Ocean State Libraries

Illustrates three verses of our national anthem, written at the battle of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812. Includes music, background history, and pictures of flags used in the United States, past and present.

Born the eighth of seventeen children in Philadelphia, Betsy Ross lived in a time when the American colonies were yearning for independence from British rule. Ross worked as a seamstress and was eager to contribute to the cause, making tents and repairing uniforms when the colonies declared war. By 1779 she was filling cartridges for the Continental Army. Did she sew the first flag? That's up for debate, but "Who Was Betsy Ross?" tells the story of...

Presents the complete text of this patriotic song that was written for a Broadway musical, chronicles the history of the American flag, and recounts the life of the song's composer, George M. Cohan. Includes instructions for making a flag wind sock.

An introduction to the history of the American flag, from colonial times to the present.

Describes the man and the story behind the creation of America's national anthem, profiling Francis Scott Key as a busy and respected political advisor who was inspired to write his famous poem after witnessing the Battle of Fort McHenry.

Traces the history of the American flag, explains why the flag is an important symbol of our country, and illustrates ways people observe and care for the flag.

Commissioned by the National Flag Foundation, previously only available to schools, these award-winning videos teach the Pledge of Allegiance, History of the Flag, and Flag Etiquette.

It was September 14, 1814, and America and Great Britain were at war. Francis Scott Key watched from the deck of a British ship, where he was being held captive, as cannons exploded around them. After 25 hours, the fighting ceased and Key peered through the clearing smoke, looking for some sign as to the outcome of the battle. Was the American flag still flying? His wartime experience inspired Key to write a poem, which was later set to music and...

The thirteen-stripe, fifty-star flag is as familiar an American icon as any that has existed in the nation's history. Yet the history of the flag, especially its origins, is cloaked in myth and misinformation. Flag: An American Biography rectifies that situation by presenting a lively, comprehensive, illuminating look at the history of the American flag from its beginnings to today. Journalist and historian Marc Leepson uncovers scores of little-known,...