Press Release

Rare Viewing of 38-star U.S. Flag Under Conservation

DENVER –  The week of March 14, History Colorado in partnership with Golden History Museums will offer Coloradans a unique opportunity to view conservation work being done on a statehood flag from 1876. The conservation process will be open to the public for observation on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 2-4 p.m. and is free with museum admission. This rare flag is part of the Golden History Museums collection and has not been on display because of its size and much needed conservation work.

"The flag was displayed briefly at the Golden Recreation Center soon after it was donated in 1980,” said Mark Dodge, Golden History Museums. “In storage for the past 35 years, the flag is one of thousands of items in the permanent collection which often don’t get their 15 minutes of fame. Fortunately, the flag’s time has come.”

The partnership between the museums will allow for conservation for the 12-by-24-foot flag in History Colorado’s gallery space. Textile conservator, Paulette Reading, will begin her process by vacuuming and assessing the large wool flag. Her assessment will include looking for any tears to the flag. After this phase, she will begin stabilization to the tears and enforce the perimeter of the flag.

For a chance to step into the story and learn more about Colorado’s history, this unique flag, and how you can preserve your treasures:  

  • Monday, March 14, 1-2 p.m. join Golden History Museums staff to learn about the early territorial history of present-day Colorado and this unique flag.
  • Tuesday through Thursday, March 15-17, 2-4 p.m. enjoy conservation viewing hours. Free with museum admission
  • Friday, March 18, 1-2 p.m. join History Colorado staff in “Preserving Your Treasures.” A program with the experts to highlight and demonstrate how to maintain your family artifacts, specifically textiles. Visitors will also be able to see the techniques in action as conservator Paulette Reading repairs the flag.

For more information or to R.S.V.P please call (303) 866-2394.

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History Colorado's mission is to inspire generations to find wonder and meaning in our past and to engage in creating a better Colorado. We serve as the state's memory, preserving the places, stories, and material culture of Colorado through our museums, educational programs, historic preservation grants, research library, collections, and outreach to Colorado communities. Find History Colorado on all major social media platforms. Visit HistoryColorado.org or call (303) HISTORY for more information.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Brooke Gladstone
Communications Manager
303-866-3670 | brooke.gladstone@state.co.us