Chautauqua 2012

Celebrate the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 in Maryland

"John Bull and the Baltimoreans" (1814) by William Charles

Chautauqua 2012 will take place July 5-13 at six sites across Maryland. The War of 1812 theme will honor the bicentennial of America's second war of independence, an important turning point in Maryland's history.

The 2012 Chautauqua theme:

Inspiration, Unity, Preparedness, Courage:  Maryland and the War of 1812

View a schedule of performances

Chautauqua 2012 examines the perspectives of five figures:

Rosalie Stier Calvert - A member of a wealthy Maryland family whose extensive correspondence illuminated life on the Calvert plantation leading up to and during the War of 1812.

Francis Scott Key - An American lawyer and amateur poet, Key penned the lyrics of our National Anthem, The Star Spangled Banner.

James Madison - The fourth President of the United States (1809-17), Madison led our nation into the War of 1812.

Mary Pickersgill - The Baltimore flagmaker who stitched the Star Spangled Banner Flag that flew over Ft. McHenry during the Battle of Baltimore.

British Major General Robert Ross - British Major General who routed American troops at the Battle of Bladensburg, burned Washington, and was mortally wounded at North Point on his way to the Battle of Baltimore.

We will provide additional details as they become available. 

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Click here to view a larger image of William Charles's 1814 political cartoon, "John Bull and the Baltimoreans," with additional explanation.

To learn more about War of 1812 events around the state, visit www.StarSpangled200.org, the official website of the Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission.