Debut of War of 1812 History and Travel Guide

In Full Glory Reflected: Discovering the War of 1812 in the Chesapeake

Baltimore, MD  (Sept. 12) – An enthusiastic crowd gathered at the Maryland Historical Society (MdHS) late this afternoon to celebrate the release of In Full Glory Reflected: Discovering the War of 1812 in the Chesapeake by historians Ralph Eshelman and Burt Kummerow. Following remarks by Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission chair Chip Mason and Maryland Senate President Mike Miller, Burt Kummerow and MdHS staff led tours of the museum's new exhibit of the same name.

The book is the definitive history and travel guide to the War of 1812 in the Chesapeake and features more than 50 artist-commissioned original illustrations, a lively narrative, and clear maps that follow the action and highlight the sites one can visit today along the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail.

"In Full Glory Reflected brings the War of 1812 and Maryland's contributions to the defense of the nation to life," said Bill Pencek, executive director of the Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission and chair of the trail's Advisory Council.  "The book is the must-have history and travel guide to appreciate the tangible evidence of this nation-building conflict in our own backyard." 

The title phrase "In Full Glory Reflected" is lifted from the second stanza of Francis Scott Key's poem that became the national anthem of the United States:
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected, now shines on the stream:
'Tis the star-spangled banner: O, long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Part I of In Full Glory Reflected tells the war's gripping stories of devastating British raids, heroic defense, and threatened citizens in the Chesapeake, where much of the war occurred. 

Part II is designed for adventurers who want to see for themselves where this action occurred two hundred years ago. Authors Eshelman and Kummerow show visitors how to follow the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail to trace the original routes of the Americans and the British and the dramatic events that produced America's national anthem and its iconic flag. 

"We are immensely pleased with the collaborative efforts and the hard work of the authors to bring this history and travel book to life," said John Maounis, superintendent of the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail. "Visitors will learn about the Chesapeake of two hundred years ago, see the War of 1812 through stories and illustrations, and then visit the places along the trail where that history happened."

The book is a project of the Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission, the National Park Service, the Maryland Historical Trust, the Maryland Historical Society and the Johns Hopkins University Press.  A portion of the proceeds from the book sales will support the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail.  Books can be purchased by visiting the Johns Hopkins University Press website.   

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About Star-Spangled 200, Inc.:
Star-Spangled 200, Inc. is the non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that supports the fundraising goals of the Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission and is charged with helping to ensure the realization of successful programs, events, and community investment during the three-year commemoration period.  For more information: visitwww.starspangled200.com.

About the Maryland War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission:
Established by Governor Martin O'Malley, the commission is staffed by the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development, Division of Tourism Film and the Arts. The bicentennial period runs from June 2012 through February 2015. It commemorates Maryland's unique contributions to the defense and heritage of the nation, including the pivotal battle that led to an American victory and the birth of "The Star-Spangled Banner."  For more information: visit www.starspangled200.org.

About the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail:  
The trail commemorates the War of 1812 and its legacy in the Chesapeake region.  Over 560 miles of land and water routes in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia follow movements of British and American troops during a period of political and social turmoil that forever changed a young democratic nation. The National Park Service, in cooperation with state government, local jurisdictions and hundreds of nonprofit organizations, is working to preserve and develop sites and places along the trail to provide interpretation of the causes, events, and outcomes of the War and improve water access and recreation opportunities for visitors and residents. For more information: visit www.starspangledtrail.net.

About the Maryland Historical Society:
Founded in 1844, the Maryland Historical Society (MdHS) is the state's oldest continuously operating cultural institution. In keeping with the founders' commitment to preserve the remnants of Maryland's past, MdHS remains the premier institution for state history. With over 350,000 objects and seven million books and documents, this institution now serves upward of 100,000 people through its museum, library, press, and educational programs.  For more information: visit www.mdhs.org.

About the Maryland Historical Trust:
The Maryland Historical Trust (Trust) is a state agency dedicated to preserving and interpreting the legacy of Maryland's past.  Through research, conservation and education, the Trust assists the people of Maryland in understanding their historical and cultural heritage.  The Trust is an agency of the Maryland Department of Planning and serves as Maryland's State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) pursuant to the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. For more information: visit mht.maryland.gov.

About Johns Hopkins University Press:
A leader and innovator in scholarly publishing since 1878, the Johns Hopkins University Press publishes and distributes books, journals, and online collections for a worldwide audience of students, professionals, and general readers. For more information: visit http://www.press.jhu.edu/

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