200th Anniversary of The Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative Events Guide September 9 - September 16, 2014
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200th Anniversary of The Star-Spangled Banner Commemorative Events Guide September 9 - September 16, 2014
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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VISITOR CENTER HISTORIC STAR FORT
At the Fort McHenry National Monument and His- Tour the original fort and buildings that protected Bal-
toric Shrine Visitor Center, watch the 11-minute timore in 1814. Living history volunteers dressed as
multi-media program about the Battle of Baltimore soldiers, sailors and citizens from that era are on duty
and the writing of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” throughout the fort every day to provide a glimpse of
Explore the museum’s interactive exhibits about the past, and Park Rangers provide insight and infor-
the battle. See Francis Scott Key’s original hand- mation on the defense of the fort that inspired Francis
written manuscript, on loan for the anniversary Scott Key to write “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
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.”
For more information: 410-962-4290
www.nps.gov/fomc
Facebook: www.facebook.com/FtMcHenryNPS
Twitter: @FtMcHenryNPS
Instagram: fortmchenrynpsofficial
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USEFUL INFORMATION:
Please check website daily for updates: www.nps.gov/fomc
Tuesday, September 9 Entrance Fees:
Park: 7:30 a.m. — 5 p.m.
Entrance fee to historic
Visitor Center: 7:30 a.m. — 5 p.m.
area of the park is $7.00
Historic Star Fort: 7:30 a.m. —5 p.m.
for adults 16 years of
Wednesday, September 10
age and older; children
Park: 6 a.m. — 5 p.m.
15 and younger are free.
Visitor Center: 8 a.m. — 5 p.m.
Historic Star Fort: 8 a.m. — 5 p.m. Annual or Lifetime
Thursday, September 11 Passes are an alternative
Park: 8 a.m. — 8 p.m. to fees. Passes may be
Visitor Center: 8 a.m. — 8 p.m. purchased or obtained
Historic Star Fort: 8 a.m. — 8 p.m. at the Visitor Center
Friday, September 12 Information Desk. Passes include the Fort McHenry
Park: 8 a.m. — 8 p.m. Annual Pass, Interagency Annual Pass, Interagency
Visitor Center: 8 a.m. — 8 p.m. Senior Pass, and Interagency Access Pass. Please
Historic Star Fort: 8 a.m. — 8 p.m. visit our website for details on each of these passes:
Saturday, September 13 www.nps.gov/fomc
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 Useful information to help you enjoy
Park: 7 a.m. — 8 p.m. your Star-Spangled visit!
Visitor Center: 7 a.m. — 8 p.m.
Number to call in the event of an
Historic Star Fort: 7 a.m. — 8 p.m. emergency: 1-866-677-6677.
Monday, September 15
Lost and found items can be turned in/
Park: 9 a.m. — 5 p.m. retrieved at the Visitor Center desk.
Visitor Center: 9 a.m. — 5 p.m.
First-aid tent is available. Please see
Historic Star Fort: 9 a.m. — 5 p.m.
location on the map.
Tuesday, September 16
Upon your arrival at the park, please
Park: 7 a.m. — 5 p.m.
select a meeting place in case members
Visitor Center: 8 a.m. — 5 p.m. of your party become separated.
Historic Star Fort: 8 a.m. — 5 p.m.
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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:
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 13 th;
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!
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.
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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.
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?
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.
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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).
1010 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!
11SUNDAY, 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.
8:30 a.m. By Dawn’s Early Light
A procession of modern and living history military units, represented by the 3 rd 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?
122 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.
1314
The National Park Service and Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine thank...
City of Baltimore National Society United States Daughters of 1812
Friends of Fort McHenry National 9/11 Memorial Museum
General Society of the War of 1812 Society of the War of 1812
Historic Hampton, Inc. Star-Spangled Banner Flag House
Living Classrooms Foundation State of Maryland
Maryland Historical Society United States Marine Corps
Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission United States Navy
PHOTOGRAPHY & PUBLICITY
FRIENDS OF FORT MCHENRY SUPPORTERS
24/7 Norfolk Southern Corporation
American Sugar Refining—Domino Sugar Phillips Office Solutions
Atlantic Caterers Ports America Chesapeake
BalTerm Rukert Terminals Corporation
The Charitable Marine Society of Baltimore Ryleigh’s Oyster
COMCAST Star-Spangled 200
Domino Foods Inc. Tom Morris Library at the National Sailing Hall of Fame
General Society of the War of 1812 UA Locust Point Holdings LLC
GRI Fund, LP UPM-Kymmene, Inc.
GWWO Architects Verizon
Heavy Seas Beer Vernon Sevier
Hoffberger Moving Services Village Management
Johns Hopkins Institutions Wazlavek
Maryland Arms Collectors Association Wright, Constable & Skeen, LLP
Myron M. Oppenheimer and Maxine A. Cohen
American Flag Foundation Maryland Department of Education
Baltimore City Dept of Education Social Studies Division Maryland Historical Society
Baltimore National Heritage Area Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission
EarthCam National Park Service—Northeast Region
El-J Productions National Society United States Daughters of 1812
Friends of Fort McHenry Polycom, Inc.
General Society of the War of 1812 Showcall
Idaho Education Network Snake Hill Web Design
Internet2 Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail
Living Classrooms Foundation Under Armour
Veolia
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
2400 E. Fort Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21230 * 410.962.4290 * www.nps.gov/fomc
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