Displaying the flag at your site before sending it to a more appropriate
institution is a good opportunity to enlighten the local community on many
of the more problematic aspects of dealing with an existing collection.

The story of how the flag was found and how it ended up in your collection
should be a story of local interest. It will give you a chance to explain
why it is more appropriate that it go State Archives, hopefully educating
your constituents and avoiding any bad feelings. A "local boy" makes it big
story, perhaps.


>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
>