The Catholic Review is featuring Vincent Vaise, a
Catholic and chief of interpretation at Fort McHenry, in this week’s
issue, which gave me a reason to visit Fort McHenry for the first time.
Vince’s enthusiasm for the fort is unparalleled,
but it’s clear that his deep interest in history extends far beyond
those fortified walls.
I asked him to list the top historic sites everyone
visiting (or living) in Baltimore should see, and without hesitation, he
suggested the following:
1)
Fort McHenry, of course! It’s the birthplace of the
National Anthem. In September 1814, during the War of 1812, Francis
Scott Key was inspired to write what would become The Star-Spangled
Banner after spying the American flag still waving
after the fort endured an overnight bombarding from the British in the
Battle of Baltimore. (2400 East Fort Avenue, Baltimore)
2)
Hampton National Historic Site. Vaise is also chief
of interpretation for this mansion and its grounds, just north of
Baltimore. He described it as “63 acres of pure awesome,” and a local
fix for a Downton Abbey addiction. (Guilty!)
Each of the mansion’s rooms is decorated in a different historic period
to give visitors glimpses into how a house adapts over time. A lot of
the outer buildings are preserved, and it has formal gardens. Vaise
recommends visiting at 10 or 11 a.m. on a Sunday,
when tours are typically smaller and you can pretend the house is
yours. (535 Hampton Lane, Towson)
3)
Maryland Historical Society. The quintessential museum for understanding the state with plenty of interesting artifacts. (201 West Monument St., Baltimore)
4)
Battle Monument. “Oh, you mean that column with the
lady on the top?” I asked when Vince brought this one up. “That’s Lady
Baltimore!” he cried. He told me not to feel too bad – a lot of natives
don’t know that the city’s allegorical
figure has such a signature spot. The column is a Roman fasces with
Lady Baltimore donning a victory crown and clutching a laurel wreath, commemorating the War of 1812 and honoring the fallen from the Battle of
Baltimore. Keep your eyes open for her image to show up on anything official from the city. Also, you'll be able to see her at closer range after she's moved to the Walters Art Musuem; a replica will be take her place up high. (Calvert Street between Fayette and Lexington
Streets, Baltimore)
5)
The Basilica of the National Shrine of the
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Yes, that name is a mouthful, but why not? It’s America’s first Catholic
cathedral and was designed by Benjamin Henry Latrobe, the architect who
designed the U.S. Capitol. Since the Captiol’s design
has evolved over the years (and because the British burned it in August 1814, before heading up to Baltimore), the Basilica is the best example
in the country of Latrobe’s work. (408 N. Charles St., Baltimore)
6)
Shrine of St. Alphonsus It’s clear that this church has a special place in Vince’s
heart. The interior is a feast for the eyes, but it also has some
above-average ties to the Communion of Saints --- two
of its former pastors are St. John Neumann and Blessed Francis Xavier
Seelos. (114 W. Saratoga St.,
Baltimore)
September 05, 2012 10:47
By Maria Wiering
Today I watched 40 people from 31 countries become citizens
of the United States. The 45-minute event was held at the Maryland Historical Society in Baltimore, a
fitting site for such a historic moment. Among the state’s newest citizens was
Nicolas Lombo – you can read more about his story here.
Of the several moving moments during the ceremony, the one
that caught my eye was when the candidates – not yet citizens because they had
yet to take the Oath
of Allegiance – unfurled a replica of a flag that hung at Fort McHenry from
the War of 1812. They covered
their hearts with their right hand, and held out the flag with their left, as
the soprano soloist sang the national anthem. They weren’t just looking at the
flag, they were displaying it, and for the duration of the song, it was
literally the fabric that connected them.
There is something singularly fantastic about our country –
that after the Oath, no one in that room, born here or not, was “more” or
“less” American than anyone else. Ours is a country that welcomes the immigrant
and cherishes the culture they bring with them. We’re among the heartiest
celebrators of St. Patrick’s Day and Cinco de Mayo. My husband’s family has
proud Danish roots, and our wedding cake was the traditional kransekage.
My grandmother immigrated to the United States from the
Netherlands when she was 16, after World War II ended, and I imagined what the
Oath of Allegiance I heard recited today must have sounded as she said it, her
words heavy with a Dutch accent.
It was a privilege to be there today, witnessing an
important event I’m guessing very few American-born citizens ever make a point
to see. My colleague Tom McCarthy took some great photos. Check them out here.
June 14, 2012 06:28
By Maria Wiering