THE GOVERNMENT NEWS DESKPERMANENT NPS STORY ARCHIVE
Organized by publication date and destination. Each story retains its permanent State & Nation address and official NPS source.
Best known as “home of ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’” for its role in the War of 1812, Fort McHenry has protected and inspired Americans from the country’s earliest years. This year’s Defenders’ Day events will explore 250 years of the fort’s history as an artillery garrison, hospital, training ground, and commemorative landscape.
Official NPS source
This public notice details the temporary closures to be implemented for visitor safety during the Sail250 Baltimore Airshow events taking place on June 26-28, 2026.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service projects peak bloom for cherry blossoms at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine to fall between April 3—5, depending on the weather conditions. The park will celebrate the start of spring by inviting visitors to learn about the many historic sites and local attractions in and around Baltimore.
Official NPS sourceIn the early afternoon of Friday, November 21, evidence of buried historic ordnance was discovered by National Park Service preservationists. Following standard operating procedures, the park was immediately cleared and closed to ensure the safety of visitors and staff. Local authorities and NPS personnel were contacted to address the situation. Once the situation has been fully addressed and responders deem the area safe, the park will reopen.
Official NPS source
A new National Park Service report shows that 394,000 visitors to Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine in 2024 spent $27.7 million in communities near the park. That spending had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $38.6 million.
Official NPS source
Join us the weekend of September 12—14 for special Defenders’ Day events commemorating the successful defense of Baltimore against British attack in 1814 and the generations of defenders who served at Fort McHenry and who fought to preserve Fort McHenry as a national park in 1925. Celebrated since 1815, Defenders’ Day is Baltimore’s oldest holiday and this year’s activities will explore the dedication and bravery of Fort McHenry’s from the American Revolution to the 20th century.
Official NPS source
Learn how you can celebrate Flag Day by exploring the history of the Star-Spangled Banner throughout Baltimore.
Official NPS source
On March 1–2, Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine will celebrate its 100th anniversary as a national park with special ranger programs, living history, and the debut of new 100th anniversary museum exhibit “Fort McHenry: The Early Years” which highlights how Fort McHenry became part of the National Park Service and its history from 1925 to 1939. In the late 19th century, as the strategic value of the fort waned, its historical significance as the original “home of the brave” inspired the public to take action. On March 3, 1925, Congress designated Fort McHenry as “a national park and perpetual memorial shrine as the birthplace of the ‘Star-Spangled Banner’.” Join us this weekend to explore many generations of service at Fort McHenry from the Early Republic to World War II, and enjoy Baltimore’s hometown national park.
Official NPS source
National Park Service (NPS) Northeast Deputy Regional Director Kirsten Talken-Spaulding has selected Marie Frías Sauter as superintendent of Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, Hampton National Historic Site and the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail, all based in Baltimore. She begins her new role early next year.
Official NPS source
BALTIMORE —Join us the weekend of September 13—15th for special Defenders’ Day events commemorating the successful defense of Baltimore against British attack in 1814 and celebrating the stories, strength, and rich cultural diversity of the city. Celebrated since 1815, Defenders’ Day is Baltimore’s oldest holiday and this year’s activities highlight Baltimore’s history as a port city and its strength and unity during the War of 1812, and invite visitors to explore the arts and culture of modern Baltimore communities.
Official NPS source
Public Notice of temporary closure of park areas on April 10, 2024.
Official NPS sourcePublic Notice of temporary closure of park areas on March 29, 2024.
Official NPS source
Peak bloom predicted for cherry blossoms at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine.
Official NPS sourceA new National Park Service (NPS) report shows that 6,675,119 visitors to national parks in Maryland spent $246.6 million in the state in 2021. That spending resulted in 2,940 jobs and had a cumulative benefit to the state economy of $344.3 million.
Official NPS source