We have a great many flags and regimental "colours" in our collection.
Like all textiles, they require careful conservation. I strongly
recommend you contact our experienced textile conservator Helen Holt at
[log in to unmask]

Helen is VERY good and always willing to help.

With respect to displaying the flag, I see nothing immoral about doing
that but I think this is a case where you should be guided by the need
for conservation (Good grief! Did I really say that? Eeek! The
conservators are getting through to me!!!)

Harry Needham
Special Advisor - Program Development
Canadian War Museum
330 Sussex Drive,
  Ottawa, Canada
K1A 0M8
Voice: (819) 776-8612  Fax (819) 776-8623
Email: [log in to unmask]

> ----------
> From:         Mary Margaret Carr[SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
> Reply To:     Museum discussion list
> Sent:         Tuesday, June 02, 1998 3:48 PM
> To:   [log in to unmask]
> Subject:      Re: Flag Display
>
> 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
> >
>