America at 250

As our country celebrates its 250th anniversary, it is a time to reflect on our history and the importance of preserving it for future generations. Fort McHenry stands as the site of a pivotal event in American history and remains a powerful symbol of our nation’s resilience and identity.

Friends of Fort McHenry, with generous funding from the Maryland Center for History and Culture Miller Fund, created four videos illustrating the impact Fort McHenry has on its varied visitors. The videos capture the emotions visitors experience and the pride they feel in our city and our nation. Thanks to the Miller Fund, this series of videos will be shared to bring awareness of the value of Fort McHenry and preserving our past for future generations, as well as serve as a clarion call for the importance of supporting the important work of the Friends of Fort McHenry.

In advance of America at 250, Friends of Fort McHenry employed a 250 Coordinator to research Fort McHenry’s colonial era predecessor. Historian Drew Palmer researched Fort Whetstone, the precursor to Fort McHenry. Through Drew’s important research we now know who stood prepared to defend Baltimore from the Loyalists and British Army in the Revolutionary War, as well as the important lessons learned that informed the future fortification and defense of Baltimore in the War of 1812. Click on the link below to read Defenders of Fort Whetstone, by Drew Palmer.

This video project has been financed in part by the Maryland Center for History and Culture’s Thomas V. “Mike” Miller History Fund. However, Project contents or opinions do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Maryland Center for History and Culture.

The Friends of Fort McHenry rely on your support. We offer a variety of ways to show support — from volunteering to providing financial support to participating in events at the fort.