I would normally be a bit grumpy about waking up at 5:00 am for work—but not today. This morning—at “dawn’s early light,” you might say—I felt unusually energized . . . and I wasn’t the only one. At 6:45 am I arrived at the museum and joined staffers and media crews in hard hats gathering around a huge, stainless steel crate. At 30 feet long, the container made its presence known—although its steely exterior didn’t provide any hints about the treasure resting safely inside.
So what were all these people here to see so early in the morning? The Star-Spangled Banner, carefully rolled up inside its crate, was to be delivered from the conservation lab where it has been housed since 1999 to its new permanent home in the center of the museum. Moving this national icon marked a major milestone in the museum’s transformation and reminded us all that we’re literally rolling into the final weeks before our reopening on November 21.
Take a look at the video and hear what Jeffrey Brodie, project manager for the Star-Spangled Banner exhibition, has to say about what will happen next as the museum gets ready to unveil the new gallery. Stay tuned!
Dana Allen-Greil is the museum's new media project manager.
I am excited to see it again! My fifth great Aunt - Mary Young Pickersgill- made this flag, possibly with the help of my 4th great grandmother (Mary's older sister) who lived less than a block away. I am so greatful to Ralph Lauren and Hillary Clinton for making its restoration possible!
Posted by: Marilyn Melton | November 11, 2008 at 01:00 PM
Each Aug/Sept for the last 10 years, I teach my K-5 students about the history of the Star-Spangled Banner...both the song and the banner. They are extremely interested. They know all about the conservation project. We watch the History Channel's first DVD about the Banner and what little is shown on the Smithsonian website (there should be more). Finally, there is more to see. I hope you show even more on the next film when you display the banner. Not everyone can make it to D.C.
Posted by: peggy reeder | October 31, 2008 at 04:17 PM
Very cool! Can't wait to see the SSB in its new home. Very interesting that it has to acclimate to the environment for 3 weeks before it is unrolled. Would love to hear more about the special care the flag is getting!
Keep up the great work American History!
Posted by: Kate | October 01, 2008 at 11:00 PM