Last weekend, my mom and I went to go visit the National Museum of American History. The museum is packed with plenty of exhibits about almost anything and everything you can think of related to American history.
While making our way from one wing of the building to the other side, one exhibit located in between the two wings had a line wrapped around the corner of people waiting to see what was inside. Having no idea what we were waiting to see, we figured it must be something spectacular if there was a line. Upon entering, we saw that it was an exhibit all about the inspiration for The Star-Spangled Banner. The exhibit was a single file line that started out with a few brief photos and descriptions about how the idea for the flag was conceived. Making our way through the line, in silence, and in the dark we had no idea what we would see just around the corner.
It was a truly breathtaking view of the nation’s first 15-star flag which inspired Francis Scott Key to write the national anthem named for the flag, The Star Spangled Banner. The almost 200-year old, 30-by 34-foot flag is displayed in a special environmentally controlled chamber. Taking a closer look, you can see how difficult it must have been for one woman to sew the entire piece. Next to the actual flag is an interactive table with a tactile image that allows visitors to investigate key details of the flag and how it was made.
If you have a chance during the next week to visit, this exhibit is definitely worth it.
-M.A.
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