This exhibition (New York State Capitol, September 2010 - May 2011) celebrates the 10-year anniversary of the New York State Battle Flag Preservation Project, the collaboration between the Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation (State Parks) and the Division of Military and Naval Affairs’ New York State Military Museum to preserve the state’s historic battle flag collection. The exhibit features nine conserved Civil War flags from the collection that highlight the Flag Project’s efforts since 2000.

In 2000, State Parks textile conservators began treating those flags in greatest need of conservation, working from the smallest sizes to the largest, in preparation for the proposed flag archive facility. Although textile conservators have conserved over 500 flags from 2000-2010, nearly 75-percent of the collection, including about half of the Civil War flags, still awaits preservation and proper storage.

From 2000-2010, New York State invested over one million dollars preserving historic and fragile banners from the New York State Battle Flag Collection. Public support, via donations and the Flag Sponsorship Program, has also contributed to the Flag Project’s success. Without state funding the future of these sacred banners is uncertain. Now, more than ever, we need your support to preserve the collection. As eyewitnesses to our state’s struggle to preserve our national liberties, the flag collection and its future are at stake. With your support we can continue to preserve these sacred banners.

Exhibit Gallery, view to the south Exhibit Gallery, view to the northeast