:

9:00 AM

Duration:

12 hours

Event Type

  • Living History
  • Performance
  • Talk
Tags: war of 1812, living history, military, baltimore city md, baltimore county md, community, community event