By the Dawn’s Early Light: Forging Identity, Securing Freedom, and Overcoming Conflict

The year 2012 marks the bicentennial of the War of 1812, which makes Baltimore the ideal location for this year’s conference. The Battle of Baltimore was one of the most significant turning points in the war. American forces successfully repulsed a sea invasion of the city, and defeated the invading British army forces on land. The bombardment and defense of Baltimore’s Fort McHenry during the battle inspired Francis Scott Key to compose the poem "The Star-Spangled Banner," which, once set to the tune of a popular English drinking song, became the official national anthem of the United States of America in 1931. 

Please sure to attend Board Member Ole Varmer's panel "Titanic at 100: Law, Policy, and Practice" Saturday, January 7, 2012 at 1pm.  This panel will be co-chaired with Laura Gongaware.

For more information including the conference program, tourism guide and registration, please visit: http://www.sha.org/about/conferences/2012.cfm