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Wall Panels: Who Made the Star-Spangled Banner? Hint: It Wasn't Betsy Ross!

May 26, 2006 - September 4, 2006

Museum: American History Museum

Location: 2nd Floor, West Wing, in Preserving the Star-Spangled Banner

On view adjacent to the Star-Spangled Banner window wall, this small display explains that Mary Pickersgill (1776-1857), a professional flagmaker from Baltimore, was commissioned in 1813 to make two flags for Fort McHenry -- one of which became known as the Star-Spangled Banner. Objects on view include a photo of Mrs. Pickersgill; sewing implements such as she may have used, including scissors, pins and needles, a basket, a thimble, and a pincushion; and a copy of the receipt for the Star-Spangled Banner ($405.90).