National Museum of American History
The National Museum of American History: Kenneth E. Behring Center is a historical museum in Washington, D.C. It collects, preserves, and displays the heritage of the United States in the areas of social, political, cultural, scientific, and military history. Among the items on display is the original Star-Spangled Banner. The museum is part of the Smithsonian Institution and located on the National Mall at 14th Street and Constitution Avenue NW in Washington, D.C.
Aerial view of the museum in 2010
The south facade of the museum
North facade entrance of the museum
John Bull, an 1831 locomotive displayed in America on the Move, a first-floor exhibit
Star-Spangled Banner (flag)
The Star-Spangled Banner, or the Great Garrison Flag, was the garrison flag that flew over Fort McHenry in Baltimore Harbor during the naval portion of the Battle of Baltimore during the War of 1812. It is on exhibit at the National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution. Seeing the flag flying over Fort McHenry on the morning of September 14, 1814, after the battle ended, Francis Scott Key was inspired to write the poem "Defence of Fort M'Henry". These words were written by Key and set to the tune of "To Anacreon in Heaven", a popular song at the time, by John Stafford Smith. In 1931 the song became the national anthem of the United States.
Star Spangled Banner flag on display at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, c. 1964
Mary Pickersgill and her nieces sewing the flag at Brown's Brewery. Artist's rendition by Robert McGill Mackall, 1962.
The flag photographed in 1873 in the Boston Navy Yard by George Henry Preble
President George W. Bush (center) observes the flag upon its unveiling at the reopening of the National Museum of American History in 2008