Living History at Fort McHenry

Fort McHenry's fife and drum corps in the star fort.

NPS/Tim Ervin

Fort McHenry boasts an incredible living history program made up of volunteers, youth employees, and park rangers. Living historians wear period clothing, give historic trade demonstrations, do black powder firing demonstrations, and perform fife and drum music demonstrations. Periods represented by park living historians include the War of 1812, the American Civil War, and World War I.

Park special events have heavy living history presence include Memorial Day, Defenders' Day, and Veterans Day. Please note that these programs may include firing demonstrations, but firings are not guaranteed. Programs are weather dependent.

Details

Activity

Living History

Pets Allowed

Yes

Pets are allowed at living history demonstrations that occur outside of the historic zone. Pet owners should be prepared to hold on to their pets during black powder demonstrations due to loud noises possibly startling them.

Activity Fee

No

An living history program that occurs outside of the historic zone is free to attend. Some programs occur inside of the historic zone, however, which requires a fee of $15 per adult (ages 16 and up).

Reservations

No

Season

Summer, Fall

Living history programming happens regularly in the summer months on Wednesdays-Sundays. In the fall living history occurs on weekends.

Time of Day

Day

Accessibility Information

All living history demonstrations occur in accessible locations in the park.