War of 1812 Society in the State of Maryland

09/12/2026

Are you ready to rock(et) and roll this Defenders' Day weekend? The fireworks show on Saturday (9/12) night is sure to be a blast! 🎆

If you've never visited Fort McHenry after sunset, you may be surprised at how different the park can look. Paths around the Visitor and Education Center and main road will be lit, but the ground around the concert and firework viewing area may be hard to see. Be prepared for your visit to the park after dark:

🔦 Mind your footing on grassy areas. Use a flashlight to help you navigate uneven terrain in the dark.
🪧 Stay in the designated event area on the East Lawn. The Seawall Trail and West Lawn will close for recreational use at 5:30 p.m.
👀 Be mindful of other visitors as well as chairs, blankets, and other items on the grounds.
🦟 Fort McHenry is home to many insects, including mosquitoes, so consider bringing insect repellant.
📢 Follow all instructions from event staff and emergency personnel.

Find more info to help you plan your Defenders' Day visit at go.nps.gov/DefendersDay2026

📸 NPS/ Tim Ervin

09/12/2026

We gathered for the Defenders Day Parade at Fort McHenry National Monument & Historic Shrine.

09/11/2026

Our Society has tried to get Baltimore City to not only clean the historic Baltimore Battle Monument, but to once again fly the Star Spangled Banner, which hasn't flown in years!

I can't tell you the discouragement I feel after trying for so long: the calls, the emails, and submissions to 311.

REALLY...WHAT DOES CHAPS DO?

But, we will press on! See you tomorrow as we celebrate the 201st anniversary of the completion of this thought-provoking tribute to the Old Defenders of Baltimore.

President William R. Emmerich

09/11/2026

Never Forget.

09/06/2026

The Society had its final beautiful day on the Patapsco Neck enjoying the day and talking 1812! Several friends stopped by to support the event.

09/06/2026

Join the Society along with the SSB Flag House, Todd's Inheritance, Patapsco Neck Historical Society for another beautiful day on the Neck.

09/03/2026

09/03/2026

PARK ALERT: Temporary Closure of Museum Inside the Paul S. Sarbanes Visitor and Education Center

To allow for system maintenance, the museum inside the Paul S. Sarbanes Visitor and Education Center will be closed on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Visitors are welcome to explore the park grounds, attend programs, and visit the exhibits inside the historic star fort. Also available is the Fort McHenry 250th exhibit (located in the Education Room near the front desk) that explores the generations of defenders over the past 250 years!

📸 NPS