STAR-SPANGLED SPECTACULAR EVENTS: SEPTEMBER 10TH

Tall Ships and Navy Ships Arrive:  9am-5pm

Star-Spangled Spectacular will feature more than 30 naval vessels and tall ships from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Norway, Germany, Spain and Turkey. The ships arrive on September 10 and depart on September 16 with public visitation between September 11 – 15, generally from noon until 5:00 PM.

From Signal To Symbol at Fort McHenry:  10am, 915am, 1015am, 1115am, 115pm, 215pm, 315pm, 515pm

Learn about the role played by Fort McHenry and Francis Scott Key in the evolution of the Stars and Stripes from a national flag to a potent source of inspiration and community for Americans in times of crisis.

For Whom it Stands:  The Flag and the American People at Reginald F. Lewis Museum of African American History and Culture:  10am-5pm

While Mary Pickersgill is credited with sewing the original Star-Spangled Banner, the flag was also worked on by her African American indentured servant, Grace Wisher. This 13-year girl is the inspiration behind the exhibition

In Full Glory Reflected at Maryland Historical Society:  10am-5pm

The Maryland Historical Society proudly re-launches its critically acclaimed exhibit, “In Full Glory Reflected: Maryland in the War of 1812″ with new objects and artifacts, including the original pistol and spyglass owned by Commodore Joshua Barney, commander of the Chesapeake Bay Flotilla. These objects are on view for the first time ever from Barney’s descendants

Anthem of Libery IMAX Film at Maryland Science Center:  1130am-430pm

See the story behind the song. “Star Spangled Banner—Anthem of Liberty” is a 25-minute giant-screen film exploring the events of the War of 1812, playing daily at theMaryland Science Center. Re-live the bombardment of Fort McHenry and the story behind the making of the flag that grew to symbolize the resolve of America.

Welcome Ceremony at Inner Harbor Amphitheater:  6pm-7pm

Baltimore hosts the official Welcome Ceremony to greet more than 30 ships’ captains who have sailed their ships into Baltimore for Star-Spangled Spectacular. Join the Mayor and other dignitaries when they kick off the 200th anniversary of our National Anthem.

The Harbor that Helped Define America at National Aquarium:  630pm

The Battle of Baltimore: How Our Harbor Helped Define America is a special program co-sponsored by the Johns Hopkins University Press and the Maryland Historical Society. The evening will feature a panel of historians, experts and authors whose recent books have focused on the War of 1812, key events in the Chesapeake region, the “The Star-Spangled Banner” and the war’s impact on American identity.

The Star-Spangled Banner & All Its Cousins at Fell Point Visitor Center:  7pm

The Star-Spangled Banner and All its Cousins, a concert of American patriotic songs direct from the war of 1812. Plus – authentic maritime battles enacted in miniature!

About the Author: Kevin Lynch

Founder and Publisher of SouthBmore.com, longtime resident of South Baltimore, and a graduate of Towson University. Diehard Ravens and O's fan, father of three, amateur pizza chef, skateboarder, and "bar food" foodie. Email me at Kevin@InceptMM.com and follow me on Twitter at @SoBoKevin.