Resources to Help Make the Most of Your Trip
|Free Lesson Plans||Docent Tours|
|Online Activities||Homeschool Programs|
|Classes/Workshops||Scout Badge Programs|
|Trunk and/or Travelling Program||Virtual tour|
About the Star-Spangled Banner Flage House:
Built in 1793, the Flag House was once the home and business place of Mary Pickersgill, who sewed the garrison flag Francis Scott Key witnessed flying over Fort McHenry that inspired him to write our national anthem. Pickersgill, her mother, Rebecca Young – who began their flag-making business – and Mary’s daughter, Caroline, moved into the house in 1806.
Featured exhibits located in the museum building include a discovery gallery for children, where kids can design a flag and fly it on the gallery’s flagpole, cook at a replica of the Flag House kitchen and more. The Flag House’s most current permanent exhibit is “Family of Flagmakers: The Women Who Created the Star-Spangled Banner,” the first of its kind in history that focuses on the life of Mary Pickersgill, her family, household and neighborhood. It includes several interactive areas, including a station where you can measure yourself against the two foot stars and attempt to hoist the flag’s weight. The exhibit features a fragment of the Star-Spangled Banner flag, a drum used by an American soldier during the bombardment of Fort McHenry and more.
Field trip tours focus on storytelling the history of the American flag or using primary sources to understand the War of 1812. Groups can add-on 30-minute hands-on activities for $2 per student.
Docents for walk-in visitors are available on Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday. The Star-Spangled Banner Flag House does not sell food. On-site picnicking area can be reserved for a small fee.