The Flag Today

The flag that inspired the writing of our National Anthem now rests at the Smithsonian Institution in the National Museum of American History. It has gone through a three year preservation project so that all the generations to come will be able to see the history it holds. It's secured to a table that is tilted up at a ten degree angle so that the flag has the support that it needs, and has the best angle for the visitors to view it. Also, it's encased in an environmentally controlled room to preserve it.

Display of flag today

The Star-Spangled Banner

"Flags were communication devices used for work. Flags were handmade and expensive and were not used for political rallies or to display patriotism. During the Civil War flags were manufactured on machines, so it was at that time they were used by people showing their patriotism for the country."

- Telephone interview with the curator of the Flag House in Baltimore, MD.