National Museum of American History

Mary Pickersgill, Star-Spangled Banner, early 19th century. National Museum of American History, Washington D.C.
Reframed: Mary Pickersgill’s Star-Spangled Banner
At what point can an object become art? The opinion that the original "Star-Spangled Banner" is now a work of art is the tried and true view of this "Art & Object" columnist.
Laura Clark's Silk Patchwork Table Cover, 1855 - 1885
National Museum of American History Displays Rare Luxury 19th-Century Silk Quilts
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History will display nine silk quilts from the national collection along with related needlework artifacts dating from the late 19th into the early 20th…