A Bicentennial Commemoration of “The Star-Spangled Banner”

In the early light of dawn of September 14, 1814, Francis Scott Key scanned the horizon to see if the American flag was still flying over Fort McHenry in Baltimore Harbor. Inspired by the sight of the large 15-star, 15-stripe flag, he drafted the lyrics to the song that quickly became known as “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

Join the Detroit Historical Society and the Michigan War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission in celebrating the 200th anniversary of this historic event. On Sunday, September 14, we will sing our National Anthem during a 2 p.m. ceremony in the Legends Plaza outside the Detroit Historical Museum. Festivities include patriotic music, the story of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” tributes from civic leaders and conclude with the screening of the film Anthem in the Louise C. Booth Auditorium