Ever wonder how the American flag came to be? At the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House, discover the woman behind the most powerful symbol in the world. Located in the former house of Mary Pickersgill, who sewed the national flag that also inspired our national anthem, this museum recreates the world that Mary would have lived in.

At the museum, visitors can learn about the Battle of Baltimore during the War of 1812, during which the flag and anthem were created. There are various artifacts from the era, including a fragment of the Star-Spangled Banner flag and a drum used by an American soldier during the battle. There is also a discovery gallery for kids, where they can design their own flags and fly it on the gallery’s flagpole.

The house is filled with original early 19^th century objects. In fact, many of them were actual possessions of the Pickersgill family. There are also various live characters around the house that really make the experience feel authentic, from the African American apprentice Grace Wisher to Mary Pickersgill herself. If that’s not enough to recreate 19^th century life for you, there are also touchable objects and various interactive activities, as well as a professionally guided tour.