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Star-Spangled Banner Weekend - September 13-15, 2013

Join us to commemorate the writing of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and the successful defense of Fort McHenry from British invasion during the War of 1812. The Friends of Fort McHenry, in partnership with the National Park Service, present this exciting annual celebration. Activities include a dress parade, flag raisings, cannon demonstrations, and presentations by re-enactors and living history interpreters. Learn about life in Baltimore during the War of 1812 and to celebrate the writing of our National Anthem.

 

Thanks to those who made the Friends' 9th Annual Bull & Oyster Roast a success held March 13, 2013 at the Frederick Douglass Isaac Myers Maritime Park. We are grateful for the support from Ryleigh's Oyster, Charles Levine Caterers, Heavy Seas Beer, Living Classrooms Foundation and the Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park.

Thanks also to our auction donors: Baltimore Museum of Industry, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Baltimore Water Taxi, Biff Bartholomew, Canton Car Wash, Canton Dockside, ...Charm City Run, Crystal Moll Gallery, Days Inn Inner Harbor, Goetze's Candy Company Inc., Greg Pease Print, Historic Ships in Baltimore, Hull Street Blues, Rick Knauer, Landmark Theatres Harbor East, McCormick & Company, Nick’s Fish House & Grill, Peter's Inn Fells Point, Robert McLintock Studio & Gallery, Roy's, Rusty Scupper, Silo .5 Wine Bar, The Greene Turtle, Tremont Suites Hotel, Urban Pirates, Alan Walden, Watermark Cruises and Wells Discount Liquor!

2012 Star-Spangled Spectacular a Success!!!

As part of Star-Spangled Banner Weekend, Friends hosted its annual Star-Spangled Spectacular, the evening of Saturday, September 8th. Despite rain, the Friends' gathering was a huge success and because the public program was altered, The Honorable(s) Ben Cardin, John Sarbanes, Governor O'Malley, and Mayor Rawlings-Blake gave their remarks to the Friends' attendees in our tent.

With more than 250 in attendance, all enjoyed fare from Atlantic Caterers, Ryleigh’s Oyster House and Dessert Fantasties. Special thanks to Atlantic Wines & Spirits, Heavy Seas Beer and Christos Wines for their support as well.

Many thanks to the National Park Service's Fort McHenry staff who gave living history experiences, reenactments and more to visitors all weekend long as we celebrated the successful defense of Fort McHenry and Baltimore from British invasion in 1814!

Major Edward Ross, a descendent of British Army officer General Robert Ross, was invited by the Friends of Fort McHenry to the 2012 Star-Spangled Banner Weekend activities. General Robert Ross was best known for the burning of the US Capitol and the White House during the War of 1812. Ross led troops in the Battle of North Point where he encountered American skirmishers and an American sniper shot him. According to Baltimore tradition, two American riflemen, Daniel Wells and Henry McComas were credited with killing Ross. Ross died while being transported back to the fleet.

Friends' Board Member Chip Markell was instrumental in inviting and hosting Major Edward Ross in a week-long visit to Baltimore and Washington, DC. At the Star-Spangled Spectacular event, Major Ross met Brian McComas, descendent of Henry McComas. Brian McComas is the owner of Ryleigh’s Oysters House and a FOFM Board Member. The two gentlemen enjoyed camaraderie immediately as the story of their ancestors was told throughout the evening by our speakers and on the main public stage by Mr. Alan Walden. Major Ross was presented with a framed Gallon print of Fort McHenry and he then gave a heart-felt speech to the crowd.

Contributions received by the Friends for this event support the activities of the Star-Spangled Banner Weekend, Young Defenders’ Day, and year-round, hands-on education programming at Fort McHenry.  2012_Sponsor_Package_Star_Spangled_Spectacular

Friends of Fort McHenry 2012 Sponsors

          

          

     

   

 

   

 

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