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PBS Film: The War of 1812

Video of New Visitor Center at Fort McHenry

Fort McHenry Gearing Up for a Banner 2012

Changing of the guard includes new exhibits, new visitor center, new superintendent. Read the entire article.

U.S. Mint coins pay homage to the War of 1812, Battle of Baltimore

The U.S. Mint unveiled the designs for two limited-issue coins that will be issued in March to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812. Read the entire article. Images of Bicentennnial coin designs.

State unveils plans for War of 1812 Bicentennial Celebration

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Blue Angels to fly in Baltimore for 1812 Celebration

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 Women inmates sew 1812 flags for bicentennial celebration

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60 such flags sewn so far will replace traditional flags at state buildings

June 14, 2011|By Julie Baughman, The Baltimore Sun

The sew shop at the Maryland Correctional Institution for Women in Jessup is alive with the ticking sounds of Brother sewing machines, with Maryland state and U.S. flags draped over tables and chairs

Seven inmates bent over sewing machines are responsible for the meticulous creation of the U.S. and Maryland flags that fly in front of state buildings.

Though these women usually sew traditional national and state flags, they have switched their focus to 1812-style flags like the 10-by-12-foot one that hangs in the front of the assembly line. These flags bear 15 stars and 15 stripes and are being made for the celebration of the War of 1812′s bicentennial.

A directive issued by Gov. Martin O’Malley in September ordered all public facilities owned by the state to replace old flags with 1812 star-spangled banners. The women who make the flags work as employees of Maryland Correctional Enterprises, which provides inmates with work opportunities to increase employability upon release.

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