Celebrate Independence Day at the Tampa Bay History Center with “A Star-Spangled Story: Battle for America,” a Smithsonian Channel documentary exploring the surprising history and secrets behind “The Star-Spangled Banner.” “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. Screenings are included with gallery admission and will begin every hour on the hour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 4, 2026. TV-PG / 51 min Share this event Event Details Start Date Jul 04, 2026 End Date Jun 14, 2026 Jul 04, 2026 Time 10:00 am - 4:00 pm More Info Read More Location Tampa Bay History Center 801 Water Street, Tampa, FL 33602 Website https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/ Category Film History Organizer Tampa Bay History Center Phone (813) 228-0097 Website https://tampabayhistorycenter.org/ REGISTER + Add to Google Calendar + iCal / Outlook export
