I have accepted an invitation to participate in the 200th anniversary celebration of the War of 1812 next weekend (March 8-11) in and around Baltimore, Maryland.

Graphic of the Battle of New Orleans, which took place two weeks after the treaty "ending" the War of 1812 was signed.

I spent some time in Inner Harbor this past July, drinking Tom Collins at McCormick and Schmick’s, taking in the beautiful colors in the summer sky, and arguing with a bartender about Ciroc vodka.

Now I’m going to brush up on my history. Don’t fret – this won’t be a reproduction of your sixth grade textbooks – I’ll make it fun and share my insights on the second war for independence we waged against the British.

One thing I’m really looking forward to: Viewing the original manuscript of the Star-Spangled Banner.

As I writer, the fact that it’s still around is inspiring.

Graphic of the Battle of New Orleans, which took place two weeks after the treaty "ending" the War of 1812 was signed.