ART
With it crossed out lines and corrections, this 1814 original Star-Spangled Banner manuscript handwritten by Francis Scott Key on display at the Maryland Historical Society shows the process of writing this important manuscript. Image: Maryland Historical Society
Maryland Historical Society takes the Original Star-Spangled Banner Manuscript to State House in Annapolis to be displayed alongside the State House’s 1783 George Washington Resignation Speech.
BY ARTCENTRON
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND—Lovers of history and everything Maryland will get the rare opportunity to see the original Star-Spangled Banner Manuscript when it travels to Annapolis and goes on display at the State House on March 3. The manuscript’s trip marks its 89th anniversary as our national anthem, which became official via executive order on March 3, 1931, by President Herbert Hoover. The 1814 manuscript handwritten by Francis Scott Key rarely leaves the premises of the Maryland Historical Society due to its fragility. One of those rare times was in the summer of 2014, when it was displayed alongside the original 1814 flag at the Smithsonian as part of the 200th anniversary of the anthem’s writing.
The original Star-Spangled Banner Manuscript will be on display alongside another important manuscript, the 1783 George Washington Resignation Speech. This is the first time the two manuscripts will be on display side by side. Sadly, this important display will only be for one day.
Mark Letzer, president and CEO, Maryland Historical Society explained that although he is happy with the role of the society as keepers and makers of history, he is determined to preserve the original Star-Spangled Banner Manuscript for future posterity. He notes:
“Our chief responsibility is to preserve the manuscript, and as such, we cannot have it exposed to the elements for long periods and are limited in the appearances we can arrange. This anniversary, and this union, felt like a once in a lifetime opportunity that we are excited to be able to make a reality.”
After the display, the original Star-Spangled Banner Manuscript will return to Maryland Historical Society’s library where it is stored. For those still interested in seeing the Star-Spangled Banner manuscript, a replica is on display in the War of 1812 exhibition.
About the Maryland Historical Society
Located at 201 West Monument Street in Baltimore, Maryland, the Maryland Historical Society was founded in 1844. It is Maryland’s oldest continuously operating cultural institution. With over 350,000 art objects and artifacts and 7 million documents and books, Maryland Historical Society serves over 100,000 people through its museum, library, press and educational programs. In keeping with the founders’ commitment, the Society preserves the remnants of Maryland’s past. Maryland Historical Society remains the premier institution for state history. The museum’s operating hours are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, and 12 – 5 p.m. Sunday.
Have you seen the Original Star-Spangled Banner Manuscript? Share your experience with us.
