The Woman Who Made
the Banner
The Star-Spangled Banner Flag House allows you to step into living history and immerse yourself in one of the most riveting stories in our nation’s history — the creation of the American flag.
Built in 1793, the Flag House was once the home and business place of Mary Pickersgill, who sewed the garrison flag Francis Scott Key witnessed flying over Fort McHenry — inspiring him to write our national anthem. Pickersgill, her mother, Rebecca Young — who began their flag-making business — and Mary’s daughter, Caroline, moved into the house in 1806.
The house was sold to the city of Baltimore in 1927 and opened as a public museum. Today it retains much of its original character, showcasing early 19th-century objects that belonged to the Young-Pickersgill family.
“It was this flag that Francis Scott Key saw flying over the fort which inspired him to pen the poem that became our National Anthem in 1931.”
— Star-Spangled Banner Flag House
A Timeline of the Flag House
The Star-Spangled Banner Flag House and Museum preserves the history of the making of the Star-Spangled Banner Flag, promotes the legacy of craftswoman Mary Young Pickersgill, and inspires personal connections to Baltimore and American history through place-based learning and the interpretation of the diverse lives of individuals who lived in the historic house since 1793.
Adopted June 2019 • An American Alliance of Museums Accredited Museum
