Support the Fort
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.
Become a sustaining member today.
Your continued support helps all of Baltimore experience a piece of American History.
Memberships
More than 200 years after the War of 1812, the mission to defend and preserve Fort McHenry continues.
Your membership helps ensure that the legacy of the home of the Star-Spangled Banner endures for generations to come. Every contribution supports Friends of Fort McHenry's efforts to provide educational programming, expand community outreach, and operate our Living History Youth Employment Program, inspiring new generations to connect with our nation's history.
We invite you to become a member at the level that is most meaningful to you. Join a community dedicated to preserving this national treasure, sharing its stories, and safeguarding its legacy for the future.
Show your pride in the birthplace of our national anthem. Become a Friend of Fort McHenry today and help keep history alive.
Donate
Show your appreciation for Fort McHenry, the birthplace of the national anthem, by making a donation to the Friends of Fort McHenry. Your generosity helps us support the park's dedicated volunteers, staff, educational programs, preservation efforts, and community outreach—especially at a time when federal budget cuts make private support more important than ever for national parks.
The Friends of Fort McHenry is the official nonprofit fundraising partner of Fort McHenry National Monument & Historic Shrine. Every contribution directly strengthens our mission to preserve this historic landmark and enhance the visitor experience for generations to come.
By law, the National Park Service cannot actively solicit donations, even though it may accept them. Park officials are also prohibited from advocating for legislative funding with elected officials. As Fort McHenry's recognized Friends organization, we play a vital role in securing private support and serving as an independent advocate, ensuring that policymakers and the public understand the park's enduring significance to our nation, our state, and our community.
Your support makes a lasting difference. Thank you for helping preserve the legacy of Fort McHenry and the values it represents.
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.
