by Pete Culos
To commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the start of the American Revolution, the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia has assembled a display of no less than 16 flags which date from that era. The Artist Preservation Group was responsible for conserving and transporting one of the those flags for the exhibit which officially opened April 19th, the anniversary of the Battles at Lexington and Concord. For our part in the project, I was able to represent the APG at a patrons only viewing of the Banners of Liberty exhibit on April 17th and what an honor that was!
The program started with a cocktail reception in the main lobby where the display of figures from the APG is located. It drew a good deal of attention and even resulted in a new member! The museum staff was duly impressed with our work and appreciative of our contribution. That was a proud moment for yours truly! Scott Stephenson, Museum CEO, provided some opening remarks and gave the APG a mention in the list of donors and contributors. Another proud moment.
I was among the first to enter the exhibit and was floored by what it entailed. The last I’d heard, only 7 flags were confirmed. The sight of 16 was overwhelming to say the least! When I finally got to the 2nd New Hampshire flag, it was obvious that our $25,000 contribution was well spent. The size a manner of presentation is impressive and it’s beautifully preserved. Virginia J. Whelan, who performed the conservation on that flag, was there and gave me a brief talk on how the work was done. What a treat!
I would encourage everyone to get to the Museum of the American Revolution before the exhibit closes on August 10, 2025 and see what your membership has done. I’d also like to thank James Taub, Lead Curator and Keith Minsinger, Registrar, along with the entire staff at the Museum for all of their assistance. They are all first rate!
Thanks, also, to our membership who make moments like this possible. Special appreciation goes to the following members who contributed figures for the display and auction:
John Rosengrant, Washington’s HQ
Rod Curtis, The Dansy Flag
Doug Cohen, The Muhlenburg Flag, 8th VA
Jon Harbuck, The First Troop Phila. Cavalry
Pete Culos, The Second New Hampshire, 2nd Continental Dragoons
HUZZAH!
