Description: Happy Fourth of July! On Independence Day, flags are flown across the nation. The Smithsonian has many versions of the American flag in its collections, the best known being the Star Spangled Banner. But, do you know its history, and how it came to the Smithsonian? The Star Spangled Banner is a huge 15-star, 15-stripe garrison flag, 30 feet by 42 feet, made in 1813 by Mary
Description: During World War I, the Smithsonian joined the nation in watching and mobilizing for the war effort. While the institution donated space to support the armed services, the staff gave their time, expertise, and resources. Preparing alongside the federal government, the Smithsonian took steps to help Americans understand the conflict and document the war for generations to come.