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These Tattered Flags
Unique Symbols of American History Focus of New Exhibit at The National Civil War Museum  

Harrisburg, PA (July 27, 2005) - The National Civil War Museum today unveiled its newest exhibit, These Tattered Flags.  Serving as unique symbols of American history, flags will be the focus of the Museum’s newest temporary showing, located in the gallery on the first floor. The historical examples, unique designs and rare artifacts will be on display through the end of the year.

“We are very excited about the new exhibit,” explained George E. Hicks, CEO of The National Civil War Museum.  “Flags reflect the fabric of our nation.  They embody the soul of America - - the boys in blue and the boys in gray.  Sharing these unique artifacts with our guests is a privilege.”

Flags.  They are symbols, emblems of a nation, banners of protest and pennants for commissioning and command.  They have been used, abused, adopted, changed, misunderstood, captured and vanquished.  They have been waved above state houses, lead troops into battle, and covered the coffins of the fallen.  They are prominent designs for postage stamps, and they have been incorporated into beach blankets, articles of clothing, artwork and uniform patches.  

These Tattered Flags will focus on the evolution and design of the American flag.  The exhibition includes flags ranging from a hand-held parade flag sewn by Betsy Ross’ granddaughter, to a large, 16 foot U.S Navy Ensign made at the United States Navy Yard in Charleston, South Carolina.

Other notable inclusions are an Army of Tennessee Battleflag, loaned by the Pioneer Historical Society and the Borough of Bedford, Pennsylvania.  The battleflag was made at the Atlanta Clothing Depot in 1864 and brought home by Thomas Maugle, a Union Cavalry Trooper from Bedford County, Pennsylvania.; a Know Nothing Flag, representing a secret society and later a political party active from 1844 to 1860, who unsuccessfully ran a candidate against Lincoln in 1860; and a twelve foot, eight star Confederate first national flag found in the stores of the C.S.S. Alabama, ultimately coming into possession of Walter Graham, the American Consul at Capetown, South Africa.

Accompanying the flag display are original paintings by Don Troiani and various artifacts including the personal effects of those individuals whose stories weave throughout the flag’s history.

“The National Civil War Museum strives to put a face on history,” shared Hicks.  “Each of the Museum’s galleries were designed to be humanistic in nature and this special exhibition is no different.  Interspersed among the flags are artifacts personal to soldiers, companies and regiments.”

The exhibit, which includes more than seventy-two items, features several flags from the collection of Peter J. Keim, M.D.

“We are very pleased to have the support of Dr. Peter Keim,” said Hicks. “Dr. Keim is an authority on the American flag and nationally known collector.  His private collection spans more than 400 specimens.  Through his generosity, we have the opportunity to put the best and most diverse collection on display.”    

True to the Museum’s mission, the exhibition will focus on the flags of the Civil War and will include both Union and Confederate banners.  Many of the patriotic symbols are 150 years old, and are offered in an educational setting as symbols of an emerging nation.

The exhibit is supported by grants from the North American Railway Foundation, the U.S. Department of Education, by an Act of Congress and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.  In addition to the collection of The National Civil War Museum, artifacts for this exhibit were generously loaned by the following individuals and organizations:  Peter J. Keim, M.D.; The Pioneer Historical Society of Bedford, Pennsylvania; The Borough of Bedford, Pennsylvania; The Fort Bedford Museum, Bedford, Pennsylvania; William C. Garver, Oreland, Pennsylvania; Samuel A. Schwartz, Bethel, Pennsylvania; The Worthington Library, Worthington, Massachusetts; Walter and Nancy Wagner, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; and The North Carolina Museum of History, Raleigh, North Carolina.  Pennlive.com serves as the exhibit sponsor.

This prestigious exhibit illustrates the significance of The National Civil War Museum’s presence in the national museum community as shown through cooperative loans from recognized institutions.  

The National Civil War Museum, which has an on-site, full-service café, is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 5:00 p.m.  Admission to the Museum is $7.00 for adults, with reduced rates for children, seniors, military personnel and families.  Admission to the special exhibit, These Tattered Flags is included in with entry to the Museum. 

For more information about this unique attraction or the special exhibit, These Tattered Flags, please call 717.260.1861.

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2005