Comments on: The Meaning Behind Folding an American Flag

By: Tom Crouch

Tom Crouch — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:05:42 +0000

Visiters to the blog may be interested in knowing that the oldest American flag in the NASM collection is a thirteen star, thirteen stripe version sewn by Sarah Stock Wise for her husband John Wise, the famed 19th century balloonist. While the flag is only finished on one side, it is said to have been carried on balloon flights. While the flag is not dated, it must have been created before 1879, when Wise disappeared during a balloon flight across the Great Lakes.

By: A. Kile

A. Kile — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 02:23:53 +0000

Thanks for this insightful story. This flag will be a meaningful sight for so many people who remember that day.

By: Margaret Weitekamp

Margaret Weitekamp — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 21:53:18 +0000

What an insightful comment. Thank you. The initial decision to refold the flag came because the presentation box would not fare well on display. Although the box is just as important as the flag, we have to consider which materials will fare better on display, as both the box and flag are vulnerable to light damage at different rates. If they are displayed together the paper box and textile flag may adversely affect the preservation of one another over time. The Museum’s conservators are challenged with difficult decisions when they have to balance the long-term preservation of an object and choosing what to display. Without the box, the flag needed to be folded in a way that it would not be harmed on exhibit for years to come. The formal triangular fold seemed to be the best choice.
-Margaret Weitekamp and Lisa Young

By: Claudia

Claudia — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 16:13:15 +0000

Though I’m moved by the respect you show for this very special flag, I disagree with the refolding.
The flag, as shown in the presentation box, is reminiscent of the flag of Texas – the state over which Columbia had its fateful disintegration. For the Texans viewing the reentry that morning, life will never be the same.
The non-regulation folding of that particular flag is as much a testament to those who have been touched by the disaster as it is a memento for the crew.