News Release
NPS
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Contact: Brett Spaulding, 843-732-5006
SULLIVAN’S ISLAND, SC – Fort Sumter’s historic Civil War era flag collection consisting of the Palmetto Guard, United States 33-star storm, and United States 33-star garrison flags will be removed from public display for an indefinite period beginning Tuesday, September 19, 2023. It is anticipated that the removal will take two days and the Fort Sumter Museum will be closed during this time.
The historic flags need to be rested for their long-term preservation. The exhibition of textile artifacts like flags must limit humidity fluctuations and prevent long term irreversible light damage that make them progressively more fragile. While all the flags underwent conservation prior to display in the museums they have been on display for more than 20-years. Despite taking great care to protect the artifacts they are best preserved when stored in a clean, dark, cool, and dry environment for periods of rest.
The United States garrison flag flew over Fort Sumter until it sustained wind damage the night of April 11, 1861. It was replaced by the smaller United States storm flag that endured a 34-hour bombardment from Confederate artillery that precipitated the beginning of the American Civil War. The Palmetto Guard flag was the first Confederate flag to fly over the fort after the departure of the United States Army on April 14, 1861.
For more information about Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park a visit www.nps.gov/fosu or follow the park on Facebook.
Last updated: September 9, 2023