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JOURNEY BACK TO THE WAR OF 1812 MEET MILLIONAIRE MADAM C. J. WALKER BALD EAGLES DIG THEIR NEW NEST

September 11, 2008 3:18 am

A trip to Fort McHenry in Baltimore for Defenders Day activities will net a star-spangled weekend, Friday through Sunday. It features a three-day military encampment and extravaganza with War of 1812 re-enactors, parades, military bands, fireworks, a symbolic ship-to-shore bombardment, children's programs, historic boats, lectures, fife and drum concert, a "privateers auction" of captured goods, musket firing, tactical demonstrations and much more. Flag change programs are held twice daily at the fort all year, at 9:30 a.m. and 4:20 p.m., weather permitting. For complete details and schedule visit nps.gov/fomc or call 410/962-4290. Fort McHenry is located at 2400 E. Fort Ave.

For a diversion later in the week, you might visit the Alexandria Black History Museum and explore the legacy of Madam C.J. Walker, entrepreneurial businesswoman, born on a Louisiana plantation, the daughter of former slaves, and the first black woman to become a millionaire.

On Sept. 17, a descendant and biographer of Madame Walker, A'Lelia Bundles, will present an illustrated lecture titled "A'Lelia Walker and the Harlem Renaissance," about her great-grandmother and namesake, the only daughter of Madame Walker, at 7 p.m. The lecture is free, but reservations are suggested.

"The Madame C.J. Walker Story" will be presented Sept. 19-20 at 8 p.m. and Sept. 21 at 2 p.m. by the drama troupe from Sal St. George Productions. Following the play the actors will answer questions from the audience. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at alexblackhistory.org, or by calling 703/838-4356.

The Alexandria Black History Museum is located at 902 Wythe St. in Alexandria.

Some very important feathered friends will soon be moving into new digs at Maymont, when the Robert M. Freeman Bald Eagle Habitat and Raptor Valley opens on Saturday.

Residents at the new center include bald eagles, as well as the red-tailed hawk, Cooper's hawk, barred owl, great horned owl, black vulture and American kestrel, housed in individual aviaries. Visitors may observe the birds from a board-walk that winds through the woods. The center also features an "Eagle Amphitheater" for school and public programs.

The grand opening runs 11 a.m.-5 p.m., with ribbon cutting at 11 a.m. There will be "Meet the Birds" programs, storytelling by American Indian "Red Hawk," hands-on displays, an interactive "birds' eye" binocular viewing, activities and much more.

According to the Maymont Foundation, "All raptors at Maymont were rescued with permanent injuries that make them non-releasable into the wild."

The Bald Eagle Habitat and Raptor Valley is located near the Maymont Children's Farm entrance at Spotswood Road and Shirley Lane. Maymont is at 2201 Shields Lake Drive in Richmond. The grand opening is free but donations are welcome. For details call 804/358-7166 or visit maymont.org.

Upcoming events: (most require preregistration)

Animal Encounters: Raptors: Includes fun facts and a close-up glimpse of Maymont's avian hunters. $3-$4.

Behind the Scenes at Raptor Valley: A behind-the-scenes activity looks at the exhibits, daily zoologist duties, needs of rehabilitated raptors and more. $4-$5.

Who's For Dinner? Learn why owls are such great hunters, dissect owl pellets and more. $8-$10, $4-$5 for each additional child.

Beaks and Talons: Close encounters with the raptors, a bird hike, crafts and more. Ages 5 and up. $18-$20.