News

On March 1–2, Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine will celebrate its 100th anniversary as a national park with special ranger programs, living history, and the debut of new 100th anniversary museum exhibit “Fort McHenry: The Early Years” which highlights how Fort McHenry became part of the National Park Service and its history from 1925 to 1939. In the late 19th century, as the strategic value of the fort waned, its historical significance as the original “home of the brave” inspired the public to take action. On March 3, 1925, Congress designated Fort McHenry as “a national park and perpetual memorial shrine as the birthplace of the ‘Star-Spangled Banner’.” Join us this weekend to explore many generations of service at Fort McHenry from the Early Republic to World War II, and enjoy Baltimore’s hometown national park.

National Park Service (NPS) Northeast Deputy Regional Director Kirsten Talken-Spaulding has selected Marie Frías Sauter as superintendent of Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, Hampton National Historic Site and the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail, all based in Baltimore. She begins her new role early next year.

BALTIMORE —Join us the weekend of September 13—15th for special Defenders’ Day events commemorating the successful defense of Baltimore against British attack in 1814 and celebrating the stories, strength, and rich cultural diversity of the city. Celebrated since 1815, Defenders’ Day is Baltimore’s oldest holiday and this year’s activities highlight Baltimore’s history as a port city and its strength and unity during the War of 1812, and invite visitors to explore the arts and culture of modern Baltimore communities.

On June 26, Hampton National Historic Site will host a public meeting to seek community input regarding the forthcoming Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) Legacy Restoration Fund-supported restoration projects in the park. The meeting will take place in the Orangery at Hampton National Historic Site from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

From September 15th—17th the National Park Service and its partners invite visitors to commemorate Defenders’ Day by exploring the history of Baltimore’s diverse community of defenders who came together to defend their city in 1814, and those who continue to support their local and national communities today.

The National Park Service and Sultana Education Foundation are partnering to provide Maryland Eastern Shore students with educational programming for the 2023-2024 school year.

Superintendent David H. Moore is pleased to announce Robert J. Stewart as the assistant superintendent for Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine located in Baltimore, Maryland and Hampton National Historic Site in Towson, Maryland.

A new National Park Service (NPS) report shows that 6,675,119 visitors to national parks in Maryland spent $246.6 million in the state in 2021. That spending resulted in 2,940 jobs and had a cumulative benefit to the state economy of $344.3 million.

The inaugural year of the Trail Ambassador Sail program--in partnership with Pride of Baltimore, Inc.--reached more than 7,435 in-person visitors through park-ranger led educational programs and deck tours onboard the tall ship PRIDE OF BALTIMORE II and over 11,000 people virtually through live streams and videos. These educational programs taught citizens in eight Maryland port towns about privateers and the African American experience during the War of 1812

The National Park Service and Chesapeake Bay Trust are excited to announce the placement of Jimmy Looper as a 2021-2022 Chesapeake Conservation Corps Member at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine and the Star-Spangled Banner Historic Trail.