Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

Fort McHenry holds a unique honor as the very first site to receive a presidential proclamation requiring the U.S. flag to fly 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Each day, you’re invited to join park staff for 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-Spangled Banner. In the mornings, we raise a replica of a historic flag. In the evenings, we lift an all‑weather flag that proudly flies through the night.

Don’t just read about history—experience it!
Plan your visit, join a flag program, and be part of a tradition that connects us to the nation’s story.

*Flag changes are weather dependent.

Fort McHenry holds a unique honor as the very first site to receive a presidential proclamation requiring the U.S. flag to fly 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Each day, you’re invited to join park staff for 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-Spangled Banner. In the mornings, we raise a replica of a historic flag. In the evenings, we lift an all‑weather flag that proudly flies through the night.

Don’t just read about history—experience it!
Plan your visit, join a flag program, and be part of a tradition that connects us to the nation’s story.

*Flag changes are weather dependent.

Fort McHenry holds a unique honor as the very first site to receive a presidential proclamation requiring the U.S. flag to fly 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Each day, you’re invited to join park staff for 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-Spangled Banner. In the mornings, we raise a replica of a historic flag. In the evenings, we lift an all‑weather flag that proudly flies through the night.

Don’t just read about history—experience it!
Plan your visit, join a flag program, and be part of a tradition that connects us to the nation’s story.

*Flag changes are weather dependent.

Come experience the sights, sounds, and community that makes us unique!

• Watch a live rehearsal and see how fife and drum music comes together
• Meet the instructors and learn about their teaching approach
• Get to know the program, including performance opportunities and expectations
• Ask questions in a relaxed, welcoming environment

• New and prospective students
• Students curious about fife or drum
• Famlilies who want to know more about the program

Contact us for questions:

Ranger Tim Ertel; 443-691-1174; timothy_ertel@nps.gov

Randi Haron; 410-972-7316; RandiHaron@gmail.com

Spring is in the air and the cherry blossoms aren’t the only thing blooming! Baltimore blossoms with events and programs for everyone to enjoy during this time of year.
On April 4, 2026, join the National Park Service and our partners to enjoy peak bloom and discover some of the many things the city has to offer during this time of year.

From the War of 1812 through the Second World War, Fort McHenry 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 programs that help orient visitors to the park's amazing stories!

Programs meet outside the park visitor center on the concrete map of the Chesapeake Bay.

On May 23—25, 2026 Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine will offer special programs focusing on the Civil War origins of Memorial Day. The weekend will feature a Civil War living history encampment and ranger programs focusing on how Memorial Day began.

During the Civil War Americans witnessed the loss of over 620,000 brothers, husbands, and sons in uniform. Using poetry and prose of the Civil War era, rangers 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 honor those who died in service.

Throughout the weekend visitors can experience the sights and sounds of the Civil War through living history demonstrations. Hear the roar of the drums as the Civil War quicksteps of the Fort 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 controversial role in the Civil War as the “American Bastille,” and help our rangers raise the stars and stripes over the ramparts.

Visitors may also explore the exhibits and feature movie in the Visitor and Education Center.

Saturday, May 23 and Sunday, May 24
10:00 a.m. Morning Flag Change (inside Star Fort)
11:00 a.m. Remembering the Vacant Chair: Memorial Day and the Civil War (Chesapeake Map)
2:00 p.m. American Bastille: Civil War at Fort McHenry (starts at Chesapeake Map)
5:00 p.m. Evening Flag Change (inside Star Fort)

Memorial Day, Monday, May 25
10:00 a.m. Morning Flag Change (inside Star Fort)
12:00 p.m. Origins of Memorial Day and flag-raising ceremony (inside Star Fort)
2:45 p.m. National Moment of Remembrance
4:00 p.m. Evening Flag Change (inside Star Fort)

From the War of 1812 through the Second World War, Fort McHenry 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 programs that help orient visitors to the park's amazing stories!

Programs meet outside the park visitor center on the concrete map of the Chesapeake Bay.