The "Stars and Stripes" has gone through numerous iterations over the years. With every added state, the blue field got another white star. Flags by the thousands cover our towns and cities, and it is perhaps the most iconic image of American democracy ever created. Today, historic flags are treated like artifacts and are kept in museums for generations of Americans to admire. These include the one that flew over Ft. McHenry in Baltimore during the War of 1812, now displayed in the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. Readers will learn the history behind the Ft.

McHenry flag as well as several other notable artifacts.