Donate
Be a defender of history!
By becoming a contributing member of Friends of Fort McHenry, you are helping our mission to preserve and promote Fort McHenry and the legacy of "The Star-Spangled Banner", our National Anthem. Your financial support will enable the Friends to support the implementation of educational programming and living history activities, interpretive activities, exhibits and visitor facilities.
The Friends of Fort McHenry support Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine by raising funds for specific programs and projects, volunteering, and raising public awareness of the Fort and its activities.
By law, national parks cannot solicit donations, although they can accept them. In addition, park officials are prohibited from advocating for legislation or funding from elected officials. As the recognized Friends organization of Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, the Friends are an important advocate for Fort McHenry, letting our elected officials and others know how important the park is to our nation and state. We are proud to have been instrumental in obtaining the funds and public support necessary for the construction of the Fort's Visitor and Education Center in 2009.
Become a Member
Help make history at Fort McHenry
Our members are the best advocates for Fort McHenry National Monument & Historic Shrine and make it possible for us to support educational programming to continue to educate all generations about the lasting legacy and promise of the Star-Spangled Banner!
Your membership supports great initiatives such as education programs like Living History, public events like our Crab Feast or Defenders' Day Weekend celebration as well as exhibits and special experiences at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine.
Stay tuned as we roll out our new membership campaign! But donations are always welcomed.
Already a Member?
Current Members: Thank you so much for your support of Fort McHenry and to the mission of Friends! We are currently revamping our membership program and will be in touch with updates to your membership benefits! We are not processing membership renewals as of February 1st, 2021 -- but expect to have an updated membership program by July 2023.
If you are currently a member and have any questions about this, please email Patty Dowd
Sponsor
Share the story of the Defense of
Baltimore and the National Anthem
Help fulfill our goal of having every student in Baltimore City visit Fort McHenry at least once during his or her school career. Since 2012, The Friends of Fort McHenry has made it possible for over 20,000 school children to visit Fort McHenry.
Help enhance our youth job program which provides visitors with interactive living history presentations. Youth initiatives are a priority for both the National Park Service and the Friends of Fort McHenry. Through our Living History Youth Employment Program and in partnership with the National Park Service, we have provided educational programming, resource stewardship and job training opportunities that focus on the development and implementation of youth- oriented living history programing.
Support Fort McHenry Fife & Drum Camp!
Each summer, more than 40 students come together for four days of fun — learning how to march, play an instrument, and experience music history military and civilian life during the War of 1812.
Help support Young Defenders Day!
Each year, 1,500 elementary and middle school students, primarily from Baltimore City, storm the Fort for a day of interactive educational experiences presented by the National Park service, its volunteers, and partner organizations. We are evaluating programs and bandwidth as far as teachers and schools as well as public health. Stay tuned for more info!
Volunteer
Donate Your Time and Be a Star for the Fort.
Help the Friends of Fort McHenry support and promote Fort McHenry, birthplace of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” our National Anthem.
Volunteers play an important part in providing a great experience to visitors young and old! We do not have any volunteer opportunities currently, but if you are interested in helping the Friends with events and membership promotions,please send us your contact information (name, email, cell phone and company/organization name).
Special Event Volunteer Opportunities with the Friends may include:
Membership Promotions
Tattoo Ceremony Receptions
Annual Crab Feast
Defenders' Day Program
Stat-Spangled Spectacular Reception
Get More Involved!
If you are interested in volunteering with the National Park Service at Fort McHenry National Monument & Historic Shrine, find out more information here.