200th Anniversary of

The Star-Spangled Banner

Commemorative Events Guide

September 9 - September 16, 2014

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Welcome to Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine! I hope you enjoy your visit! Fort McHenry is one of over 400 units in the National Park System. It tells the story of a defining moment in American history, when our nation defended its young democracy in its second and final struggle for independence. Here in Baltimore, Americans rich and poor, black and white, male and female, free and enslaved banded togeth-er to save their new nation, just weeks after the Capitol burned. The defenders of Fort McHenry bravely protected the city from the strongest navy in the world as its residents collectively held their breath. Francis Scott Key, upon seeing the glory of the American flag over the ram-

parts of the fort the morning after the 25-hour bombardment, was so inspired he wrote the Star-Spangled Banner - words that have become threads in our American fabric. 100 years later, as Europe became consumed in World War I, Baltimore commemorated the Centennial with parades, monuments, ceremonies, and grand pageantry. 6,500 city school children donning red, white, and blue capes formed America's greatest symbol of freedom and democracy, a giant living Star-Spangled Banner at Fort McHenry. Today we pay homage to the old defenders and Key and to those who came before us. We not only recreate the Star-Spangled

Banner Living Flag, we broadcast it worldwide! We have an array of spe-cial programs and events to commemorate this once-in-a-lifetime 200th anniversary that I hope you will find enjoyable and inspirational. On September 8, 1914, a writer in the Baltimore Sun pondered what the old defenders and Key would think of the Centen-

nial commemoration and speculated about what ours would be like in 2014. I wonder as he did about what the next centennial commemoration will bring - in 2114 - and echo his sentiment

that you will read below as I believe it couldn't be said better … Superintendent Tina Cappetta “Let our hope and prayer be that a hundred years from now, whatever other changes time may have

wrought, the people of 2014 may still see the same banner waving over them that waves over us, and still

symbolizing the principles of justice, brotherhood and equality of opportunity.” The Sun, September 8, 2014

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For more information: 410-962-4290

www.nps.gov/fomc

Facebook: www.facebook.com/FtMcHenryNPS

Twitter: @FtMcHenryNPS

Instagram: fortmchenrynpsofficial

VISITOR CENTER

At the Fort McHenry National Monument and His-toric Shrine Visitor Center, watch the 11-minute multi-media program about the Battle of Baltimore and the writing of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Explore the museum’s interactive exhibits about the battle. See Francis Scott Key’s original hand-written manuscript, on loan for the anniversary period from the Maryland Historical Society. The Visitor Center also contains a gift shop, operated by the Evelyn Hill Corporation, which contains a wide variety of books and keepsakes about Fort McHenry and “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

HISTORIC STAR FORT

Tour the original fort and buildings that protected Bal-timore in 1814. Living history volunteers dressed as soldiers, sailors and citizens from that era are on duty throughout the fort every day to provide a glimpse of the past, and Park Rangers provide insight and infor-mation on the defense of the fort that inspired Francis Scott Key to write “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

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USEFUL INFORMATION: Please check website daily for updates: www.nps.gov/fomc

Tuesday, September 9

Park: 7:30 a.m. — 5 p.m.

Visitor Center: 7:30 a.m. — 5 p.m.

Historic Star Fort: 7:30 a.m. —5 p.m.

Wednesday, September 10

Park: 6 a.m. — 5 p.m.

Visitor Center: 8 a.m. — 5 p.m.

Historic Star Fort: 8 a.m. — 5 p.m.

Thursday, September 11

Park: 8 a.m. — 8 p.m.

Visitor Center: 8 a.m. — 8 p.m.

Historic Star Fort: 8 a.m. — 8 p.m.

Friday, September 12

Park: 8 a.m. — 8 p.m.

Visitor Center: 8 a.m. — 8 p.m.

Historic Star Fort: 8 a.m. — 8 p.m.

Saturday, September 13

Park: 8 a.m. —10 p.m.

Visitor Center: 8 a.m. — 10 p.m.

Historic Star Fort: 8 a.m. — 5 p.m.

Sunday, September 14

Park: 7 a.m. — 8 p.m.

Visitor Center: 7 a.m. — 8 p.m.

Historic Star Fort: 7 a.m. — 8 p.m.

Monday, September 15

Park: 9 a.m. — 5 p.m.

Visitor Center: 9 a.m. — 5 p.m.

Historic Star Fort: 9 a.m. — 5 p.m.

Tuesday, September 16

Park: 7 a.m. — 5 p.m.

Visitor Center: 8 a.m. — 5 p.m.

Historic Star Fort: 8 a.m. — 5 p.m.

Entrance Fees:

Entrance fee to historic

area of the park is $7.00

for adults 16 years of

age and older; children

15 and younger are free.

Annual or Lifetime

Passes are an alternative

to fees. Passes may be

purchased or obtained

at the Visitor Center

Information Desk. Passes include the Fort McHenry

Annual Pass, Interagency Annual Pass, Interagency

Senior Pass, and Interagency Access Pass. Please

visit our website for details on each of these passes:

www.nps.gov/fomc

Useful information to help you enjoy

your Star-Spangled visit!

Number to call in the event of an emergency: 1-866-677-6677.

Lost and found items can be turned in/retrieved at the Visitor Center desk.

First-aid tent is available. Please see location on the map.

Upon your arrival at the park, please select a meeting place in case members of your party become separated.

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Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine Known as “The Birthplace of the National Anthem,” the successful defense of this fort from British attack during the War of 1812 saved the city of Baltimore from destruction. The sight of the 30’ x 42’ American flag waving over the fort inspired Francis Scott Key to pen the words that became “The Star-Spangled Banner,” which became our National Anthem in 1931.

Following the War of 1812, Fort McHenry continued to serve the nation as an active Army post. During the American Civil War, Federal troops garrisoned the fort. Fort McHenry served as a prison for Confeder-ate soldiers and civilians suspected of being loyal to the South. Even Francis Scott Key’s grandson was imprisoned in the fort as a Confederate sympathizer.

During World War I, the U.S. Army converted the fort into one of the largest hospitals in the U.S. Over 100 buildings surrounded the fort with 4,000 patients

and hospital staff in residence. Advances in plastic surgery and some of the first programs for disabled American veterans were promoted at the hospital.

Although transferred from the U.S. Army to the National Park Service in 1933, Fort McHenry’s military use continued during World War II, when the United States Coast Guard converted a portion of the grounds to a training base. Approximately 26,000 U.S.C.G. personnel trained there.

Under the stewardship of the National Park Service, Fort McHenry continues to be a source of inspiration to Americans. Living history, military ceremonies, special concerts and hundreds of educational programs for schools make the site relevant and highlight the power of place to a new generation.

Did you know… that Fort McHenry is one of five sites in the world that flies the U.S. flag 24 hours a day by orders of the President of the United States? The others are Iwo Jima (USMC) Memorial, The White House, Washington Monument, D.C., and U.S. Ports of Entry.

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Schedule of Daily Events:

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 Park: 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Visitor Center: 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Historic Star Fort: 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Star-Spangled Banner Living Flag Over 7,000 school students representing every coun-ty in Maryland will commemorate the bicentennial

of the writ-ing of the National Anthem by engaging in experiential learning at Fort McHenry. Wearing red, white and blue, they will form the 15 stars/15 stripes Star-Spangled Banner Living Flag, the largest ever created. In this nationwide learning opportunity, students across America can participate through distance learning, live-streaming, and social media.

3:15 p.m., 4:15 p.m. Origin of the Star-Spangled Banner Join a Park Ranger for this hands-on program about the Battle of Baltimore and the writing of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Help us unroll the 30’ x 42’ full-sized replica Star-Spangled Banner flag at the exact site where it flew in 1814. Star Fort.

As we commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Baltimore and the writing of “The Star-Spangled Banner” we invite you to enjoy the special events, ceremonies, living history demonstrations and interpretive programs. There are several signature events, including The Star-Spangled Banner Living Flag on September 9th; The Rockets' Red Glare and the Flag is Still There!, an evening of patriotic music, pageantry, and a spectacular fireworks display on September 13th; and By Dawn’s Early Light, a real-time program marking 200 years to the minute since the Star-Spangled Banner was hoisted over the fort, inspiring Francis Scott Key to pen his immortal words. Throughout this special week there will be several special exhibitions in the Visitor Center. Thanks to The Star-Spangled Banner Flag House in Baltimore, we’ll have on display a piece of fabric from the original 30’ x 42’ flag. Also, see Francis Scott Key’s original handwritten manuscript, The Defence of Fort McHenry, on generous loan from the Maryland Historical Society. We hope that you, your family and friends enjoy these commemorative events and that you visit again in the years to come!

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 Park: 6 a.m. – 5 p.m. Visitor Center: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Historic Star Fort: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

8 a.m. – 3 p.m. International Visiting Ships More than 35 naval vessels and tall ships from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Norway, Germany, Spain and Turkey will sail past Fort McHenry on their way to the Inner Harbor, where they will dock until September 16 (public visitation will be from September 11-15). Fort McHenry will open early for those who wish to watch their arrival. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. War of 1812 Maritime Display As the arriving international ships pass Baltimore, learn how maritime issues were central to the War of 1812 and led directly to the British attack in 1814. Demonstrations of cutlass drill and sailors’ gear will take place throughout the day. Modern and historic cannons will salute arriving ships as they sail past Fort McHenry. Water Battery. 9:15 a.m., 10:15 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 1:15 p.m., 2:15 p.m., 3:15 p.m., 4:15 p.m. From Signal to Symbol Learn about the role played by Fort McHenry and Francis Scott Key in the evolution of the Stars & Stripes from a national flag to a potent source of inspiration and community for Americans in times of crisis. Join a Park Ranger for this hands-on program about the Battle of Baltimore and the writing of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Help unroll the 30’ x 42’ full-sized replica Star-Spangled Banner flag at the exact site where it flew in 1814. Star Fort.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 Park: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Visitor Center: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Historic Star Fort: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

9 a.m. – 4 p.m. National 9/11 Flag The National 9/11 Flag, one of the largest American flags to fly above the wreckage at Ground Zero, and called our generation’s “Star-Spangled Banner,” is on loan from the National 9/11 Memorial Museum and will be on display at Fort McHenry throughout the day.

Did you know… that Fort McHenry flew the first 49 star flag for Alaska’s statehood at 12:01 a.m. on July 4, 1959, and that it flew the first 50 star flag for Hawaii’s statehood at 12:01 a.m. on July 4, 1960?

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9:15 a.m., 5:15 p.m., 6:15 p.m., 7:15 p.m. Union & Unity Discover how the feelings of inspiration and unity many felt at seeing the American Flag during the tragedy of 9/11 were similar to those felt by Francis Scott Key in 1814. Join a Park Ranger for this hands-on program about the Battle of Baltimore and the writing of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Help unroll the 30’ x 42’ full-sized replica Star-Spangled Banner flag at the exact site where it flew in 1814. Star Fort.

11:00 a.m. 9/11 Commemoration Join first responders from New York and Baltimore, the Fort McHenry Guard and living historians in a procession from the Visitor Center to the historic Star Fort for a ceremony to honor those whose lives were lost on September 11, 2001. The commemoration will include music, remarks relating the Battle of Baltimore with 9/11, and a wreath-laying ceremony. At the conclusion of the program, Taps will be played and the names of those Baltimore residents killed on 9/11 and during the 1814 defense of Baltimore will be read. The procession to the ceremony forms at the Visitor Center; the ceremony takes place in the Star Fort. 3:00 p.m. Firing of the Alarm Gun Cannon fire from Fort McHenry and Federal Hill will mark 200 years since the firing of the “alarm gun” that warned the residents of Baltimore of the impending approach of the British army and navy. Water Battery.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 Park: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Visitor Center: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Historic Star Fort: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

9:15 a.m., 10:15 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 5:15 p.m., 7:15 p.m. Causes, Conflicts & Commemoration A Park Ranger explains the origins and progression of the War of 1812, and looks at how the conflict is remembered 200 years later. Help unroll the 30’ x 42’ full-sized replica Star-Spangled Banner flag at the exact site where it flew in 1814. Star Fort.

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10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Young Defenders Program At these hands-on activity stations, young visitors can learn about soldier life at Fort McHenry, and discover how average Baltimoreans contributed to the city’s defense from the British. At the “Young Defenders” station, the young and young at heart can drill with wooden muskets, help stitch a flag, engage in cutlass drill, try on a replica historic outfit, or write a letter using the same types of quill and ink that Francis Scott Key used when he wrote “The Star-Spangled Banner.” In “Citizens Stand!” learn about flag-making, fashions from 1814, historic cooking and life on the home front. Historic Star Fort. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fort McHenry Festival Village The Star-Spangled Spectacular Village will feature a variety of family-friendly entertainment including exhibits, hands-on activities, giveaways, food vendors and a tribute to all types of American music.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 Park: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. Visitor Center: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. Historic Star Fort: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

8:15 a.m., 9:15 a.m., 10:15 a.m., 11:15, a.m. Living History Area Program Fort McHenry literally explodes with activity with living history presentations by the Fort McHenry Guard. Dressed as soldiers, sailors and citizens from 1814, Guard members provide a touchstone to the past by garrisoning the fort. Cannon-firing, fife and drum music, cooking demonstrations and children’s activities offer visitors a “total immersion” experience. Smell the gunpowder, see the stars and stripes, hear the fifes and drums and feel the presence of history! Historic Star Fort. 9:15 a.m., 4:15 p.m. Flag Change Program Join a Park Ranger for this hands-on program about the Battle of Baltimore and the writing of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Unroll the 30’ x 42’ full-sized replica Star-Spangled Banner flag at the exact site where it flew in 1814, and help a ranger raise/lower a repro-duction of the flag over the fort (as weather conditions permit).

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10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Young Defenders Program Young visitors can learn about soldier life at the Fort, and discover how average Baltimoreans contributed to the city’s defense from the British. At the “Young Defenders” station, the young and young-at-heart can drill with wooden muskets, help stitch a flag, engage in cutlass drill, try on a replica historic outfit or write a letter using the same types of quill and ink Francis Scott Key used when he wrote “The Star-Spangled Banner.” In “Citizens Stand!” learn about flag-making, fashions from 1814, historic cooking and life on the home front. Historic Star Fort. 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Fort McHenry Festival Village The Star-Spangled Village will feature a variety of family-friendly entertainment including exhib-its, hands-on activities, giveaways, food vendors and a tribute to all types of American music. 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Fort McHenry Forever Stamp Release Ceremony U.S. Postal Service commemorates the 200th anniversary of the writing of “The Star-Spangled Banner” with the official 1st-day-of-issue dedication ceremony for the new Fort McHenry Forever Stamp, which depicts soldiers manning a cannon in defense of the fort. Star Fort. 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Star-Spangled Spectacular Air Show The Star-Spangled Spectacular Air Show will fea-ture precision flight demonstrations from the United States Navy over a 1.5 hour period between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. The featured act will be the Blue Angels, the U.S. Navy’s Flight Demonstration Squadron. NOTE: Time subject to change based on weather conditions. 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. The Rockets’ Red Glare and the Flag is Still There! Observe the bicentennial of the writing of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the spot that endured the British bombardment, inspiring Francis Scott Key to write the poem. This evening program commemorates that historic event through with patriotic music by the United States Marine Band (“The President's Own”) and others, performance by the Fort McHenry Guard, raising of the 30’ x 42’ Star-Spangled Banner flag, remarks by elected officials, and the not-to-be-missed Star-Spangled Spectacular Fireworks!

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14Park: 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. Visitor Center: 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. Historic Star Fort: 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.

8:30 a.m. By Dawn’s Early Light A procession of modern and living history military units, represented by the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) and the Fort McHenry Guard, kicks off this real-time anniversary program. The ceremony will feature special guest General Colin Powell, artillery salutes, patriotic music, and a reading of the four stanzas of “The Star-Spangled Banner” by individuals with unique ties to the American flag. At 9:00 a.m., the precise moment that the historic flag was raised, inspiring Francis Scott Key to write “The Defence of Fort McHenry,” the full-sized replica 15 stars and 15 stripes Star-Spangled Banner flag will be raised over Fort McHenry. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Young Defenders Program At these hands-on activity stations, young visitors can learn about soldier life at Fort McHenry and discover how average Baltimoreans contributed to the city’s defense from the British. At the “Young Defenders” station, the young and young-at-heart can drill with wooden muskets, help stitch a flag, engage in cutlass drill, try on a replica historic outfit or write a letter using the same types of quill and ink that Francis Scott Key used when he wrote “The Star-Spangled Banner.” In “Citizens Stand!” learn about flag-making, fashions from 1814, historic cooking and life on the home front. Historic Star Fort. 10:15 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 5:15 p.m., 7:15 p.m. The Key Story Learn how Maryland attorney and amateur poet Francis Scott Key’s poem about the defense of Fort McHenry became our National Anthem. Join a Park Ranger for this hands-on program about the Battle of Baltimore and the writing of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Help unroll the 30’ x 42’ foot full-sized replica Star-Spangled Banner flag at the exact site where it flew in 1814. Visitor Center - Chesapeake Bay Map. 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Fort McHenry Festival Village The Star-Spangled Spectacular Village will feature family-friendly entertainment including exhib-its, hands-on activities, giveaways, food vendors and a tribute to all types of American music.

Did you know… that Fort McHenry is the first fort constructed by the U.S. Government in 1797; that it was named after Colonel James McHenry, our second US Secretary of War; and that the site has been visited by 11 U.S. Presidents?

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2 p.m.—4 p.m. Star-Spangled Spectacular Air Show The Star-Spangled Spectacular Air Show will feature precision flight demonstrations from the U.S. Navy over a 1.5 hour period between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. Featured act will be the Blue Angels, the U.S. Navy’s Flight Demonstration Squadron. NOTE: Time of event subject to change based on weather conditions. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 Park: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Visitor Center: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Historic Star Fort: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

9:15 a.m., 10:15 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 1:15 p.m., 2:15 p.m., 3:15 p.m., 4:15 p.m. Origins of the Star-Spangled Banner Join a Park Ranger for this hands-on program about the Battle of Baltimore and the writing of the Star-Spangled Banner. Help unroll the 30’ x 42’ full-sized replica Star-Spangled Banner flag at the exact site where it flew in 1814. Star Fort.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 Park hours: 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. Visitor Center: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Historic Star Fort: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Departure of Naval and Tall Ships More than 35 naval vessels and tall ships from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Norway, Germany, Spain and Turkey will sail past Fort McHenry as they leave Baltimore. The Fort McHenry Guard will fire artillery salutes to passing vessels. Fort McHenry will open early for those who wish to watch the ships. 9:15 a.m., 10:15 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 1:15 p.m., 2:15 p.m., 3:15 p.m., 4:15 p.m. Origins of “The Star-Spangled Banner” Join a Park Ranger for this hands-on program about the Battle of Baltimore and the writing of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Help unroll the 30’ x 42’ full-sized replica Star-Spangled Banner flag at the exact site where it flew in 1814. Star Fort.

The Bicentennial activities at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine are in part-nership with Star-Spangled Spectacular, a free festival celebrating the 200th anniversary of our National Anthem sponsored by Star-Spangled 200, Inc. and the Maryland War of 1812 Bicen-tennial Commission. A variety of additional bicentennial activities are planned at other venues throughout Baltimore, including the Inner Harbor, Martin State Airport, and Pier Six Pavilion. For additional information on these and other events please visit: www.starspangled200.com.

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The National Park Service and Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine thank...

City of Baltimore Friends of Fort McHenry General Society of the War of 1812 Historic Hampton, Inc. Living Classrooms Foundation Maryland Historical Society Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission

National Society United States Daughters of 1812 National 9/11 Memorial Museum Society of the War of 1812 Star-Spangled Banner Flag House State of Maryland United States Marine Corps United States Navy

PHOTOGRAPHY & PUBLICITY

FRIENDS OF FORT MCHENRY SUPPORTERS

24/7 American Sugar Refining—Domino Sugar

Atlantic Caterers BalTerm

The Charitable Marine Society of Baltimore COMCAST

Domino Foods Inc. General Society of the War of 1812

GRI Fund, LP GWWO Architects Heavy Seas Beer

Hoffberger Moving Services Johns Hopkins Institutions

Maryland Arms Collectors Association Myron M. Oppenheimer and Maxine A. Cohen

Norfolk Southern Corporation Phillips Office Solutions

Ports America Chesapeake Rukert Terminals Corporation

Ryleigh’s Oyster Star-Spangled 200

Tom Morris Library at the National Sailing Hall of Fame UA Locust Point Holdings LLC

UPM-Kymmene, Inc. Verizon

Vernon Sevier Village Management

Wazlavek Wright, Constable & Skeen, LLP

American Flag Foundation Baltimore City Dept of Education Social Studies Division Baltimore National Heritage Area EarthCam El-J Productions Friends of Fort McHenry General Society of the War of 1812 Idaho Education Network Internet2 Living Classrooms Foundation

Maryland Department of Education Maryland Historical Society Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission National Park Service—Northeast Region National Society United States Daughters of 1812 Polycom, Inc. Showcall Snake Hill Web Design Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail Under Armour Veolia

Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

2400 E. Fort Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21230 * 410.962.4290 * www.nps.gov/fomc