Join Greenwich Historical Society on Flag Day for a special public dedication and flag-raising ceremony celebrating the installation of our new flagpole and American flag as part of America’s 250th commemoration. This meaningful community gathering will feature a welcome by Executive Director Carol Cadou, the dedication ceremony, presentation of the colors by local veterans and Scouts, the National Anthem, and the Pledge of Allegiance. Guests will also enjoy brief remarks exploring the history of the American flag and Greenwich’s role in our nation’s story. A vintage fire truck will be on site, creating a memorable backdrop for this patriotic occasion. Following the ceremony, attendees are invited to explore our campus and enjoy coffee, lemonade, and cookies.
View a 13-star flag from our collection as well as an archival showcase featuring flag history curated by a Greenwich High School student.
The13-star flag, often associated with the popular legend that Betsy Ross made the first American flag during the Revolutionary War, was used in the United States from 1777 through much of the 1800s. Whenever American Independence was being celebrated, 13-star flags were raised in recognition of the original 13 colonies who won their independence from Great Britain. This flag may have been made for celebrating the centennial of the Declaration of Independence in 1876.
This flag features an interesting arrangement of the 13-stars. A medallion pattern is created by a ring of eight stars encircling a single star with stars in each corner of the canton. The design, created during the Civil War and used as a symbol of the nation’s founding, remained very popular in the late 19th century. Most 13-star flags of this style were small, printed versions, making this large sewn example—with red and tan wool, machine-stitched stripes with white cotton stars hand-stitched and appliqued to both sides of the blue wool field—rare and unusual for the time period.
This family-friendly event offers an opportunity to honor our shared history and celebrate America’s 250th anniversary.