Friends of Fort McHenry

The Fort McHenry Experience, a curriculum-based education program for Baltimore City school students is an example of education programming sponsored by the Friends. This “hands-on” land-sea experience operated jointly by the National Park Service and Living Classrooms Foundation educators immerses the students in the history of the Fort as well as the Fort’s importance in our Nation’s history.

The premiere event held at Fort McHenry is the Star-Spangled Banner Weekend, which commemorates the writing of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and the successful defense of Fort McHenry from British invasion during the War of 1812. The Friends of Fort McHenry, in partnership with the National Park Service, present this exciting annual celebration on the weekend closest to September 14th, the actual anniversary of the bombardment of the Fort. Activities on-site throughout the weekend include a dress parade, flag raisings, cannon demonstrations, and presentations by re-enactors and living history interpreters. This event provides adults and children with the opportunity to learn about life in Baltimore during the War of 1812 and to celebrate the writing of our National Anthem.