PLANNING YOUR VISIT:
To make a group arrangement:
Call: (410) 962-4290, extension 243
Monday afternoon from 12:30 P.M. to 4:00 P.M.
Wednesday morning from 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 Noon
Friday morning from 9:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. (all times Eastern)
E-mail: Group Arrangements (Please include a phone number with your message.).
Call no less than three weeks and up to six months in advance to insure openings for your group. Have all of your group's information ready when you call.
FILM ARRANGEMENTS:
A 15-minute introductory film, "The Defense of Fort McHenry," is shown every twenty minutes from 9:00 A.M. through 4:00 P.M. seven days a week in the Visitor Center auditorium. Only 50 people may view the film at each showing. Each film starts promptly at the scheduled times. After checking in at the Visitor Center, please have your group assemble outside the building ten minutes prior to your scheduled movie time. Please remain quiet while viewing the film.
GROUP PROGRAMS:
Daily Flag Change: This is open to all groups. This 15-minute program provides information on the variety of flags used at Fort McHenry and their historic significance. This program is offered daily at 9:30 A.M. and 4:20 P.M., weather permitting.
For Grades K-2: The introductory film is optional. You may schedule the following 30-minute ranger activity at 11:00 A.M. or 2:00 P.M., September through May.
Defenders Room: Students will explore the contents of a soldier's haversack, study replica soldier's uniforms, and learn about the life of the War of 1812 soldier. (Groups of 40 or fewer)
For Grades 3 and above: You may schedule one of the following 30-minute ranger activities that are offered only after viewing the film at 10:40 A.M. or 1:40 P.M., September through May.
The Flag Program: A display of the Star-Spangled Banner replica. (Groups of 100 or fewer)
Artillery Program: A discussion of the procedure for loading and dry firing an 1812 cannon. Students will act as members of the artillery crew. (Groups of 50 or fewer)
For Grades 6 and above; and adult groups: In addition to the other programs, you may schedule one of the following 20 minute interpretive programs that are offered only after viewing the film at 10:40 A.M. or 1:40 P.M., September through May.
The Battle of Baltimore: The attack on Fort McHenry was but one aspect of the Battle of Baltimore. Learn about other phases of the battle and the War of 1812 that Francis Scott Key did not see.
Bastion of Liberty or Symbol of Despotism?: Fort McHenry played a significant role during the Civil War in securing the "loyalty" of Maryland for the Northern cause. Hear why and how the Fort was used by the Union Army in a heavily pro-Southern area.
Fort McHenry Through the Ages: There was a military presence at this site from the American Revolution through World War II. Explore the uses of the Fort throughout its history.
ON THE DAY OF YOUR VISIT:
When your group arrives at Fort McHenry, please make sure your group leader has an accurate confirmation, a list of safety rules for the park, payment (A GROUP ARRIVING WITHOUT AN APPROVED WAIVER OF FEES ON FILE WILL BE CHARGED THE $7.00 PER ADULT ENTRANCE FEE) and at least one adult chaperone for every ten children.
VISITOR CENTER:
When your group arrives at Fort McHenry, please have them remain on the bus or outside the Visitor Center while the group leader checks in. The group leader should have a confirmation and payment to present to the ranger at the Visitor Center desk. Program information will also be provided at this time. The Visitor Center is the park headquarters as well as a museum. Please have the group remain quiet so that others may enjoy their visit.
SELF-GUIDED TOURS:
For those groups unable to schedule a movie or program, the Fort can be toured independently. Teachers or tour leaders will escort the group through the Fort. CHILDREN MUST BE WITH AN ADULT CHAPERONE AT ALL TIMES. Adults will be responsible for the actions of the children in their charge. Before unloading your bus, check in at the Visitor Center. Please observe all safety rules. Fort information should be studied prior to visiting. Allow 30 minutes for your self-guided tour. Throughout the fort and grounds are various wayside exhibits illustrating the history of Fort McHenry.
DEPARTURE:
Prior to leaving Fort McHenry, please have your group meet in a designated place. To avoid having pedestrians cross our busy parking lot, have bus drivers load and unload in front of the Visitor Center.
FACILITIES:
Restrooms, handicapped access ramps, pay phones, and a closed-captioned film are available. Gift Shop, owned and operated by the Evelyn Hill Corporation, is open from 9:00 A.M. to 4:45 P.M. daily. It is located in the Visitor Center.
NOTE: ALL PROGRAMS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER, STAFF SHORTAGES AND/OR SCHEDULING CONFLICTS. PLEASE INQUIRE AT THE VISITOR CENTER DESK FOR CURRENT INFORMATION.
APPLICATION FOR WAIVER OF FEES INFORMATION (PDF 106 KB)
PUBLIC SAFETY NOTICE (PDF 24 KB)
