Living History

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.

Join a member of park staff for a one-hour walking tour of the site where Booker T. Washington was born and freed at the age of 9. Learn about Washington’s enslaved childhood on the Burroughs plantation and how the reading of the Emancipation Proclamation here in 1865 fulfilled the Declaration of Independence’s promise that “all men are created equal.”

Join a member of park staff for a one-hour walking tour of the site where Booker T. Washington was born and freed at the age of 9. Learn about Washington’s enslaved childhood on the Burroughs plantation and how the reading of the Emancipation Proclamation here in 1865 fulfilled the Declaration of Independence’s promise that “all men are created equal.”

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.

Join rangers for a 45-60 minute program and learn about one of the most pivotal battles of the War of 1812 while walking the historic grounds. Along the way, hear about how the fort withstood a 25-hour storm of rockets and exploding shells, blocking the British fleet from entering Baltimore Harbor. This defiant stand, witnessed by lawyer Francis Scott Key, inspired the verses that became “The Star-Spangled Banner".

The American flag is a major national symbol today, in part, because of the events that occured at Fort McHenry. Join rangers for this daily program as they talk about the design of the Star-Spangled Banner flag, its relationship to the park, and how we view it today.

Join the National Park Service at Adams National Historical Park and learn about some of the acts of public service carried out by members of the Adams family. Discover how Abigail and Louisa Catherine Adams shaped and redefined the role of the First Lady. Learn more about the Amistad event and the role John Quincy Adams played in the famous court case that followed. This event will take place at the Old House at Peace field, 135 Adams St., Quincy, Mass. Visitors should park at the Visitor Center at 1250 Hancock Street, Quincy, Mass., and may walk or ride the park trolley 0.5 miles to Peace field. Street parking is available at Peace field along Adams Street. The Visitor Center and the Old House at Peace field are accessible by the MBTA Red Line via the Quincy Center station (0.5 miles). Attendees should be prepared for hot temperatures and dress appropriately for summer weather. Schedule and availability are subject to change. These events may be modified or cancelled due to inclement weather or unsafe conditions. Alerts and updates will be posted on the park website. Get more information on planning your 2026 visit to Adams National Historical Park at https://www.nps.gov/adam/planyourvisit/2026-tour-season.htm.

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.

Join a ranger for 30-45 minutes for a free program that will explain the Chesapeake Campaign, a nearly two year campaign in the Chesapeake Bay region during the War of 1812. From 1813-1814, the Chesapeake Campaign brought terror and destruction to small towns such as Havre de Grace and Fredericktown, and culminated in the burning of Washington D.C. and the bombardment of Fort McHenry that inspired the creation of the Star-Spangled Banner.

Do you "dig" history? Come learn about the field of archeology during this special event at the Carriage House at Peace field, 135 Adams St., Quincy, Mass . Get your hands in the dirt and see how archeologists uncover our history. Practice excavating an artifact with the guidance of an archeologist. Hear about archeological discoveries at Adams National Historical Park. Learn more about the role the National Park Service plays in protecting, preserving and sharing our history . Visitors should park at the Visitor Center at 1250 Hancock Street, Quincy, Mass., and may walk or ride the park trolley 0.5 miles to Peace field. Street parking is available at Peace field along Adams Street. The Visitor Center and the Old House at Peace field are accessible by the MBTA Red Line via the Quincy Center station (0.5 miles). Attendees should be prepared for hot temperatures and dress appropriately for summer weather. Schedule and availability are subject to change. These events may be modified or cancelled due to inclement weather or unsafe conditions. Alerts and updates will be posted on the park website. Get more information on planning your 2026 visit to Adams National Historical Park at https://www.nps.gov/adam/planyourvisit/2026-tour-season.htm.

Calling all Junior Rangers and Junior Rangers-to-Be! Are you interested in hearing more about the American Revolution? Think you can crack a spy code? Wonder what it’s like to write with a quill pen or wear a tricorn hat ? Visit the Peace field Carriage House at Adams National Historical Park, located at 135 Adams St., Quincy, Mass., for a day of family-friendly activities that transport you back in time to the American Revolution. Visitors should park at the Visitor Center at 1250 Hancock Street, Quincy, Mass., and may walk or ride the park trolley 0.5 miles to Peace field. Street parking is available at Peace field along Adams Street. The Visitor Center and the Old House at Peace field are accessible by the MBTA Red Line via the Quincy Center station (0.5 miles). Attendees should be prepared for hot temperatures and dress appropriately for summer weather. Schedule and availability are subject to change. These events may be modified or cancelled due to inclement weather or unsafe conditions. Alerts and updates will be posted on the park website. Get more information on planning your 2026 visit to Adams National Historical Park at https://www.nps.gov/adam/planyourvisit/2026-tour-season.htm.