As part of its Florida Conversations series, the Tampa Bay History Center will host “Finding Our Fabric: Old Glory,” taking a look at the history of the United States flag.
Sponsored by the Bank of America, the exhibit, “American Flags: The Stars & Stripes in American History & Culture,” is based on one of the most comprehensive collections of American flags in the country, collected by Dr. Peter J. Keim. Keim has collected flags for more than 40 years, and has exhibited in museums across the country.
The showcase features textiles, artwork and memorabilia exploring the history and context of the American flag.
The flag’s history includes iconic moments of revolution, union, war, protest and patriotism, and was an ever-evolving symbol that reflected the growth of the nation prior to 1960.
It wasn’t until 1960 that the standardized American flag — with 50 stars and 13 stripes —appeared.
The exhibit has more than 20 original flags on display, some dating back to the 1790s, and a 27-star flag signifying Florida’s admission into the Union.
Also included will be original artwork, such as Andy Warhol’s print, “Moonwalk,” and “John’s Flag” by Jasper Johns; and photography from the 1960s and Sept. 11, 2001 that illustrated the symbolic power of the Stars and Stripes.
Leading up to the show, Dr. Keim will present a lecture on April 11 at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free.
The history center is at 801 Old Water St., in Tampa. The exhibit will run through July.
For information, visit TampaBayHistoryCenter.org, or call (813) 228-0097.
Published April 4, 2018
