Experts at the Smithsonian have finished an eight-year conservation project on the flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to pen “The Star-Spangled Banner” in 1814 as he watched British warships attack Fort McHenry in Baltimore’s harbor.
The cleaned and specially mounted flag will receive a new gallery as part of the National Museum of American History’s $85 million renovation project, which was announced Wednesday.
“Its new surroundings are part of a strategic plan to ensure the long-term preservation of the flag and to revitalize the entire museum to tell the story of America and help future generations experience what it means to be an American,” said Brent Glass, museum director.
Conservationists carefully removed the stitching of the flag’s linen backing, placed in 1914. They used cosmetic sponges and an acetone-water mixture to remove any damaging soil or debris.
A special lab was built so the entire process could be viewed by the public.
“It still looks tattered,” said Valeska Hilbig, museum spokeswoman. “We don’t want it to look like new, because then it doesn’t look like a historical flag anymore.”
The American History Museum on the National Mall will close to the public as of Sept. 5 to begin a three-year renovation of the 42-year-old building.
American History Museum renovations include:
» A central core atrium
» Star-Spangled Banner Gallery
» Artifact walls to display museum objects
» Additional entrances
» Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation gallery
» Additional bathrooms
» New elevators and escalators
