Banner Moment #7—March 3, 1931—Key's Song Made Official U.S. Anthem by Congress

Banner Moments History Series (forward / back) Banner Moments History Series (forward / back)  

Banner Moment #6: Jan. 8, 1917—Key's Song Named "National Anthem" of U.S. Military

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Banner Moments #5: Holmes Adds Civil War Verse to Anthem

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Banner Moment #4: Inspiration—Key Witnesses American Victory (& History)

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Banner Moment #3—August 19, 1813—Garrison Flag Delivered to Fort McHenry

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Banner Moment #2—Oct. 3, 1787—First Documented Performance of the Melody

Banner Moments History Series (forward / back) While “The Anacreontic Song” was written in 1775 or ’76, The London Times (which believe it or not reported and reviewed Anacreontic Society meetings) did not start publishing until ten years later, so the first mention of a performance of the melody that Francis Scott Key would use…

Banner Moment #1—August 1, 1779—Francis Scott Key is Born

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Banner Moments: A Quick History of Francis Scott Key's Anthem

Our Banner Moments exhibit is available to display in your town!

On Thursday, September 12 in honor of Star Spangled Music Day, a dazzling exhibit will open in celebration of the #Anthem200 anniversary. Titled “Banner Moments: The National Anthem in American Life,” the exhibit features items from collections drawn across the University of Michigan’s archival holdings, including one of the dozen or so surviving copies of…