Celebrate the Baltimore Monument Lighting at the Maryland Historical Society

Lady Baltimore Statue Now on Public View!

Also On Display: The Completed Star-Spangled Banner Flag!

BALTIMORE, Nov. 18, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On Thursday, December 5 from 4 p.m.-9 p.m., the Maryland Historical Society (MdHS) is hosting a Lady Baltimore Debut Party and Holiday Open House.

The event will be held in conjunction with the annual Baltimore Monument Lighting in Mount Vernon, Baltimore. Beginning at 4 p.m. at The Maryland Historical Society, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake will speak about the history of the 190-year old Lady Baltimore statue and its significance to the city. Known as the 'iconic symbol of Baltimore,' this marks the first time that Lady Baltimore will be on view to the general public since its move from atop the Battle Monument in October.

Maryland Historical Society President Burt Kummerow will provide introductory remarks, and Chief Curator Alexandra Deutsch will describe the statue's fascinating relocation process. Fort McHenry National Monument and Shrine's Chief of Interpretation Vince Vaise will speak about his personal connection to Lady Baltimore.

Throughout the evening, visitors will receive FREE museum admission and enjoy cookies, cider, hot cocoa, Christmas carol sing-a-longs and more.

The Fort McHenry Fife and Drum Corps, 1812 Living History characters, and the Notre Dame Institute and Choir will provide entertainment.

In addition, the recreated Star-Spangled Banner flag, which last summer was stitched completely by hand by volunteers from Maryland and around the world, will be on view for one night only in France Hall.

About The Maryland Historical Society Open House

"It's become an annual tradition here at The Maryland Historical Society," says President Burt Kummerow. "Just as every year, Mount Vernon celebrates the holiday season by illuminating the Washington Monument in festive lights, we decorate our lobby with festive ornaments and feature hot chocolate, cookies and even a visit from carolers singing historical holiday songs! We are especially excited this year to feature not one, but two major new items on public display: Lady Baltimore and our recreated Star-Spangled Banner flag."

The Baltimore Monument Lighting, sponsored by Downtown Partnership of Baltimore, will begin at 5:30 p.m. in front of the Washington Monument, with the Lighting Ceremony set to start at 7:00 p.m. A colorful burst of fireworks marks the finale.

The Open House at The Maryland Historical Society will run from 4 p.m.-9 p.m., making it the perfect time to stop in before or after the Monument Lighting.

"It's an evening of fun the whole family can enjoy," Kummerow continues, "So come in out of the cold and step back in time at MdHS!"

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 Francis Scott Key's original manuscript of the Star-Spangled Banner and publishes a quarterly titled "Maryland Historical Magazine."

Contact: Laura Rodini [email protected] 410-685-3750 Ext. 322

SOURCE The Maryland Historical Society

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