#ZeteCon19 – 5 Things to See in Baltimore!
Zeta Psi’s 172nd Annual Convention is just a few short months away! From August 14th-17th, hundreds of Zetes will congregate in Baltimore in celebration of brotherhood, leadership, and education. In anticipation of our favorite week of the year, we’ve put together this short list of 5 must-see attractions in the immediate vicinity of Zeta Psi’s official convention hotel.
1. Maryland Science Center
One of the oldest scientific institutions in the United States, the Maryland Science Center is a fun and educational attraction for visitors of all ages. Originally created as a meeting place for amateur scientists to discuss emerging topics in natural sciences, the center now plays host to a number of traveling exhibits and permanent science installations.
The science center also features a state of the art planetarium where visitors can learn about the universe’s many celestial wonders. Through the planetarium’s “The Sky Live!” presentation, guests can examine the night sky, the sun and the stars, or learn how to identify stars and constellations.
Visit the Maryland Science Center’s official website for more information!
2. National Aquarium
Baltimore’s aptly-named National Aquarium is hands-down one of America’s greatest aquatic exploration centers. Featuring more than 20,000 aquatic creatures, the National Aquarium features three separate pavilions, each replicating the natural habitat of these various species.
Good news: Zeta Psi has secured a private showing and catered dinner at the Baltimore Aquarium on the Thursday night of Convention! We can’t wait to explore this amazing venue with fellow Zetes and their guests!
For more information and exhibit info, check out the National Museum’s official website.
3. Fort McHenry
A national treasure, Fort McHenry is a living piece of history whose story still resonates within American society to this day. The valiant defense of this star-shaped fort in 1814 inspired Francis Scott Key to write “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Fort McHenry is also the proving ground for modern iterations of the American flag; when a new flag is designed for use by the United States, it is first flown over Fort McHenry before anyplace else. This spectacular embodiment of the spirit of America is open most days for a visit and is a must-see for history fans.
Visit Fort McHenry’s official website for more information.
4. Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Oriole Park at Camden Yards, the beautiful baseball-only facility in downtown Baltimore, became the official home of the Orioles on April 6, 1992. The one-time railroad center is 12 minutes west by foot from the City’s Inner Harbor and only two blocks from the birthplace of baseball’s most legendary hero, George Herman “Babe” Ruth.
Oriole Park revolutionized baseball when it debuted on Opening Day 1992, and is available for tours most days of the week!
Visit Oriole Park’s official website for more information and tour availability.
5. The Star-Spangled Banner Flag House
Built in 1793, the Flag House was once the home and business place of Mary Pickersgill, who sewed the garrison flag Francis Scott Key witnessed flying over Fort McHenry that inspired him to write the American national anthem. The house was sold to the city of Baltimore in 1927, and the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House Association established a museum inside the home. Today, the house retains much of its original character, showcasing many early 19th century objects that belonged to the Young-Pickersgill family.
Visit the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House’s official website for more information.