Fort McHenry Movie

A ranger greets visitors at the park visitor center where the movie is located.

NPS/Tim Ervin

Fort McHenry offers an introductory film about the Battle of Baltimore which took place on September 13-14, 1814 and inspired the writing of the Star-Spangled Banner. The film is located in the park's visitor center and is about 12 minutes long running every 30 minutes. The movie is free to watch. The last showing of the park film is at 5:00 PM. Visitors who miss the film or wish to watch it from home can find it on Fort McHenry's website.

Visitors should be aware of several things while the movie is running:

• Lighting: While the film is running, the rest of of the museum exhibits will shut off or their lights will dim, making it very dark in the museum space.
• Flashing Lights: The park film does feature flashing lights as part of special effects. The flashes are at a low rate and spaced far apart, however may cause some discomfort to those sensitive to flashing lights. 
• Loud Noises: The film features surround sound and large booming noises that replicate cannon fire. Visitors should be aware of the noises if anyone in their group is sensitive to loud noises.
• Seating: Seating in the film area is very limited and used on a first-come first-serve basis. DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC THE SEATING FOR THE FILM IS CURRENTLY REMOVED TO PREVENT CROWDING AND ENCOURAGE SOCIAL DISTANCING.

Details

Duration

12-12 Minutes

Activity

Park Film

Pets Allowed

No

Pets are not allowed inside the park buildings.

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

Visitor Center

The movie is shown inside the museum in the park visitor center.

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Time of Day

Day

The park film is shown every 30 minutes from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM with the last showing at 5:00 PM

Accessibility Information

The park visitor center is accessible and the movie features subtitles. Currently there is no seating in the film area due to the Covid-19 pandemic.