The power of objects is a good lesson I have learned since I entered the Smithsonian Institution in September 1994. Recently, I remembered another uninvited letter. This letter was written by a child aged 10, after her music teacher told the class that the stars and stripes of the National Museum of American History were in danger of deterioration. The contents of this letter are as follows: To: No matter who is involved, I think you should try your best to prevent the American flag from fading. This flag is very special to me. It has existed in America for a long time. I don't want it to fade. Please try to preserve it for me and America.

I am very happy to report to that little girl and all of you that we have recently started one of the most ambitious conservation projects in our history. The theme is 18 14, the flag flying over Fort McHenry when Baltimore was attacked by Britain. On September 65438, 2003, Francis Scott Key, a famous lawyer from Washington, carried out a brutal bombing on a truce boat all night. He was extremely anxious about our new country until "dawn" when he saw that "our flag is still there." He excitedly took out a letter from his pocket and put some poems, which were later published and accompanied by familiar English melodies. 193 1 year, The Stars and Stripes officially became the national anthem.

This flag was donated to the Smithsonian Museum by Mary Pickersgill of Baltimore and her 13-year-old daughter Caroline in 19 12 by Mandel's grandson in Fort McHenry. Donors stipulate that this flag should never be taken away from the institution, so that anyone who visits the Smithsonian Museum can see it.

The organization has been trying to preserve this flag, which is made up of wool and cotton stars, and use the most advanced protection and display technology. Before 1963 entered American history, it was exhibited in a case of art and industrial architecture for many years. The national flag was last cleaned in 1982, and a flexible screen was installed to avoid light and dust. 12 years later, the cable of the control panel broke down, prompting us to convene a world-class expert group in 1996, who can give us advice on the safest and most advanced methods to ensure the stability of the national flag.

At the beginning of our deliberation, we decided to let the national flag continue to be seen by people for public observation and reference during the whole protection process (it may take three years). This autumn, we will build a laboratory with large glass windows and hold an exhibition in the museum to show the history and preservation of the national flag. A large number of educational publicity activities are also planned, including the distribution of video documentaries and curriculum packages to schools.

Due to the age (185 years old), fragility and size (about 150 pounds, 30 feet by 34 feet), the challenge of moving the national flag is daunting. In order to minimize the pressure and risk, this autumn, cables and wheels will be installed at the top and bottom of its existing aluminum frame to reduce the pressure and risk. After the national flag is placed horizontally in the frame, the protection device will work on the movable bridge assembled on it.

Protecting the Stars and Stripes has been designated by the White House as the key element to save American wealth: the Millennium Plan. Fortunately for the American people, the Pew Charitable Trust has provided $5 million for this project, hoping that the donated funds can match the federal funds.

However, our demand for funds did not end there. When it is reinstalled in the American History Museum, it will become the visual center of a significantly renovated museum, including clearer space, a new visitor center, new exhibits about American life and electronic access to behind-the-scenes objects.

This is the vision.