Star-Spangled Banner, Song To Be Joined In DC

The original, handwritten manuscript of "The Star-Spangled Banner" and the flag that inspired the song's lyrics will be displayed together at the Smithsonian in Washington, the first time the historic pieces are believed to have been shown side by side.

The manuscript is normally on display at the Maryland Historical Society in Baltimore and the flag has been at the Smithsonian since the early 1900s. They will be displayed together from Flag Day, June 14, through July 6. The three-week display is the start of celebrations marking 200 years since the song was written on Sept. 14, 1814.

Bonnie Lilienfeld, a Smithsonian curator who is working on the manuscript's display in Washington, said she hopes the exhibit will help people think more about where the song's words came from. Having the two objects together provides an "aha moment," said Jennifer Jones, the curator who oversees the flag.
More