News Release

Fort McHenry Celebrates its 100th Anniversary as a National Park

News Release Date: February 25, 2025

Contact: Shannon McLucas

On March 1–2, Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine will celebrate its 100th anniversary as a national park with special ranger programs, living history, and the debut of new 100th anniversary museum exhibit “Fort McHenry: The Early Years” which highlights how Fort McHenry became part of the National Park Service and its history from 1925 to 1939. 

In the late 19th century, as the strategic value of the fort waned, its historical significance as the original “home of the brave” inspired the public to take action. On March 3, 1925, Congress designated Fort McHenry as “a national park and perpetual memorial shrine as the birthplace of the ‘Star-Spangled Banner’.” Join us this weekend to explore many generations of service at Fort McHenry from the Early Republic to World War II, and enjoy Baltimore’s hometown national park. 

Saturday and Sunday programs include: 

10:00 a.m.—Morning Flag Change
11:15 a.m.—Fort McHenry’s Defenders Through the Ages
2:15 p.m.—Fort McHenry’s Defenders Through the Ages
4:00 p.m.—Evening Flag Change