Tag Archives: baltimore

Discover the Woman Behind the Flag and Star-Spangled Banner

Ever wonder Picture 31how the American flag came to be? At the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House, discover the woman behind the most powerful symbol in the world. Located in the former house of Mary Pickersgill, who sewed the national flag that also inspired our national anthem, this museum recreates the world that Mary would have lived in.

At the museum, visitors can learn about the Battle of Baltimore during the War of 1812, during which the flag and anthem were created. There are various artifacts from the era, including a fragment of the Star-Spangled Banner flag and a drum used by an American soldier during the battle. There is also a discovery gallery for kids, where they can design their own flags and fly it on the gallery’s flagpole.

The house is filled with original early 19th century objects. In fact, many of them were actual possessions of the Pickersgill family. There are also various live characters around the house that really make the experience feel authentic, from the African American apprentice Grace Wisher to Mary Pickersgill herself. If that’s not enough to recreate 19th century life for you, there are also touchable objects and various interactive activities, as well as a professionally guided tour.

Disney Meets History at Kid-Friendly Port Discovery

Who doesn’t love a little Disney? With the exhibits designed by Walt Disney Imagineering, Port Discovery ranks as one of the Top 5 Children’s Museums in the U.S. by Child Magazine and has about 250,000 visitors a year. It is home to fifteen distinct environments and exhibits, providing a very educational and interactive experience a.k.a. if you’ve got a kid, this is the place to go.

Picture 29Using the philosophy that children learn best through experiences, Port Discovery’s exhibits are very hands on and range from a Sensation Station for toddlers to a mystery house where kids try to solve a mystery using clues and evidence of an Egyptian pharaoh’s “lost” tomb. The museum also offers diverse programs, such as Healthy First Saturdays, which focuses on healthy living, and Discovery Days, which is designed for children with special needs.

This museum is only a short walk from the Inner Harbor and is definitely worth checking out.