Fort McHenry
2023 IATC CONVENTION TOUR SHOWCASE
Sometimes when a speaker is introduced, you hear these words:  “Mrs. X needs no introduction." In terms of the various tours offered by the IATC this year, Fort McHenry would fall into that category of “needing no introduction.” You already know its significance in the War of 1812 history.  You know the story of Francis Scott Key penning the words of what became (but not officially until 1931) our National Anthem, as he watched the bombardment of the fort from a ship in the harbor and was relieved “in the dawn’s early light” to see “that the flag was still there,” indicating the American victory. 

A visit to the Fort combines both an introductory show at the Visitors’ Center and  a tour of the 5-star fort itself. Equally special for many of you will be the opportunity to walk the perimeter of the grounds along the water’s edge. You will realize that this is a working port today, just as in centuries past. At one time we had a local television show titled “The Port That Built a City”. Cross your fingers for a gorgeous summer day!
 
QUIZ :  Where is that flag today?  
You can see it for yourself if you allow yourself an extra day to sightsee before or after the convention.
The Flag House
​Combined with the visit to the Fort will be a brief stop at the home of Mary Pickersgill, known today as The Flag House, where the huge flag that Key saw amid the “rocket’s red glare” was sewn, by hand, of course.

​Depending on time, we probably will not actually tour the house itself, but go only to the small but excellent Visitors’ Center and Museum adjacent to the house. We don’t want to cheat you out of time at the Fort, but do want to give you a taste of where the flag was created in what today is downtown Baltimore, not far from the neighborhood known as Little Italy.
B&O RR Museum 
The name of Charles Carroll of Carrollton will pop up twice in the descriptions of this year’s IATC convention tours. Yes, he was one of four Maryland “Signers” and the last to die (after Jefferson and Adams – did you know that?), but what did he have to do with the B&O Railroad Museum? The answer is – A Great Deal! 
On July 4, 1826, at the age of 91, Charles Carroll of Carrolton laid the cornerstone of the new B&O Railroad, which he largely helped to finance. This was his last public appearance, although he served on its Board of Directors. He died at 95.

Today the legacy of railroading in the United States is spectacularly displayed at the B&O RR Museum in downtown Baltimore. Starting at the historic Roundhouse, built in 1884 we’ll have a 30 minute lecture, followed by time to visit the gift shop and wander around the extensive grounds. Do take a look at the website for a fuller description of this Baltimore, and national, gem.
Johns Hopkins University’s Homewood & Medical Campuses ​
​They’re extensive.  Very. Therefore our tours of the Johns Hopkins University’s Homewood and Medical Campuses will be partially drive-through events. One will take place on Friday, joined with the visit to the Baltimore Museum of Art, and on Saturday, joined with the visit to the National Aquarium. The historic main building of the Johns Hopkins Hospital contains a statue of Jesus Christ, which has been treasured by many over the years.
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The university’s Homewood campus (Liberal Arts, Engineering, Business) reflects the Georgian architecture of Homewood House, for which the campus is named.  Here, again, we meet Charles Carroll of Carrollton. As a wedding present to his son and new wife, he had the stately mansion built. While we won’t have time to have a tour of the home, it is clearly visible for all to appreciate. Hopefully time will allow us to walk around the two main and adjoining quadrangles at the heart of this campus.
Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA)​
High above Wyman Park and adjoining the Homewood campus of the Johns Hopkins University sits the Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA) in all its majestic, classical splendor. Inside, visitors are treated to art from areas near and far, created several centuries ago or much more recently. Founded in 1914, the BMA is especially known for its collection of 18th and 19th century art. In the Cone Wing hang paintings by Matisse, Picasso, Gauguin, Cezanne and many others. These were accumulated over the first half of the 20th century by the Baltimore sisters Etta and Dr. Claribel Cone.  In contrast, visitors are also treated to art almost hot off the easel. Outside is a serene sculpture garden, an oasis in the midst of a bustling neighborhood. An attractive and well-stocked gift shop offers tempting items which, when you return home, will remind you of your trip to the BMA and Baltimore.
National Aquarium​
'By the edge of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor sit two imposing structures housing the National Aquarium, formerly located in Washington, DC. It’s fascinating; it’s huge;  it’s educational; and somehow, it’s relaxing, as you gaze at the graceful movements of the aquatic and land life brought here from seas and lakes and swamps and tropical forests around the globe.

We will tour independently. That will allow you to travel at your own pace. There are moving ramps and elevators, so mobility won’t be a problem. Exhibits are clearly marked.

What will you see?  Some sea life will be familiar to you, at least by category, like sharks, rays, and corals, while others will surprise you.  Have you ever heard of the Peacock Mantis Shrimp? You'll find it to be a an elaborate and feisty character. Then there’s the Banggai Cardinalfish – didn’t know that one either, did you? For you Marylanders especially, there is a real Diamondback Terrapin. Yea, Maryland! You’ll have fun watching the large colony of Puffins. So much to see and learn!
Babe Ruth Birthplace & Museum​
​We know him as “Babe Ruth,” but George Herman Ruth didn’t acquire that name until he played minor league ball. Having been rather a “handful” as a young child, at the age of 7 he was put into St. Mary’s Industrial School for Boys in Baltimore where the rules were strict. Life took a turn for the better when Jack Dunn, the owner of the then-minor league Orioles, heard about his skill on the school’s baseball diamond and signed him up. For legal reasons, however, because the young man was only 19, Dunn had to adopt him. Before long, with Dunn in need of financial support, he was forced to break-up his team. With great regret he sold Ruth and two other players to the Red Sox for $25,000. And as you know, the rest is history.

The Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum is nestled on a tiny street near the present Oriole Park and M&T Bank Stadium. It is owned by the Orioles and Ravens. Inside are rooms filled with memorabilia, photographs, and lists of statistics that “The Bambino” racked up as a left-handed pitcher and switch-hitter for the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees. Included in the museum are also some Ravens-related items as well as a display featuring 6 Baltimore players, whose outstanding accomplishments in their chosen sports - not all baseball or football - made them household names. You will also learn where George Herman Ruth got the moniker “Babe.”