Fort McHenry's introductory film is one of the most popular activities at the park.
12-12 Minutes
This free 45-minute ranger program focuses on the Chesapeake Campaign of the War of 1812. Follow a dramatic story of devastating British raids and the American response, culminating in Baltimore at North Point, Hampstead Hill and Fort McHenry. Discover how Chesapeake victories ignited a surge of national pride, making Fort McHenry an enduring symbol of American resilience.
30-45 Minutes
Music played an important role in the daily lives of soldiers garrisoned at Fort McHenry. A soldier's entire day would revolve around the sounds of fifes and drums. Join living historians in the famous "Fort McHenry Guard Fife and Drum Corps" as they play period music and give a history of music's role at Fort McHenry.
10-15 Minutes
This 45–60-minute, ranger-led walk guides visitors from the Chesapeake Map to the Historic Star Fort. Along the way, visitors will hear about how the fort withstood a 25-hour storm of rockets and exploding shells, blocking the British fleet from entering Baltimore Harbor. This defiant stand, witnessed by lawyer Francis Scott Key, inspired the verses that became “The Star-Spangled Banner".
45-60 Minutes
Daily programs being offered at Fort McHenry NM&HS!
25-45 Minutes
This year, Fort McHenry celebrates its 100th anniversary as a National Park Service site! On this program we'll explore the many defenders of Fort McHenry, from those who proteced Baltimore and inspired the writing of "The Star-Spangled Banner" during the War of 1812, to the U.S. soldiers who preserved the Union during the Civil War, to those who led the movement to preserve Fort McHenry as a national park in the early 20th century.
45-60 Minutes
Learn about the weapons of the War of 1812 from the park's living historians! *Please note that these programs may include firing demonstrations, but firings are not guaranteed. **Programs are weather dependent.
10-15 Minutes
Learn about how to experience living history at Fort McHenry.
Join rangers in a program about the American flag.
20-30 Minutes
Join rangers to explore the role of Fort McHenry in securing Maryland for the Union during the Civil War, and to examine how its role as a prison and center of martial rule in Baltimore help us to consider the delicate balance between ensuring national security and safeguarding civil liberties.
30-45 Minutes
Join the park for its morning or evening flag change programs!
10-15 Minutes
Find out how to walk the park's main trail!
Learn how to visit the Star Fort historic zone!
45 Minutes
An overview of the Fort McHenry park gift shop.
Learn how to take an audio tour of Fort McHenry!
45-90 Minutes
Learn about the best ways to picnic at Fort McHenry!
Fort McHenry's water front makes for an ideal birding location. Learn how birders can come enjoy their hobby within the park!
Learn how and where to safely enjoy riding bikes at Fort McHenry.
Learn about how pets can enjoy the park just as much as human visitors!
Learn about how to explore more of the story of Fort McHenry and the creation of "The Star-Spangled Banner" by following the Star-Spangled National Historic Trail!
Kids of all ages can participate in the Star-Spangled Banner Trail Junior Ranger program. The Junior Ranger booklet is full of activities that can be completed to earn a Junior Ranger badge.
30-60 Minutes
Information on how to become a Fort McHenry Junior Ranger!
1 Hour