Celebrate America’s 250th birthday in Maryland with fascinating interpretations, historical reenactments and captivating stories
As America’s 250th birthday approaches, from now through 2026, many nationwide celebrations are honoring our diverse heritage and promoting a brighter future for everyone. Maryland is set to celebrate with spectacular displays of historical pride and festive commemorations. From the sparkling shores of the Chesapeake Bay and Baltimore’s Inner Harbor to the hallowed grounds of Western Maryland, The Free State is poised to pay jubilant homage to its colorful legacy and pivotal role in writing America’s story.
The semi-quincentennial is a once-in-a-lifetime historic moment in which everyone should take part. Statewide festivities, including mesmerizing interpretations at key historic sites, will be in full swing throughout Maryland. It’s also time to reflect upon the ideologies of the founding fathers—as written in the Declaration of Independence—and continue fighting for equality and justice for all. This includes honoring the sacrifices made by the brave who understood the centrality of a free nation.
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Maryland’s Crucial Role in Shaping America
Maryland’s prominent position is cemented in the United States’s formative history, with many significant battles taking place around the region. In addition, numerous state delegates signed the Declaration of Independence during the American Revolution, solidifying Maryland’s political and military importance. During the War of 1812, Maryland’s defense of the national capital helped prevent British forces from altering the course of the war and our country’s history.
The Battle of Baltimore inspired lyrics for our national anthem and reiterated the city’s resilience. Maryland was also a critical battleground region during the Civil War. The state was involved in significant conflict, including the Battle of Antietam in 1862, the bloodiest single-day combat in American history. During both World Wars, the state’s strategic location and impressive military bases allowed it to make significant contributions to the war efforts, ultimately leading to the success of the Allied forces.
America 250 Events in Maryland
The Old Line State boasts many historical sites, impressive battlefields and dynamic history to explore. Maryland saw much action during the nation’s birth and played a critical role in its fight for freedom. Celebrate America’s 250th in Maryland with special observances, historical reenactments and one-of-a-kind festivities your group doesn’t want to miss.
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Sail250® Baltimore
Sail Baltimore is an “ever-changing floating museum” dedicated to preserving maritime history and unique global cultures that sail into its port. To commemorate America 250, impressive tall ships will make their way to five ports, beginning in the Gulf of Mexico and working their way up the Eastern seaboard during Sail 4th 250.
- New Orleans, LA: May 28–June 1, 2026
- Norfolk, VA: June 19–24, 2026
- Baltimore, MD: June 25–July 1, 2026
- Port of NY & NJ: July 3–8, 2026
- Boston, MA: July 11–16, 2026
The dazzling displays will include mesmerizing tall ships from Denmark, Spain, Norway, Germany, and other countries that will be open to public exploration. In addition, patriotic parades, live performances, civic welcoming events, community engagement with sailors from around the region and local festivities will take place.
United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland
The United States Naval Academy Museum, located at the US Naval Academy (USNA) in historic Annapolis, provides insight into the US Navy’s inception, which began during the Revolutionary War. Groups can explore interactive exhibits highlighting battle maps that illustrate war tactics used during numerous major naval battles.
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US Naval Academy historical group tours
While on the grounds, visitors can take part in the academy’s highly regarded Historical Tours. Your group will learn about Navy operations from professional Naval Academy guides on these walking tours. Or take an electric motorcar (GEM) tour and leisurely explore the Yard at your group’s pace.
Fort McHenry National Monument & Shrine in Baltimore, MD
The Battle of Baltimore was a defining moment in the War of 1812. It occurred at Fort McHenry between September 12 and 14, 1814. In efforts to prevent the British from taking Baltimore, American forces would later save the city from a fate similar to that of Washington during the Battle of Monocacy. The event also inspired Francis Scott Key’s poetic verses in “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Virtual and self-guided tours of Fort McHenry in Maryland
Fort McHenry National Monument and Shrine commemorates the fort’s long history, from the Civil War to WWII. The Visitor Center provides a 10-minute orientation video on the Battle of Baltimore and the writing of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Exhibits feature war artifact sand interactive programs highlighting the War of 1812, the Battle of Baltimore and the history of our national anthem. Groups can download the NPS app and follow along to unique virtual tours of Fort McHenry.
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Antietam National Battlefield in Sharpsburg, MD
The Battle of Antietam, fought on September 17, 1862, is one of the bloodiest battles in American history, claiming more than 23,000 lives in a mere 12 hours. Groups visiting the Antietam National Battlefield in Sharpsburg, Maryland, can pay their respects at the Antietam National Cemetery, where 4,800 Civil War soldiers are buried. Tour Antietam and explore 96 monuments throughout the battlefield, many honoring Northern soldiers and recognizing regiments, states and people. Don’t miss a visit to the Dunker Church, the focal point of the Battle of Antietam. The small stone structure was sought after by both the Confederate and Union armies during the Civil War.
Monocacy National Battlefield in Frederick, Maryland
Forever known as “The Battle That Saved Washington,” this Civil War skirmish had far-reaching impacts on our nation’s capital. As the Confederacy planned to capture Washington, D.C., and influence the 1864 election, Federal soldiers fought gallantly to keep them at bay along the Monocacy River. Today, groups can discover the sites of local and national historical significance at the Monocacy National Battlefield, with over 1,600 acres of rolling farm fields and historic buildings to explore. Groups can also experience Monocacy’s Battle Anniversary Weekend in July 2025, during which visitors can view infantry and artillery demonstrations, take part in ranger-guided hikes and many other activities.
Maryland’s Monocacy National Battlefield tours
Take a Monocacy National Battlefield Auto Tour to better understand the sequence of events. This self-guided vehicle tour includes five crucial stops related to the Battle of Monocacy. A park brochure with a tour route map is available at the Visitor Center, and designated bus and vehicle parking is available along the 6-mile adventure.
Colonial Annapolis Historic District
Witness an incredible living history reenactment of the Burning of the Peggy Stewart–also called the Annapolis Tea Party–on the Severn River at historic Annapolis City Harbor. Anthony Stewart was a loyalist to the Crown who set his tea-filled ship ablaze when an angry mob forced his hand on October 19, 1774. The Port of Annapolis played a fiery role in a nation seeking independence from Great Britain. On October 19, 2024, groups can witness first-hand just how impactful this event was for our nation.
Historic Annapolis tours in Maryland
There are numerous ways to explore historic Annapolis and learn about its storied past. From haunted night tours to port city history via walking or transportation, Annapolis will surely captivate adventurers on group tours.
Star-Spangled Banner Flag House (Baltimore)
The Star-Spangled Banner Flag House in Baltimore was built in 1793 before Mary Young Pickers gill and her family moved in at the turn of the century. As a flag maker, Mary was commissioned to sew a garrison flag and a storm flag for Fort McHenry. The young entrepreneur, along with her mother and indentured and enslaved African American servants, crafted the flags from the modest home on 844 E. Pratt Street. The flags survived the Battle of Baltimore and would go on to inspire Francis Scott Key’s poem and eventual national anthem.
Maryland Flag House Tours
Groups visiting the Flag House can take self-guided tours, marvel at the original brick architecture and immerse themselves in the place where a trailblazing nineteenth-century female broke the glass ceiling. Visitors can glimpse more than 150 years of culture, War of 1812 correspondence, Star-Spangled Banner-related artifacts, Baltimore history and more. No matter where your group is during the semi-quincentennial, be sure to commemorate America’s birth and freedom at any of the incredible Maryland celebrations.
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