From Fife to Family--A Living History Experience at Fort McHenry

Fifers performing on parade ground in War of 1812-era uniform. Randi in foreground.

National Park Service/Volunteer Tim Ervin

Randi is one of Fort McHenry’s longtime volunteers and music instructors. We invited her to share her experience of discovering Fort McHenry

What originally inspired you to start volunteering?

I initially started volunteering at Fort McHenry because I really enjoyed my time at the fife and drum camp, and I thought that the program was something I could get involved with and thoroughly enjoy. I remember the Fort McHenry Guard had a fife and drum open house in the fall following the camp and I begged my parents to let me go to it even though we were in the middle of a move. After the open house, I realized that it was something I really wanted to do, however, my parents weren't too sure about it so I ended up writing an essay on why I should be allowed to join the Guard.

What keeps you volunteering with the National Park Service?

I have continued to volunteer at Fort McHenry for many reasons. Obviously, it looks perfect on college applications and resumes but that is not the main reason that I have stayed. I have seen firsthand the impact that having a presence in the fort has on visitors of all ages. You can see the spark in young students' eyes when they get to see an interactive piece of history rather than just reading a plaque. You'll hear adult visitors compliment you on the work that you are doing. Veterans will tell you how much they appreciate you keeping history alive; to me, that is extremely rewarding. Another important reason that I have stayed for as long as I have is that the Fort McHenry Guard and all of its volunteers are a family, it always has been, and it always will be.

What does the National Park Service mission mean to you?

To me, the National Park Service mission is about educating people of every generation. It means that as volunteers and employees of the National Park Service, we strive every day to ensure that visitors enjoy their time in the parks. We also have a duty to preserve history and to keep it alive. That’s something I believe we do very well at Fort McHenry.

What connects you to the site story?

I would say that the thing that connects me most to site history is my love for history. I have always had a love for history, but I have also had a love of music. Volunteering at Fort McHenry has given me the opportunity to do two things that I love.

Two fifers in War of 1812 militia uniform. Randi in foreground.

National Park Service/Volunteer Tim Ervin

Are the stories of Fort McHenry and Hampton ones that you see yourself in?

I would like to think that the story of these two parks is one that I see in myself. I have been at Fort McHenry for ten years now, so in a way, I grew up volunteering and being immersed in living history. It has also always been something that has stayed with me throughout the years. Usually, as you grow up you have the tendency to outgrow things but that was never the case with Fort McHenry.

Why do you think people should volunteer?

People should volunteer for the sites because it is truly an amazing experience. There's so much that goes into what we do that there is something for everyone. You can participate in things from musket firings to cannon firings, music demonstrations, flag talks, and a lot more. Even if kitting out and doing living history isn't your thing, there will be something else within the park that is.

Randi presenting music students to visitors at War of 1812 Fife and Drum Camp

National Park Service/Volunteer Tim Ervin

What has been your most enjoyable experience volunteering for the NPS?

I think that my most enjoyable experience has overall been being able to grow up in an environment that encourages you to learn and grow. For the past ten years, I have been surrounded by some of the most inspiring people I have ever met, and I am beyond happy to call them family. It's hard to pick out just one experience among so many.

What is one project that you would like to work on at the site?

One project that I want to work on is growing our Junior Fife and Drum Corps. It has the full potential to be something amazing and I would love the opportunity to help nurture it into what we all know it can be.