A Star-Spangled Story: Battle for America

"The Star-Spangled Banner" is known by all, treasured for its powerful melody and stirring lyrics. And yet, only about 40% of U.S. citizens know all the words. And even fewer know their meaning. Join us as we travel back to 1814, when Washington D.C. was under British attack during the "Second War of Independence," and the very bricks and mortar of American democracy were reduced to smoking rubble. We examine the battle that inspired witness Francis Scott Key to immortalize its final moments, then reveal how his poem transformed into an anthem.

• Molly HermannDirector

• Jeff WilburnSelf - Narrator (voice)
• Clent BowersSelf - National Anthem Performer
• Catherine PurcellSelf - Voice Student
• Jennifer L. JonesSelf - Curator
• Vince EisensonFrancis Scott Key
• Cynthia JanzenDolly Madison
• Jim LyallJames Madison
• James BaileyGeorge Armistead
• Bill BoslegoWilliam Beanes
• Shannon McLucasMary Pickersgill