The large Star Spangled Banner Flag that inspired the lyrics of the US national anthem when it flew above Fort McHenry in the 1814 Battle of Baltimore. Shown here on display at the Smithsonian's National Museum of History and Technology, around 1964. Many pieces were cut off the flag and given away as souvenirs early during its history. A linen backing, attached in 1914, shows the original extent of the flag.
{photo source: Smithsonian Institution Archives}
It’s Monday, so that means more Monday Mix-ins! Today let’s take a look at the War of 1812, sometimes called the “Second War of Independence,” and learn about Francis Scott Key and The Star-Spangled Banner. Here are your optional videos and activities to try out if you want to:
VIDEOS:
The Battle of Fort McHenry, through Francis Scott Key's Eyes – This is a clip from “A STAR-SPANGLED STORY: Battle For America” by the Smithsonian Channel:
How the National Anthem Went Viral – Here’s another clip from the same Smithsonian documentary mentioned above:
Broad Stripes and Bright Stars – This theater presentation was performed at the National Museum of American History, where the flag that inspired the National Anthem is on display. A historical figure with a fictional monologue is working on a garrison flag to fly over Baltimore's Fort McHenry. She speaks about the War of 1812, the process of creating a giant flag, and thoughts about the meaning of the flag:
1812 War – The Battle at Baltimore – This is another look at the battle that inspired our National Anthem. This is a clip from a longer History channel documentary called First Invasion: The War of 1812 :
James Madison | 60 Second Presidents – A quick look at our fourth president:
James Madison – Here’s a 6-minute video from the History channel:
Mini BIO – Dolley Madison – From the Biography channel, here’s a brief look at this famous first lady:
The War of 1812 | PBS War History – This is a lengthy documentary (almost 2 hours), but if you want more of the story, try this:
And here’s what many consider the best-ever performance of The Star-Spangled Banner, sung by Whitney Houston before the Super Bowl in 1991 (she does make it look effortless!):
WEBSITES:
The Star-Spangled Banner: Interactive Flag – Explore the flag that inspired the National Anthem to discover stories about its creation, history, and preservation.
The Star-Spangled Banner: The Lyrics
The Star-Spangled Banner: Collect the Stars – Read about The War of 1812 and then answer questions to collect stars and complete the flag.
The Melody – Learn about the tune our national anthem is set to, and listen to the original song.
Original Manuscript of The Star-Spangled Banner – Zoom in and click on areas of this interactive manuscript to learn more about our national anthem.
War of 1812 Online Word Search
