Tag Archives: Baltimore

15 things you don’t know about the Star-Spangled Banner

Posted on June 14, 2020 by

    If you are American, chances are you know the words to the US national anthem, the Star-Spangled Banner. It’s about a flag referred to by the same name. The song tells a story of an historic event. While … Continue reading →

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Star-Spangled is now available!

Posted on June 1, 2020 by

            “Grove provides a page-turning narrative that enhances the familiar aspects of this story and fills in those little-known areas… Generous archival illustrations and the rich and varied backmatter make this a boon for fledgling … Continue reading →

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In praise of historic sites

Posted on April 14, 2020 by

I’ve enjoyed visiting history places ever since I can remember. Whether Devil’s Den at the Gettysburg battlefield or the hallowed room of Independence Hall in Philadelphia or the sweeping lawn of Mount Vernon, places have captured my imagination and allowed … Continue reading →

Posted in 16th century, 17th century, 18th century, 19th century, 20th century, 21st century, American Revolution, military, national park, President | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Underneath a sheen of privilege

Posted on June 7, 2019 by

Homewood Museum, a large “country” home in Baltimore, was not on my radar. I’ve been to Baltimore many times and like visiting historic homes. One reason may be because it sits on the campus of John Hopkins University in the … Continue reading →

Posted in 19th century, house | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

My break is over

Posted on June 23, 2018 by

Dear Readers, I’ve taken a long break from blogging to work on a new book. Star Spangled: The Story of a Flag, a Battle, and a Song, is due out next year and targets ages 10-14, but will be of … Continue reading →

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O, say can you see? Stories of a national anthem

Posted on August 29, 2014 by

On September 13 and 14 Americans will commemorate the bicentennial of the Battle of Baltimore, a mostly forgotten battle in U.S. history… except that it gave the United States its national anthem. The song is a stirring tribute of the battle by … Continue reading →

Posted in 19th century, city/town, fort, house, military, national park | Tagged , , , , , | 6 Comments

British invasion at North Point

Posted on August 19, 2011 by

During the War of 1812 the citizens of Baltimore knew their city was a big target.  With the powerful British navy sailing up the Chesapeake Bay toward them, they were scared. The Committee of Vigilance and Safety chose Major General Samuel … Continue reading →

Posted in 19th century, 20th century, military, national park | Tagged , , , | 8 Comments