News Release

Ambassador Sail Program Returns to Port

A group from the Tender Bridge participates in a Trail Ambassador sail in Baltimore, MD.  credit: The Tender Bridge

News Release Date: November 16, 2021 BALTIMORE, MD – The National Park Service (NPS) recently concluded the inaugural year of the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail (Trail) Ambassador Sail program in partnership with Pride of Baltimore, Inc. (Pride, Inc). The program 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 (Pride 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.

Pride II, a replica War of 1812 schooner, sailed the Chesapeake Bay and engaged visitors in the history of the people and places in the regions along the Trail. Participants experienced history firsthand through free public deck tours and sailing activities, such as raising the sails and witnessing cannon firing demonstrations. Volunteers from the Chesapeake Independent Blues also provided living history representations of the Maryland citizen-soldiers during the War of 1812.

“We are so excited to partner with Pride Inc. to explore the unique War of 1812 history right here in the Chesapeake Bay,” said David H. Moore, superintendent of the Star-Spangled Banner Trail. “Partnerships such as these allow the Trail to engage with local families and expand recreational opportunities throughout the Bay."

"The partnership with NPS, specifically the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail, is a very natural fit for us," said Jeffrey Buchheit, executive director for Pride Inc. "Our captain and crew had a great time implementing the program this season and we very much look forward to next year." 

The experience assisted in building the foundation for future stewards of the Trail, as well as of the natural and cultural resources of the Bay. The ship visited Annapolis, Historic St. Mary’s City, Cambridge, Havre de Grace, St. Michaels, Solomons Island, Baltimore and Chestertown. The Trail and Pride, Inc. worked in collaboration with many regional partners who were integral to the success of the program.

"Our organization was excited to expose Baltimore youth and community organization stakeholders to the beauty and history of Pride II,” said Shauntee Daniels, executive director of the Baltimore National Heritage Area. “The youth, in particular, were excited to see young adults running the boat, while also learning about nautical careers available to them on the waterways in the heritage area."

In Historic Saint Mary’s City and Solomons Island, the trail partnered with the Southern Maryland Heritage Area to celebrate the partnership. “The partnership with Pride II and the NPS was a great success in our region,” said Lucille W. Walker, executive director of the Southern Maryland Heritage Area/Destination Southern Maryland. “The excitement brought about by the tall ship itself, as well as the programming, which explored the impact of the War of 1812 from diverse perspectives, engaged and delighted tourists and locals alike.”

In Chestertown, the Trail worked with the county government to engage youth groups and get the word out about the educational sails. “The opportunity to partner with the NPS and Pride II on programming to highlight the rich historical and maritime heritage in Kent County assists with expanding outdoor recreational experiences,” said Jana Carter, tourism manager, Kent County Government.

The trail plans to partner with Pride, Inc again in 2022 to continue to bring educational day sails to underserved communities throughout the Chesapeake Bay. To learn more about this program, visit www.nps.gov/stsp.

About the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail
The Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail tells the story of the War of 1812 in the Chesapeake Bay region. The trail traces American and British troop movements, introduces visitors to communities affected by the war, and highlights the Chesapeake region’s distinctive landscapes and waterways. It connects historic sites in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia and commemorates the events leading up to the Battle for Baltimore, the aftermath of which inspired Francis Scott Key to write the U.S. national anthem. Congress established the Star-Spangled Banner Trail in 2008 and it is one of 19 national historic trails administered by the National Park Service and one of 30 trails in the National Trails System.