Independence

In 2008 the Smithsonian National Museum of American History reopened its doors to the public after a much needed two year renovation.  In addition to updated architecture, a more logical flow and educational displays, visitors also get a look at the newly preserved, almost 200 year old Star Spangled Banner- the 30-foot by 34-foot flag that inspired the National Anthem.

  

Entering the dimmed exhibition hall you'll be immersed in the Battle of Baltimore, which, as you know, inspired 

Francis Scott Key to write his famous lyrics.  When describing the battle of Baltimore he said,"It seemed as though mother earth had opened and was vomiting shot and shell in a sheet of fire and brimstone." The poem he composed after witnessing the bombardment, became America's national anthem in 1931.

The flag had been hand sewn in 6 weeks by 29 year-old Mary Young Pickersgill, a professional flag maker.  The flag was made of 300 yards of wool, with cotton for the stars, which are 24" across.  It is said that she and her daughter Caroline laid out the material for construction on the floor of a local Baltimore brewery.

This 1873 image from the Boston Navy Yard, is the first known photograph taken of the Star-Spangled Banner.

The Star-Spangled Banner arrived at the Smithsonian on July 6, 1907, and was displayed and photographed at the Smithsonian Institution Building that same day.  If it looks a little short, that's because after the battle of Baltimore, General Armistead, commander of Fort McHenry, had cut off pieces of the flag to give away as souvenirs.  

In 1914, the Smithsonian hired Amelia Fowler to replace the canvas backing that had been added to the flag in 1873. Having worked on historic flags for the United States Naval Academy, Ms. Fowler had patented a method of supporting fragile flags with a linen support that required a honeycomb pattern of stitches. 

Some Flag Etiquette from the United States Flag Code.  Read all of it by clicking here.

The flag should never be used as wearing apparel, bedding, or drapery.

It should not be embroidered on such articles as cushions or handkerchiefs and the like.

It should not be printed or otherwise impressed on paper napkins or boxes.

The flag should never have placed upon it, nor on any part of it, nor attached to it any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture, or drawing of any nature.

No part of the flag should ever be used as a costume or athletic uniform. 

The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever.