National Archives Museum Commemorates Bicentennial of the Burning of Washington and the Battle of Baltimore
Press Release · Thursday, September 4, 2014

Washington, DC

Documents and artifacts to be displayed September 11 through November 3

Commemorating the bicentennial of the burning of Washington and the Battle of Baltimore, the National Archives Museum presents a special display of a burned piece of the 1814 Executive Mansion (today known as the White House), a letter from Maj. Gen. Samuel Smith to James Monroe about the bombardment of Fort McHenry, and a list of soldiers killed and wounded at Fort McHenry.

The original documents and artifact will be on display in the "Featured Documents" exhibit in the museum’s East Rotunda Gallery from September 11 through November 3.

During the War of 1812, the summer of 1814 saw military actions in Washington, DC, and Baltimore, MD, with dramatically different outcomes. The British capture of the nation’s capital and the destruction of public buildings stand as one of the lowest points in U.S. history. The American victory at Baltimore, however, brought new hope and determination to the country and inspired what became the national anthem.

The National Archives Museum's "Featured Documents" exhibit is made possible in part by the Foundation for the National Archives through the generous support of Toyota.

Located near displays of the original Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights, the featured document exhibit is seen by more than one million visitors each year.

More information about the exhibited records’ history and free access to high resolution images [www.archives.gov/nae/visit/featured-documents.html] are available through the National Archives website.

The National Archives Museum is located on the National Mall on Constitution Avenue at 9th Street, NW. Metro accessible on Yellow or Green lines, Archives/Navy Memorial station. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., daily. Free admission. Additional information on exhibits and programs at the National Archives Museum can be found online.

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For press information, contact the National Archives Public Affairs staff at 202-357-5300.

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