U.S. Brig Niagara Invades Baltimore (and other news)

U.S. Brig Niagara (photo by AKFox)

In a new IMAX film currently being shown at the Maryland Science Center, the U.S. Brig Niagara plays the role of a British warship, and Lake Erie stands in for the Chesapeake Bay. (WBAL in Baltimore has footage.) Branching out from its type-casting as the victorious American ship of the Battle of Lake Erie (Sept. 1813), Niagara takes a star turn (among a fleet of computer-generated ships) during the 1814 British attack on Baltimore’s Fort McHenry that led Francis Scott Key to write the words to what became the U.S. national anthem in 1931. [Whoa, that’s a really long sentence, sorry] “Star-Spangled Banner Anthem of Liberty” is the science center’s first history-themed IMAX film; it will remain on view through the fall.

George Rapp's Coat and Cap from "A Style of Their Own" (photo by Sarah Buffington)

It's a busy summer at Old Economy Village. In addition to a new exhibit on Harmonist clothing (now through August 10), work continues on the restoration of the George and Frederick Rapp Houses. The long-awaited reproduction wallpaper is being installed and it won’t be long before furnishings can be returned to their proper places. To keep up with the progress, check out curator Sarah Buffington’s blog.

Evening on the Green, 2014, (via Facebook)

The folks at Daniel Boone Homestead shared photos of their recent Evening on the Green. Looks like a lovely way to spend a summer night. In the spirit of Trails of History cooperation, the wagon, horses and driver made the trip over from Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum to help out.


There’s probably other stuff I’ve missed. Info for this weekend on the Trails of History was posted late last month and has been updated. Look for the July program preview mid-week next week, in time for Independence Day. Enjoy your weekend.