It’s a song every American has heard countless times, but how much do you really know about our national anthem?

On March 3, 1931, President Herbert Hoover signed the bill making “The Star-Spangled Banner” the official national anthem of the United States. The anthem’s lyrics were written by Francis Scott Key, ...

A composite of the "Star Spangled Banner" that inspired the lyrics of the national anthem. (Courtesy of the Smithsonian Institute) To mark the 250th anniversary of the United States, we’re cataloging ...

Inspired by the sight of the American flag after battle, Francis Scott Key wrote “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Its vivid imagery captured the spirit of survival, symbolizing the nation's push for ...

Removed from exhibit in 1998 for a conservation project that cost about $7 million, the Star-Spangled Banner, as it had become known, returns to center stage this month with the reopening of the ...

The National Museum of American History has never really finished the transition from its old name, the Museum of History and Technology -- which is still chiseled above the entrance. When the subject ...

IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and media viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. Visit the IIIF page to learn more. Mary Pickersgill, a professional flag ...

To mark the 250th anniversary of the United States, we’re cataloging 25 objects that define the country’s history. “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Many of us put our hands on our hearts and try to croak ...