WASHINGTON — This summer marks 200 years since British forces targeted the Chesapeake Bay during the climax of the War of 1812, culminating in the Battle of Bladensburg, the burning of Washington and ultimately the successful defeat of the British in Baltimore.
The nation is commemorating this moment in American history with the “Star Spangled Summer” campaign, the White House Historical Association announced Thursday. Although the U.S. declared war against Great Britain in 1812, the war dragged on several years until the pivotal defeat of the British in 1814, which is way the 200-year anniversary is happening now.
The campaign kicks off June 14 with a national sing-along of the “Star-Spangled Banner” hosted by the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History.
“This event is going to be promoted not just nationwide, but worldwide, to have American citizens across the globe sing the National Anthem all at once,” said Leslie Jones, manager of public programming at the White House Historical Association.
Francis Scott Key, who was born in 1779 at the Terra Rubra plantation that was part of Frederick County at the time, penned his famous poem, “Defence of Fort M’Henry,” while a prisoner of war at Fort McHenry in 1814. The poem’s words ultimately became the lyrics of the American national anthem.
“It’s one of those very patriotic things that only comes around once every now and then, and I’m just happy to be a part of it,” Jones said of the national sing-along.
Maryland, Virginia and Washington historical sites and museums will hold free open houses and special exhibits during the weekend of July 25, including Darnall’s Chance House Museum in Upper Marlboro, once the home of John Hodges, the only U.S. citizen tried for treason during the War of 1812.
Hyattsville’s Route 1 Overpass will be transformed into a festive landmark through an arts happening called “Bursting in Air” on Saturday, July 26. The Hyattsville Community Development Corp is seeking local muralists to submit designs themed in commemoration of the war. Muralists will paint the winning designs at the arts happening event.
Bladensburg, site of the pivotal battle in which American troops’ defeat allowed the British to march into Washington and burn several public buildings including the U.S. Capitol and the White House, will host a commemorative festival on Aug. 23.
“That whole week we will have lectures and programs and a variety of activities,” said Aaron Marcavitch, executive director of Maryland Milestones and Anacostia Trails Heritage Area Inc., who represented Maryland at the announcement Thursday. “But on August 23, we’re going to have the dedication of a new monument, a festival with reenactments and historic demonstrations.”
Organizers of “Star Spangled Summer” hope the campaign will raise awareness of an American conflict they believe gets little attention in history lessons.
“It was essentially our second war for independence,” Jones said. “It was against Great Britain, and it really solidified the strength and the sustainability of the United States as a nation. We almost failed, but clearly we didn’t, and it actually brought us out to be a stronger country.”
Details on events in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. are available at www.dcwarof1812.org.
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