BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 X-WR-CALNAME:Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine Events X-WR-CALDESC:Upcoming events at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT12H CALSCALE:GREGORIAN PRODID:adamgibbons/ics METHOD:PUBLISH X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT12H BEGIN:VEVENT UID:D4254535-F644-3C2E-9CA708567A9572AF@nps-ical SUMMARY:Evening Flag Change DTSTAMP:20260514T055408Z DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250601T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250601T163000 DESCRIPTION:Fort McHenry holds a unique honor as the very first site to rec eive a presidential proclamation requiring the U.S. flag to fly 24 hours a day\, 365 days a year.\n\nEach day\, you’re invited to join park staff fo r our morning and evening flag‑changing traditions. Discover why the flag became a powerful symbol during the Battle of Baltimore and how it became  deeply tied to the nation’s story as the inspiration behind the Star-Spang led Banner. In the mornings\, we raise a replica of a historic flag. In th e evenings\, we lift an all‑weather flag that proudly flies through the ni ght.\n\n \n\nDon’t just read about history—experience it!\nPlan your visit \, join a flag program\, and be part of a tradition that connects us to th e nation’s story.\n\n*Flag changes are weather dependent.\n\nFee info: Fee for entrance into the historic Star Fort is $15 per adult (age 16 years a nd up). America the Beautiful National Parks Passes are also accepted. Fee information is available at: https://www.nps.gov/fomc/planyourvisit/fees. htm\n\nMore info: https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/flag-change-programs.htm\ n\nEvent details: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/event-details.htm?id=D 4254535-F644-3C2E-9CA708567A9572AF\n\nAll events: https://www.nps.gov/fomc /planyourvisit/calendar.htm URL:https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/flag-change-programs.htm LOCATION:Program takes place on the parade ground inside the Star Fort CATEGORIES:Talk RRULE:UNTIL=20270601T040000Z;FREQ=WEEKLY;WKST=SU;BYDAY=SU,MO,TU,WE,TH,FR,SA ;INTERVAL=1 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:AA8E5080-084B-0B10-96D7A2FCB5AD550C@nps-ical SUMMARY:Morning Flag Change DTSTAMP:20260514T055408Z DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250601T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250601T103000 DESCRIPTION:Fort McHenry holds a unique honor as the very first site to rec eive a presidential proclamation requiring the U.S. flag to fly 24 hours a day\, 365 days a year.\n\nEach day\, you’re invited to join park staff fo r our morning and evening flag‑changing traditions. Discover why the flag became a powerful symbol during the Battle of Baltimore and how it became  deeply tied to the nation’s story as the inspiration behind the Star-Spang led Banner. In the mornings\, we raise a replica of a historic flag. In th e evenings\, we lift an all‑weather flag that proudly flies through the ni ght.\n\nDon’t just read about history—experience it!\nPlan your visit\, jo in a flag program\, and be part of a tradition that connects us to the nat ion’s story.\n\n*Flag changes are weather dependent.\n\nFee info: Fee for entrance into the historic Star Fort is $15 per adult (age 16 years and up ). America the Beautiful National Parks Passes are also accepted. Fee info rmation is available at: https://www.nps.gov/fomc/planyourvisit/fees.htm\n \nMore info: https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/flag-change-programs.htm\n\nEv ent details: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/event-details.htm?id=AA8E50 80-084B-0B10-96D7A2FCB5AD550C\n\nAll events: https://www.nps.gov/fomc/plan yourvisit/calendar.htm URL:https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/flag-change-programs.htm LOCATION:Program takes place on the parade ground inside the Star Fort CATEGORIES:Talk RRULE:UNTIL=20270601T040000Z;FREQ=DAILY;WKST=SU;INTERVAL=1 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:7DA9F9B2-D489-DA00-376145F35404B2DE@nps-ical SUMMARY:Ranger's Choice Program DTSTAMP:20260514T055408Z DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260409T111500 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260409T120000 DESCRIPTION:From the War of 1812 through the Second World War\, Fort McHenr y allows for a wide variety of history and subjects to serve as topics for  ranger's choice programs. Join rangers as they present pre-established pr ograms that help orient visitors to the park's amazing stories!\n\nProgram s meet outside the park visitor center on the concrete map of the Chesapea ke Bay.\n\nFee info: Programs are free but some may enter the Star Fort Hi storic Zone which is a fee area. Entrance costs $15.00 per person 16 years of age and older. Visitors 15 years of age or younger are always free.\n\ nMore info: https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/ranger-s-choice-programs.htm\n\ nEvent details: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/event-details.htm?id=7DA 9F9B2-D489-DA00-376145F35404B2DE\n\nAll events: https://www.nps.gov/fomc/p lanyourvisit/calendar.htm URL:https://www.nps.gov/thingstodo/ranger-s-choice-programs.htm LOCATION:Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine CATEGORIES:Guided Tour,Talk RRULE:UNTIL=20260531T040000Z;FREQ=DAILY;WKST=SU;INTERVAL=1 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:3F2414D0-07B1-A40B-B227D02A6B34B9BF@nps-ical SUMMARY:"The last full measure of devotion"--The Civil War Origins of Memor ial Day DTSTAMP:20260514T055408Z DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260523T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260523T160000 DESCRIPTION:On May 23—25\, 2026 Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine will offer special programs focusing on the Civil War origins of M emorial Day. The weekend will feature a Civil War living history encampmen t and ranger programs focusing on how Memorial Day began.\n\nDuring the Ci vil War Americans witnessed the loss of over 620\,000 brothers\, husbands\ , and sons in uniform. Using poetry and prose of the Civil War era\, range rs will share the story of how various communities coped with the loss of their loved ones during the war. Families sought solace for their loss and visited their local churchyards to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers . Out of this practice the concept of Memorial Day emerged as a day to hon or those who died in service.\n\nThroughout the weekend visitors can exper ience the sights and sounds of the Civil War through living history demons trations. Hear the roar of the drums as the Civil War quicksteps of the Fo rt McHenry Guard Fife and Drum Corps echo across the parade ground. Take a walk through the Star Fort with a ranger to learn about Fort McHenry’s co ntroversial role in the Civil War as the “American Bastille\,” and help ou r rangers raise the stars and stripes over the ramparts.\n\nVisitors may a lso explore the exhibits and feature movie in the Visitor and Education Ce nter.\n\nProgram Schedule\n\nSaturday\, May 23 and Sunday\, May 24\n10:00 a.m. Morning Flag Change (inside Star Fort)\n11:00 a.m. Remembering the Va cant Chair: Memorial Day and the Civil War (Chesapeake Map)\n2:00 p.m. Ame rican Bastille: Civil War at Fort McHenry (starts at Chesapeake Map)\n4:00 p.m. Evening Flag Change (inside Star Fort)\n\nMemorial Day\, Monday\, Ma y 25\n10:00 a.m. Morning Flag Change (inside Star Fort)\n12:00 p.m. Origin s of Memorial Day and flag-raising ceremony (inside Star Fort)\n3:00 p.m. National Moment of Remembrance\n4:00 p.m. Evening Flag Change (inside Star Fort)\n\nFee info: Fee for entrance into the historic Star Fort is $15 pe r adult (age 16 years and up). America the Beautiful National Parks Passes are also accepted. Fee information is available at: https://www.nps.gov/f omc/planyourvisit/fees.htm\n\nEvent details: https://www.nps.gov/planyourv isit/event-details.htm?id=3F2414D0-07B1-A40B-B227D02A6B34B9BF\n\nAll event s: https://www.nps.gov/fomc/planyourvisit/calendar.htm URL:https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/event-details.htm?id=3F2414D0-07B1-A4 0B-B227D02A6B34B9BF LOCATION:Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine CATEGORIES:Guided Tour,Living History,Talk RRULE:UNTIL=20260525T040000Z;FREQ=DAILY;WKST=SU;INTERVAL=1 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:15B114C8-A121-5B05-8C3B1FB49F4423FD@nps-ical SUMMARY:War of 1812 Fife & Drum Camp DTSTAMP:20260514T055408Z DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260617T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260617T160000 DESCRIPTION:Join us this summer for our War of 1812 Fife and Drum Music Cam p!\n\nSince its beginning in 2013\, over 750 students have taken their fir st steps as musicians on the parade ground of Fort McHenry. Join us for a fun and educational experience that students will long remember.\n\nSchedu le\n\nThe camp will be held from Wednesday June 17 through Saturday June 2 0 9:00 a.m. until 4:00p.m. Students will meet park staff for daily check-i n at a large tent outside of the historic star fort. Students will then en gage in four action-packed days. The week culminates with an 1812 Music Sp ectacular. Students will form their own Corps and display their accomplish ments in a performance for the general public.\n\nActivities\n\nRaise the Star-Spangled Banner over the fort!\n\nMarch to parade ground for roll cal l and inspection.\n\nMusical training and workshops with professional inst ructors.\n\nMilitary drill and marching.\n\nLearn about the lives and work of musicians\, soldiers\, and sailors at Fort McHenry during the War of 1 812!\n\nPublic musical performance on historic parade ground.\n\nMaterials \n\nInstructors will supply students with:\n\nCamp shirt\n\nBag for sheet music and fife or drumsticks\n\nWater bottle\n\nStudents should bring the following:\n\nComfortable footwear\n\nHat\n\nSunglasses (optional)\n\nSuns creen\n\nBoxed lunch in cool packs\n\nRegistration: To participate in the Fort McHenry War of 1812 Fife and Drum School\, applications and registrat ion must be completed online or mailed/emailed before May 29\, 2026.\nAges 11 & up. There is no fee required. Acceptance into the school will be ack nowledged via e-mail.\n\nRegister: https://forms.office.com/g/X6wBzj1X0Q\n \nMore info: https://www.nps.gov/fomc/getinvolved/fort-mchenry-guard-livin g-history-program.htm\n\nEvent details: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/ event-details.htm?id=15B114C8-A121-5B05-8C3B1FB49F4423FD\n\nAll events: ht tps://www.nps.gov/fomc/planyourvisit/calendar.htm URL:https://www.nps.gov/fomc/getinvolved/fort-mchenry-guard-living-history- program.htm LOCATION:Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine CATEGORIES:Children’s Program,Living History,Other,Performance RRULE:UNTIL=20260620T040000Z;FREQ=DAILY;WKST=SU;INTERVAL=1 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:3FA35E43-B20D-48EB-98B358A45A162015@nps-ical SUMMARY:Celebrate the Glorious Fourth! DTSTAMP:20260514T055408Z DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260704T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260704T170000 DESCRIPTION:Join us for an old-fashioned Fourth as we celebrate Independenc e Day at Fort McHenry! \n\n \n\nSpecial programming will include:\n\n10:00 a.m. “Raise the Colors!” – Join a park ranger and kickoff Independence Da y by hoisting the grand “Star-Spangled Banner” flag o’er the ramparts!  \n \nLocation: Star Fort\n\n11:00 a.m. "Defenders Through the Ages" -On this program we'll explore the many defenders who served at Fort McHenry. From the artillerists who manned the guns at Fort Whetston\, to those soldiers and sailors who protected Baltimore and inspired the writing of "The Star- Spangled Banner" during the War of 1812\, to the U.S. soldiers who preserv ed the Union during the Civil War\, to those who led the movement to prese rve Fort McHenry as a national park in the early 20th century\, visitors c an explore how Fort McHenry has shaped American history and inspired Ameri cans for 250 years. \n\nLocation: Chesapeake Map  \n\n12:00 p.m. “Stirring Fife and Thunder of the Drum” - Join the Fort McHenry Guard Fife and Drum Corps as they perform a fife and drum in the Star Fort.\n\n2:00 p.m. “Cel ebrating the Glorious Fourth”  - How did they celebrate July 4th in the ea rly Republic?  The living history team will present live music\, musket\, and cannon demonstrations. Join a park ranger for a special reading of the Declaration of Independence to celebrate the 250th anniversary of America n independence!\n\n5:00 pm – Evening Flag Change - Assist in the evening f lag change.\n\nLocation: Star Fort\n\nFee info: Fees are required to enter the Star Fort. Fee information is available at https://www.nps.gov/fomc/p lanyourvisit/fees.htm\n\nEvent details: https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/ event-details.htm?id=3FA35E43-B20D-48EB-98B358A45A162015\n\nAll events: ht tps://www.nps.gov/fomc/planyourvisit/calendar.htm URL:https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/event-details.htm?id=3FA35E43-B20D-48 EB-98B358A45A162015 LOCATION:Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine CATEGORIES:Living History,Performance,Talk END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:3FC4BCFD-F749-FCF3-BCC7E90B7ABA0038@nps-ical SUMMARY:Privateer Day DTSTAMP:20260514T055408Z DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260718T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260718T170000 DESCRIPTION:Welcome to Baltimore\, 1814! Described as a "nest of pirates" B altimore was home to many privateers during the War of 1812. Join us on Ju ne 29th as we explore the history of privateers who sought fame and fortun e on the high seas aboard Baltimore-built topsail schooners. Explore the p ayoffs and pitfalls of privateering\, and learn about the fighting sailors whose skills in handling canvas and cutlass led to the capture of at leas t 1\,200 British merchant ships during the war. Will you capture many priz es or be caught by the British Navy? Find out and learn more about how pri vateering operated and brought the economy of England to its knees during the War of 1812. \n\n \n\nProgram Schedule\n\n \n\n9:00 a.m.: Crew registr ation starts at Customs House Annex\n\nStop by our Customs House tent to c hoose your ship and sign your Letter of Marque to become a privateer.\n\n1 0:00 a.m.: Flag Change\n\nHelp rangers hoist the colors over the fort for the day!  \n\n \n\n11:00 a.m. Privateer Talk at Customs House Annex\n\n \n \n1:00 p.m. The Payoffs and Pitfalls of Privateering\n\n Learn about how s mall armed merchant ships\, known as privateers\, tackled the world's grea test navy in the War of 1812. British blockades on trade forced the young American nation to issue "Letters of Marque" which allowed merchant ships to carry guns and capture British carrier ships. Experience the process of how to become a privateer!\n\n \n\n2:00 p.m. Naval Weapons Demonstration\ n\nNaval combat during the War of 1812 sometimes took place ship-to-ship w ith cannons and carronade crews\, but often fighting sailors boarded ships and combat was face-to-face and blade-to-blade. Join us for a demonstrati on of the many kinds of weapons used by privateers.\n\n \n\n3:00 p.m. Chil dren’s Cutlass Drill\n\nCut 1! Cut 2! Parry! Thrust! Learn how to fight li ke a privateer. Kids and grown-ups can join our sailors for some training with wooden cutlasses. \n\n \n\n5:00 p.m. Evening Flag Change\n\nJoin rang ers to close out the day and reflect on the meaning of the national symbol by bringing down the historic Star-Spangled Banner and raising up the mod ern 50-star flag of today’s generation.\n\nFee info: Passes required for e ntry to star fort. Additional fee information available at: https://www.np s.gov/fomc/planyourvisit/fees.htm\n\nEvent details: https://www.nps.gov/pl anyourvisit/event-details.htm?id=3FC4BCFD-F749-FCF3-BCC7E90B7ABA0038\n\nAl l events: https://www.nps.gov/fomc/planyourvisit/calendar.htm URL:https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/event-details.htm?id=3FC4BCFD-F749-FC F3-BCC7E90B7ABA0038 LOCATION:Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine CATEGORIES:Children’s Program,Living History,Performance,Talk END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT UID:406FE0AB-BF52-1A67-5CC2E4E56B9E0C6A@nps-ical SUMMARY:Defenders' Day DTSTAMP:20260514T055408Z DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260912T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260912T160000 DESCRIPTION:Defenders' Day 2026\n\n \n\nJoin us on September 11—13\, 2026 t o commemorate Defenders’ Day. Celebrated since 1815\, Defenders’ Day is Ba ltimore’s oldest holiday which honors the successful defense of the city f rom British attack in 1814 and the writing of the national anthem. Through ranger programs living history demonstrations\, and musical performances visitors can explore the stories and service of everyday Marylanders from the American Revolution at Fort Whetstone in 1776\, through the generation s of defenders who served at Fort McHenry from 1802 to 1945\, and those ci tizens who took action to preserve the original “home of the brave” as a n ational monument in the early 20th century. Visitors can help park rangers hoist the “Star-Spangled Banner” over the fort\, hear the roar of the dru ms and cannon fire\, and learn about how the lives and sacrifices of soldi ers\, sailors\, and civilians throughout Fort McHenry’s long history helpe d to establish and defend the United States and continue to inspire Americ ans today.\n\nActivities include ranger programs\, War of 1812 encampment\ , historic weapons demonstrations\, fife and drum performances\, and more! \n\n \n\nSchedule of Events (in development)\n\nFee info: Fort McHenry NM& HS requires an entry fee of $15 per adult (ages 16 and older) in order to enter the Historic Zone (where the historic star fort structure is located ). The remaining park grounds\, visitor center\, and movie are free to vis it. Entrance passes can be purchased at the park visitor center from 9 AM - 4 PM\, or 9 AM - 5 PM in the summer. Park registers are cashless. Entran ce passes are good for 7 days with a valid receipt.\n\nMore info: https:// www.nps.gov/fomc/planyourvisit/defenders-day.htm\n\nEvent details: https:/ /www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/event-details.htm?id=406FE0AB-BF52-1A67-5CC2E4E 56B9E0C6A\n\nAll events: https://www.nps.gov/fomc/planyourvisit/calendar.h tm URL:https://www.nps.gov/fomc/planyourvisit/defenders-day.htm LOCATION:Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine CATEGORIES:Guided Tour,Living History,Performance,Talk RRULE:UNTIL=20260913T040000Z;FREQ=DAILY;WKST=SU;INTERVAL=1 END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR