Dear Richard:

Can't answer your question about keeping it in your collection - maybe
the local community can be drawn in to your site by asking them the same
question-------

The National Museum of American History of The Smithsonian exhibits the
very large flag which inspired Frances Scott Key - vertically - you
might want to give their textile conservators a call to see how they did
it.

Kind Regards

Roger Wulff
Museum Services International


Richard Fields wrote:
>
> I have recently assumed the position as the Director of a historic site
> in Oklahoma.  While inspecting boxes in storage, I came across a flag
> that had been rolled up and placed in an acid free box some 18 years
> ago.  I have temporarily unfurled the flag on a flat surface as I ponder
> what to do with it.  The flag is a 45 star pattern with a larger hand
> made star affixed to it, with Oklahoma written on the star.  I have been
> able to determine the significance of the flag, but it really falls out
> of the period we interpret at our site (1824-1890).  The flag is soiled
> and worn, but considering its history, in pretty good shape.  Since our
> site is approaching its 175th anniversary in April, 1999, I would like
> to temporarily exhibit it as a draw for the local community.
>         My questions are:
>         The flag is approximatly 6 by 18 feet in size, and fragile.  I don't
> have the space to lay it out flat for the display.  Does anyone have a
> suggestion on the best way to present such an artifact?
>         How do you safely store a flag that is large but fragile.
>         Finally, am I wrong in trying to dispaly it locally before I send it
> off to the State Archives? I want to preserve the artifact, but sending
> it out of the area without giving the local museum visitors could be
> considered a slap to the local community.
>         Any comments are appreciated.
>
>                 Richard A Fields
>                 Superintendent
>                 Fort Gibson Historic Site
>                 Fort Gibson, OK