Save America's Treasures - Project Profile

June 1999

Star Spangled Banner
National Museum of American History
Washingron, D.C.

You can neither honor the past, nor imagine the future, nor achieve it without the kind of citizenship embodied by all of our memories of the flag. So as you see this flag and leave this place, promise yourself that when your great-grandchildren are here, they'll not only be able to see the Star-Spangled Banner, it will mean just as much to them as it does to you. — President Bill Clinton, July 13, 1998

The Star-Spangled Banner, on display at the National Museum of American History, will be preserved for future generations through the generous support of Save America's Treasures Corporate Partner, Polo Ralph Lauren.

he First Lady began her Save America's Treasures Tour on July 13, 1998 in Washington, D.C. at the National Museum of American History. At this event, the First Lady was joined by the President in announcing the start of a project to restore the American flag that inspired the creation of our national anthem. The project began when Polo Ralph Lauren responded to President Clinton's call to preserve this national treasure with a pledge of $10 million. It is also supported by The Pew Charitable Trusts, and others.

History and Significance

This flag, now known as the Star-Spangled Banner and on display at the National Museum of American History, was made by Mrs. Mary Pickersgill of Baltimore, Maryland in 1813. It was flying over Fort McHenry at dawn of September 14, 1814, when Francis Scott Key saw it, signifying that the fort's commander, Major George Armistead, and his troops had withstood a British attack. Inspired, Key began writing about the sight and the siege of Fort McHenry. This poem became a popular patriotic song, and in 1931, an Act of Congress declared "The Star Spangled Banner" our national anthem.

The flag measures 30 x 34 feet and weighs approximately 300 pounds. There are 15 white cotton five-pointed stars, each approximately 24 inches wide, and 15 stripes — 8 red and 7 white. The blue field and red and white stripes are made of English wool bunting.

Conserving the Flag

The Smithsonian has cared for the original Star-Spangled Banner and exhibited it to the public for almost a century — first in the Arts and Industries Building and, since 1964, in the specially designed three-story Flag Hall at the National Museum of American History. The Museum worked to preserve the flag's already-fragile state, but even periodic cleanings and special care could not stem the effects of natural deterioration as well as damage to its woolen fibers from artificial light and air pollutants.

To help ensure the continued preservation for the Star-Spangled Banner, the Museum has embarked on a six-year program of examination, treatment, and preservation of this priceless American icon. You are invited to experience the historic conservation of the Star-Spangled Banner in progress and learn more about the flag in a new exhibition. You can see objects relating to the flag, such as woolen fragments of the Star-Spangled Banner and a British bombshell of the type fired at Fort McHenry, and then watch the conservators at work in a specially designed laboratory using the most advanced conservation techniques.

Conservation will be completed in 2002. Smithsonian visitors then will be able to view the Star-Spangled Banner in its entirety in a new, more-protected setting at the core of the Museum.

Related Resources

Remarks by the President at National Treasures Tour Kick-Off: National Museum for American History, Washington, D.C., July 13, 1998.

National Museum of American History: A history of the flag and its display and preservation at the Smithsonian.

Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine: National Park Service tourism information.

Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine: History, music, and educational resources.

The History Channel's Save Our History: Star-Spangled Banner: Educational materials created to supplement the acclaimed History Channel program. Includes a brief history of the Star-Spangled Banner and educational activities for grades K-8. Also available is a free Teacher's Manual with classroom activities.

Library of Congress: "Star-Spangled Banner" Original Manuscript: Images of an original manuscript of Francis Scott Key's work.

Star-Spangled Banner: A brief history of the flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write the poem "The Star-Spangled Banner."

The United States Flag Page: Facts related to the United States flag including evolution, history, symbolism, flag etiquette, how to fold a flag, and where and when the flag is flown.