PRESS RELEASE: Pride of Baltimore to Visit Havre de Grace for War of 1812 Weekend

Contact: Kate Cwiek, PR & Marketing Manager
kate@pride2.org, 410-539-1170

 

Pride of Baltimore to Visit Havre de Grace for War of 1812 Weekend

America’s Star-Spangled Ambassador to offer education programs
and guided deck tours

BALTIMORE, April 28, 2014 – Pride of Baltimore will return to Havre de Grace on Thursday, May 1st for War of 1812Weekend. The ship will be docked at Concord Point Lighthouse Thursday through Sunday evening.

On Friday, May 2nd captain and crew will welcome aboard local students for Pride’s experiential, STEM+H education program, “PRIDE on the Chesapeake.” In addition to spending time aboard a reproduction of a War of 1812 sailing vessel, students will investigate the various viewpoints of citizens about declaring war on England, and compare hull models of Baltimore Clippers to 19th century cargo ships.

Pride will be open to the public and offering ($5) guided deck tours on Saturday, May 3rd from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, and on Sunday, May 4th from 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM. On Saturday Pride will have on display the Maryland Historical Society’s hand-sewn, 30′ x 42′ recreation of the Star-Spangled Banner.

A guided deck tour is the ultimate way to explore Pride’s deck, learn about past and present life aboard topsail schooner privateers, and interact with the vessel’s passionate and knowledgeable crew. Pride’s well-trained sailors will lead guests through various interpretive stations, including a hands-on demonstration in the Baltimore schooner design as well as an exciting video of Pride in action, bringing to life the traditional sailing experience for privateers in 1812.

The Pride of Baltimore is a reconstruction of an early 19th century Baltimore Clipper. These sleek, fast, and maneuverable vessels became famous as privateers during the War of 1812. Their success in capturing British merchant ships inspired the Royal Navy’s attack on Baltimore in 1812.  When Francis Scott Key saw the American flag still flying after the all-night bombardment of Fort McHenry, he was inspired to pen the “Star-Spangled Banner.”

2014 is the first year in many that Pride will remain in local waters – traveling to as many Maryland ports as possible throughout the Star-Spangled Summer of 2014, reaching between 50,000 and 100,000 people in her port visits throughout the state. Since her commissioning in October of 1988, Pride has traveled over 250,000 nautical miles, visited 40 countries, and docked in over 200 ports of call. For more information on Pride’s 2014 sailing schedule, education initiatives, or membership program, please visit www.pride2.org.

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PRESS RELEASE: Maryland Students Challenged to Tell the Story of the “Star-Spangled Banner”

Contact: Kate Cwiek, PR & Marketing Manager
kate@pride2.org, 410-539-1170

 

Maryland Students Challenged to Tell the Story of the “Star-Spangled Banner”

Pride of Baltimore and Port of Baltimore present first annual Maritime Day Contest

BALTIMORE, April 28, 2014 – In commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the penning of the national anthem, Pride of Baltimore and the Port of Baltimore have created a contest for Maryland K – 12th grade students, challenging them to help tell the story of the “Star-Spangled Banner.” Students have creative freedom to tell the story however they choose –through watercolor paintings, photography, poems, essays, videos, interpretive dances, dioramas, sculptures, and more.

IMG_1764Winners and one guest will be invited to sail aboard Pride on Sunday, May 18th during the National Maritime Day commemoration and wreath laying ceremony. The top projects will also be featured on the Pride of Baltimore website through December 2014.

Projects (or images of projects) can be submitted through the Pride of Baltimore website: https://www.pride2.org/tellthestory/ or via mail to:

Pride of Baltimore, Inc.
Star-Spangled Student Contest
2700 Lighthouse Point East, Suite 330
Baltimore, MD 21224

The project submission deadline is 5:00 PM on Friday, May 9, 2014. Fifteen winners will be announced on Thursday, May 15th. All K – 12th grade students residing in Maryland are welcome to apply.

The Pride of Baltimore is a reconstruction of an early 19th century Baltimore Clipper. These sleek, fast, and maneuverable vessels became famous as privateers during the War of 1812. Their success in capturing British merchant ships inspired the Royal Navy’s attack on Baltimore in 1812.  When Francis Scott Key saw the American flag still flying after the all-night bombardment of Fort McHenry, he was inspired to pen the “Star-Spangled Banner.”

2014 is the first year in many that Pride will remain in local waters – traveling to as many Maryland ports as possible throughout the Star-Spangled Summer of 2014, reaching between 50,000 and 100,000 people in her port visits throughout the state. Since her commissioning in October of 1988, Pride has traveled over 250,000 nautical miles, visited 40 countries, and docked in over 200 ports of call. For more information on Pride’s 2014 sailing schedule, education initiatives, or membership program, please visit www.pride2.org.

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MEDIA ALERT: Pride of Baltimore Now Offering Guided Deck Tours

Contact: Kate Cwiek, Pride of Baltimore PR & Marketing Manager
kate@pride2.org, 410-539-1170

Pride of Baltimore Now Offering Guided Deck Tours

Come aboard for a 30-minute guided tour aboard America’s Star-Spangled Ambassador

 

BALTIMORE, April 24, 2014 — Pride of Baltimore is now offering a series of guided deck tours to their list of opportunities to come aboard.  The first series of tours will take place this Saturday, April 26th between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM from Broadway Pier (1701 Thames Street, Baltimore, MD 21231) in Fells Point.

A 30-minute guided deck tour is the ultimate way to explore Pride’s deck, learn about past and present life aboard topsail schooner privateers, and interact with the vessel’s passionate and knowledgeable crew. Pride’s well-trained sailors will lead guests through various interpretive stations, including a hands-on demonstration in the Baltimore schooner design as well as an exciting video of Pride in action, bringing to life the traditional sailing experience for privateers in 1812.  Tours are open to adults, children, and groups of all types. Guests are asked to arrive 10-15 minutes prior to their tour for registration.

Guided deck tours will be offered in various ports Pride will visit in 2014. Tour schedule and ticket information can be found on the Pride website: https://www.pride2.org/come-aboard/guided-deck-tours/

The Pride of Baltimore is a reconstruction of an early 19th century Baltimore Clipper. These sleek, fast, and maneuverable vessels became famous as privateers during the War of 1812. Their success in capturing British merchant ships inspired the Royal Navy’s attack on Baltimore in 1812.  When Francis Scott Key saw the American flag still flying after the all-night bombardment of Fort McHenry, he was inspired to pen the “Star-Spangled Banner.”

2014 is the first year in many that Pride will remain in local waters – traveling to as many Maryland ports as possible throughout the Star-Spangled Summer of 2014, reaching between 50,000 and 100,000 people in her port visits throughout the state. Since her commissioning in October of 1988, Pride has traveled over 250,000 nautical miles, visited 40 countries, and docked in over 200 ports of call. For more information on Pride’s 2014 sailing schedule, education initiatives, or membership program, please visit www.pride2.org.

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MARYLAND DAY CELEBRATIONS WITH PRIDE & THE MARYLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY

BALTIMORE, March 18, 2014 — The Maryland Historical Society (MdHS) is partnering with the ship Pride of Baltimore II to celebrate Maryland Day with special events in Baltimore and Annapolis on Monday, March 24 and Tuesday, March 25, 2014.

On Monday, March 24, Pride of Baltimore II will make a special voyage from Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine in Baltimore to the City Dock in Annapolis.

On board Pride of Baltimore II will be the 30 x 42 foot Star-Spangled Banner flag that over 1,000 Maryland Historical Society volunteers created in the summer of 2013 using authentic fabric and hand stitching techniques. The flag gained international media attention for The Maryland Historical Society and its partners in commemoration of the bicentennial of the War of 1812 and the National Anthem.

Burt Kummerow, President of the Maryland Historical Society, said that this March 25th has double importance. “Maryland sets aside March 25th every year to celebrate the founding of Maryland in 1634. This year, Maryland Day also points to the beginnings of Star Spangled Banner events remembering the writing of our country’s national anthem.”

Following the voyage, beginning at 12:15 PM on Tuesday, March 25, Pride of Baltimore II and the Maryland Historical Society will join forces with several other partners commemorating Maryland’s Star Spangled 200 events.

A procession featuring the recreated Star-Spangled Banner will take place from the Annapolis City Dock to the steps of the State House. At 12:30PM, the recreated Star-Spangled Banner will be unfurled for the first time at the State House, followed by a grant award ceremony presided by Governor Martin O’Malley. The recreated flag will then return to be hoisted on Pride of Baltimore II later that afternoon. The general public is welcome and invited to attend the ceremony. Free tours of Pride of Baltimore II will also be offered between 2 & 4:00 PM.

The complete schedule of Maryland Day events is as follows:

Tuesday, March 25

Baltimore 10:00 AM: Society of Colonial Wars Wreath Laying and Blessing of the Star-Spangled Banner Flag
Location: Baltimore Courthouse, Cecilius Calvert Statue

Annapolis 12:15 PM: Procession of recreated Star-Spangled Banner flag to State House
Location: Annapolis City Dock

12:30 PM-1:30 PM: The recreated Star-Spangled Banner flag will be unfurled on the steps of the west (modern) end of the State House. Flag stitchers and local school children will display the Flag in a short ceremony
Location: Annapolis State House

1:00 PM: Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley presents Star-Spangled 200 grants to fifteen organizations from across the State.
Location: Annapolis State House steps

1:30 PM: Return procession to City Dock with Star-Spangled Banner flag
Location: Annapolis Statehouse

2:00 – 4:00 PM: Tours of Pride of Baltimore II will be free and available to the general public. Flag Talks will be given by National Park Service staff
Location: Annapolis City Dock

4:30 – 6:30 PM Private reception at City Dock on Pride of Baltimore II for General Assembly
Location: Annapolis City Dock

5:00 PM Former State Archivist Dr. Ed Papenfuse keynote remarks about the meaning of Maryland Day
Location: Annapolis City Dock

What Is Maryland Day?

 

WHAT IS MARYLAND DAYArk and Dove, John Moll, MdHS, M1955.44.1

In March, 1634, after a long, difficult Atlantic winter crossing, the ships Ark and Dove sailed up the Potomac River. The March 25, 1634 mass on St. Clements Island celebrated the beginning of spring and the planting season, the Feast of the Annunciation and a fragile but hopeful escape from the religious bigotry that was rampant in 17th century Europe. In 1903, Maryland leaders set aside March 25 as a day devoted to remembering Maryland history. In 1916, as the United States entered a world war, the Old Line State turned Maryland History Day into an official holiday.

The Star-Spangled Banner’s Bicentennial Celebrations Continue

 

FLAGThe recreated Star-Spangled Banner flag with its stitchers and Education Director Kristin Schenning

Maryland Historical Society President Burt Kummerow said, “We can’t think of a better way to begin our Star-Spangled Year than to unfurl our authentic recreation of the historic flag on the steps of the Maryland Statehouse.”

The Maryland Day celebration marks the second time the recreated Star-Spangled Banner will be on view to the public. On Defenders Day, 2013, the recreated Star-Spangled Banner flew for the first time at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine in Baltimore. The recreated Star-Spangled Banner will be featured this summer as part of Flag Day festivities at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History. The original manuscript of The Star-Spangled Banner, penned in Francis Scott Key’s hand, will be on loan to the National Museum of American History from June 14-July 6, 2014.

The Maryland Historical Society is partnering with the following organizations to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812; Pride of Baltimore II, Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, the General Assembly and the Statehouse Trust, the 1812 Bicentennial Commission, Star Spangled 200, Inc., the Ark and Dove Society, the Society of Colonial Wars and Historic Annapolis. The festivities will culminate in September, 2014 with a statewide “Star-Spangled Spectacular” celebration. For full details visit: http://www.starspangled200.com/.

For details about Pride of Baltimore II’s voyage from Baltimore to Annapolis, contact Marketing Manager Kate Cwiek at 410-539-1170 or kate@pride.org.

For details about the recreated Star-Spangled Banner and Maryland Day events with The Maryland Historical Society, contact Marketing Director Laura Rodini at lrodini@mdhs.org or by phone: 410-685-3750 ext. 322.

For details about the Governor’s Grant Ceremony, please contact Marketing and PR Director for Star-Spangled 200, Jill Feinberg at 410-767-6267 or jfeinberg@starspangled200.com.

About Pride of Baltimore II

 

Pride of Baltimore II represents early 19th Century Baltimore-built, topsail schooners – the sleek, fast, and maneuverable vessels famous during the War of 1812. These schooners were privately owned, well-armed privateers that ran the British blockade of the U.S. ports. Chasseur was the largest, most successful of these privateers, and in a daring voyage to Great Britain, captured 17 British ships earning the nickname “Pride of Baltimore.” Since her commissioning in October of 1988, Pride has traveled over 250,000 nautical miles, visited 40 countries, and docked in over 200 ports of call. For more information on Pride’s 2014 sailing schedule, education initiatives, or membership program, please visit www.pride2.org.

About The Maryland Historical Society

 

Founded in 1844, The Maryland Historical Society Museum and Library occupies an entire city block in the Mount Vernon district of Baltimore. The society’s mission is to “collect, preserve, and interpret the objects and materials that reflect Maryland’s diverse cultural heritage.” The Society is home to the original manuscript of the Star-Spangled Banner and publishes a quarterly titled “Maryland Historical Magazine.” Visit www.mdhs.org.

About Star-Spangled 200

 

Star-Spangled 200, a national bicentennial in Maryland, commemorates the writing of the Star-Spangled Banner and the War of 1812. Star-Spangled Sailabration in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor and the Chesapeake Bay launched the multi-year commemoration in June 2012. Sailabration included a maritime festival with 45 vessels from a dozen nations and an airshow featuring the Blue Angels, and drew more than 1.5 million visitors. Star-Spangled 200 continued Spring 2013 through Summer 2014 with the Chesapeake Campaign, a series of more than a dozen festivals in waterfront communities around the Bay. Two conferences were held at the U.S. Naval Academy in 2013 – Cross Tech, June 10-11 and From Enemies to Allies, June 12-15 – bringing together leaders in cyber security and scholars from the U.K, Canada and the U.S. Events will culminate with Star-Spangled Spectacular, September 6-16, 2014, celebrating the 200th birthday of the National Anthem. Star-Spangled 200 is supported by its Presenting Sponsor AT&T with Founding Partner support from Constellation and Papa John’s. For more information, please visit www.StarSpangled200.com or www.StarSpangled200.org.

PRESS RELEASE: Maryland Day Celebrations with Pride of Baltimore II and the Maryland Historical Society

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Pride of Baltimore: Kate Cwiek kate@pride2.org 410-539-1170
Maryland Historical Society: Laura Rodini lrodini@mdhs.org 410-685-3750 Ext. 322

Maryland Day Celebrations with Pride of Baltimore II
and the Maryland Historical Society

See the Recreated Star-Spangled Banner Flag at the
Maryland Statehouse in Annapolis March 25, 2014

 


Img: Pride II

BALTIMORE, March 17, 2013 — The Maryland Historical Society (MdHS) is partnering with Pride of Baltimore II to celebrate Maryland Day with special events in Baltimore and Annapolis on Monday, March 24 and Tuesday, March 25, 2013.

On board “The Pride II” will be the 30 x 42 foot Star-Spangled Banner flag that over 1,000 Maryland Historical Society volunteers created in the summer of 2013 using authentic fabric and hand stitching techniques. The flag gained international media attention for The Maryland Historical Society and its partners in commemoration of the bicentennial of the War of 1812.

Burt Kummerow, President of the Maryland Historical Society, said that this March 25th has double importance. “Maryland sets aside March 25th every year to celebrate the founding of Maryland in 1634. This year, Maryland Day also points to the beginnings of a Star Spangled Banner events remembering the War of 1812 and the writing of the country’s national anthem.”

Following the voyage, beginning at 12:15 PM on Tuesday, March 25, the Pride of Baltimore II and the Maryland Historical Society will join forces with several other partners commemorating Maryland’s Star Spangled 200 events.

A procession featuring the recreated Star-Spangled Banner will take place from the Annapolis City Dock to the steps of the Statehouse .

A ceremony with elected officials and volunteer stitchers will follow. At 12:30PM, the recreated Star-Spangled Banner will be unfurled for the first time at the Statehouse before returning to be hoisted on the  “The Pride II” later that afternoon. The general public is welcome and invited to attend the ceremony. Free tours of Pride II will also be offered between 2:00 & 4:00 PM.

The complete schedule of Maryland Day events is as follows:

Monday, March 24

Details to come.

Tuesday, March 25

Baltimore
10:00 AM: Society of Colonial Wars wreath laying event
Location: Baltimore Courthouse, Cecilius Calvert Statue

Annapolis
12:15 PM: Procession of recreated Star-Spangled Banner flag to State House
Location: Annapolis City Dock

12:30 PM-1:30 PM: The recreated Star-Spangled Banner glad will be unfurled on the steps of the west (modern) end of the State House. Flag stitchers and local school children will display the Flag in a short ceremony
Location: Annapolis State House

1:15 PM: The Maryland Governor attends a 1812 Bicentennial Commission Award Ceremony
Location: Annapolis State House

1:30 PM: Return procession to City Dock with our SSB
Location: Annapolis Statehouse

2:00 – 4:00 PM: Tours of Pride of Baltimore II will be free and available to the general public. Flag Talks will be given by National Park Service staff
Location: Annapolis City Dock

4:30 – 6:30 PM
Private reception at City Dock on Pride of Baltimore II for General Assembly
Location: Annapolis City Dock

5:00 PM
Former State Archivist Dr. Ed Papenfuse keynote remarks about the meaning of Maryland Day
Location: Annapolis City Dock

What Is Maryland Day?


Img: Ark and Dove, John Moll, MdHS, M1955.44.1

In March, 1634, after a long, difficult Atlantic winter crossing, the ships Ark and Dove sailed up the Potomac River.  The March 25, 1634 mass on St. Clements Island celebrated the beginning of spring and the planting season, the Feast of the Annunciation and a fragile but hopeful escape from the religious bigotry that was rampant in 17th century Europe. In 1903, Maryland leaders set aside March 25 as a day devoted to remembering Maryland history. In 1916, as the United States entered a world war, the Old Line State turned Maryland History Day into an official holiday.

The Star-Spangled Banner’s Bicentennial Celebrations Continue


Img: The recreated Star-Spangled Banner flag with its stitchers and Education Director Kristin Schenning

Maryland Historical Society President Burt Kummerow said, “We can’t think of a better way to begin our Star Spangled Year than to unfurl our authentic recreation of the historic flag on the steps of the Maryland Statehouse.”

The Maryland Day celebration marks the second time the recreated Star-Spangled Banner will be on view to the public. On Defenders Day, 2013, the recreated Star-Spangled Banner flew for the first time at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine in Baltimore. The recreated Star-Spangled Banner will be featured this summer as part of Flag Day festivities at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History. The original manuscript of The Star-Spangled Banner, penned in Francis Scott Key’s hand, will be on loan to the National Museum of American History from June 14-July 6, 2014.

The Maryland Historical Society is partnering with the following organizations to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812; Pride of Baltimore II, Fort McHenry national Monument and Historic Shrine, the General Assembly and the Statehouse Trust, the 1812 Bicentennial Commission, Star Spangled 200, the Ark and Dove Society, the Society of Colonial Wars and Historic Annapolis. The festivities will culminate in September, 2014 with a statewide “Star-Spangled Spectacular” celebration. For full details visit: http://www.starspangled200.com/.

For details about Pride II’s voyage from Baltimore to Annapolis, contact Marketing Manager Kate Cwiek at 410-539-1170 or kate@pride1.org.

For details about the recreated Star-Spangled Banner and Maryland Day events with The Maryland Historical Society, contact Marketing Director Laura Rodini at lrodini@mdhs.org or by phone: 410-685-3750 ext. 322.

About the Pride of Baltimore

Pride of Baltimore II represents early 19th Century Baltimore-built, topsail schooners – the sleek, fast, and maneuverable vessels famous during the War of 1812.  These schooners were privately owned, well-armed privateers that ran the British blockade of the U.S. ports. Chasseur was the largest, most successful of these privateers, and in a daring voyage to Great Britain, captured 17 British ships earning the nickname “Pride of Baltimore.” Since her commissioning in October of 1988, Pride has traveled over 250,000 nautical miles, visited 40 countries, and docked in over 200 ports of call. For more information on Pride’s 2014 sailing schedule, education initiatives, or membership program, please visit www.pride2.org.

About the Maryland Historical Society

Founded in 1844, The Maryland Historical Society Museum and Library occupies an entire city block in the Mount Vernon district of Baltimore. The society’s mission is to “collect, preserve, and interpret the objects and materials that reflect Maryland’s diverse cultural heritage.” The Society is home to the original manuscript of the Star-Spangled Banner and publishes a quarterly titled “Maryland Historical Magazine.” Visit www.mdhs.org.

PRESS RELEASE: Maryland Day Celebrations with Pride of Baltimore II and the Maryland Historical Society

Contact:
Pride of Baltimore: Kate Cwiek kate@pride2.org 410-539-1170
Maryland Historical Society: Laura Rodini lrodini@mdhs.org 410-685-3750 Ext. 322

 

Maryland Day Celebrations with Pride of Baltimore II and the Maryland Historical Society

See the Recreated Star-Spangled Banner Flag at the Maryland Statehouse in Annapolis March 25, 2014

 

BALTIMORE, March 17, 2013 — The Maryland Historical Society (MdHS) is partnering with Pride of Baltimore II to celebrate Maryland Day with special events in Baltimore and Annapolis on Monday, March 24 and Tuesday, March 25, 2013.

On board “The Pride II” will be the 30 x 42 foot Star-Spangled Banner flag that over 1,000 Maryland Historical Society volunteers created in the summer of 2013 using authentic fabric and hand stitching techniques. The flag gained international media attention for The Maryland Historical Society and its partners in commemoration of the bicentennial of the War of 1812.

Burt Kummerow, President of the Maryland Historical Society, said that this March 25th has double importance. “Maryland sets aside March 25th every year to celebrate the founding of Maryland in 1634. This year, Maryland Day also points to the beginnings of a Star Spangled Banner events remembering the War of 1812 and the writing of the country’s national anthem.”

Following the voyage, beginning at 12:15 PM on Tuesday, March 25, the Pride of Baltimore II and the Maryland Historical Society will join forces with several other partners commemorating Maryland’s Star Spangled 200 events.

A procession featuring the recreated Star-Spangled Banner will take place from the Annapolis City Dock to the steps of the Statehouse .

A ceremony with elected officials and volunteer stitchers will follow. At 12:30PM, the recreated Star-Spangled Banner will be unfurled for the first time at the Statehouse before returning to be hoisted on the  “The Pride II” later that afternoon. The general public is welcome and invited to attend the ceremony. Free tours of Pride II will also be offered between 2:00 & 4:00 PM.

The complete schedule of Maryland Day events is as follows:

Monday, March 24
Details to come. 

Tuesday, March 25
Baltimore
10:00 AM: Society of Colonial Wars wreath laying event
Location: Baltimore Courthouse, Cecilius Calvert Statue

Annapolis
12:15 PM: Procession of recreated Star-Spangled Banner flag to State House
Location: Annapolis City Dock

12:30 PM-1:30 PM: The recreated Star-Spangled Banner glad will be unfurled on the steps of the west (modern) end of the State House. Flag stitchers and local school children will display the Flag in a short ceremony
Location: Annapolis State House

1:15 PM: The Maryland Governor attends a 1812 Bicentennial Commission Award Ceremony
Location: Annapolis State House

1:30 PM: Return procession to City Dock with our SSB
Location: Annapolis Statehouse

2:00 – 4:00 PM: Tours of Pride of Baltimore II will be free and available to the general public. Flag Talks will be given by National Park Service staff
Location: Annapolis City Dock

4:30 – 6:30 PM
Private reception at City Dock on Pride of Baltimore II for General Assembly
Location: Annapolis City Dock

5:00 PM
Former State Archivist Dr. Ed Papenfuse keynote remarks about the meaning of Maryland Day
Location: Annapolis City Dock

What Is Maryland Day?

Ark and Dove, John Moll, MdHS, M1955.44.1

In March, 1634, after a long, difficult Atlantic winter crossing, the ships Ark and Dove sailed up the Potomac River.  The March 25, 1634 mass on St. Clements Island celebrated the beginning of spring and the planting season, the Feast of the Annunciation and a fragile but hopeful escape from the religious bigotry that was rampant in 17th century Europe. In 1903, Maryland leaders set aside March 25 as a day devoted to remembering Maryland history. In 1916, as the United States entered a world war, the Old Line State turned Maryland History Day into an official holiday.

The Star-Spangled Banner’s Bicentennial Celebrations Continue

The recreated Star-Spangled Banner flag with its stitchers and Education Director Kristin Schenning

Maryland Historical Society President Burt Kummerow said, “We can’t think of a better way to begin our Star Spangled Year than to unfurl our authentic recreation of the historic flag on the steps of the Maryland Statehouse.”

The Maryland Day celebration marks the second time the recreated Star-Spangled Banner will be on view to the public. On Defenders Day, 2013, the recreated Star-Spangled Banner flew for the first time at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine in Baltimore. The recreated Star-Spangled Banner will be featured this summer as part of Flag Day festivities at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History. The original manuscript of The Star-Spangled Banner, penned in Francis Scott Key’s hand, will be on loan to the National Museum of American History from June 14-July 6, 2014.

The Maryland Historical Society is partnering with the following organizations to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812; Pride of Baltimore II, Fort McHenry national Monument and Historic Shrine, the General Assembly and the Statehouse Trust, the 1812 Bicentennial Commission, Star Spangled 200, the Ark and Dove Society, the Society of Colonial Wars and Historic Annapolis. The festivities will culminate in September, 2014 with a statewide “Star-Spangled Spectacular” celebration. For full details visit: http://www.starspangled200.com/.

For details about Pride II’s voyage from Baltimore to Annapolis, contact Marketing Manager Kate Cwiek at 410-539-1170 or kate@pride1.org.

For details about the recreated Star-Spangled Banner and Maryland Day events with The Maryland Historical Society, contact Marketing Director Laura Rodini at lrodini@mdhs.org or by phone: 410-685-3750 ext. 322.

About the Pride of Baltimore

Pride of Baltimore II represents early 19th Century Baltimore-built, topsail schooners – the sleek, fast, and maneuverable vessels famous during the War of 1812.  These schooners were privately owned, well-armed privateers that ran the British blockade of the U.S. ports. Chasseur was the largest, most successful of these privateers, and in a daring voyage to Great Britain, captured 17 British ships earning the nickname “Pride of Baltimore.” Since her commissioning in October of 1988, Pride has traveled over 250,000 nautical miles, visited 40 countries, and docked in over 200 ports of call. For more information on Pride’s 2014 sailing schedule, education initiatives, or membership program, please visit www.pride2.org.

About the Maryland Historical Society

Founded in 1844, The Maryland Historical Society Museum and Library occupies an entire city block in the Mount Vernon district of Baltimore. The society’s mission is to “collect, preserve, and interpret the objects and materials that reflect Maryland’s diverse cultural heritage.” The Society is home to the original manuscript of the Star-Spangled Banner and publishes a quarterly titled “Maryland Historical Magazine.” Visit www.mdhs.org.

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