Independence Day Tip Sheet

July 4 has traditionally been the anniversary of our independence. But according to John Dann, director of the Clements Library at the University of Michigan, America could celebrate several independence days.

“We could celebrate June 7, when Richard Henry Lee offered a resolution in the Continental Congress for independence,” said Dann. “We could celebrate on June 11, when the committee to draft the Declaration of Independence was appointed. Or on July 1, when the committee came back with its draft. Or on July 2, when Congress actually voted for independence, 12 to none, with New York abstaining.

“On July 4, we are actually celebrating the approval of the Declaration of Independence as written,” said Dann, “even though the actual signing wasn’t complete until November 1776. We celebrate on July 4 because that is the date printed on the Declaration itself, although for 10 years, people celebrated July 2.”

While the date may have changed, the festivities themselves have not, according to Dann. “Throughout the years, many interest groups have tried to change the tone of July 4. Temperance groups during Prohibition, for example, tried to make the holiday reflect their message. But no one has changed it yet. Independence Day is still a day off work, a day of picnics, fireworks and bands, as it has been for a couple of hundred years.”

For more information, contact Dann at (734) 764-2347.

The American flag is a staple at Independence Day celebrations. This year, the Ft. McHenry flag—-famous for inspiring Francis Scott Key to pen “The Star Spangled Banner”—-is undergoing restoration at the Smithsonian Museum of American History. Brian Dunnigan, head of research at the Clements Library at the U-M, offers insight into the history of the flag and the process of flag restoration. Dunnigan served as executive director at Fort Niagara, restoring the Fort Niagara flag, which is similar to the Fort McHenry flag.

“In the United States, the flag symbolizes a unique aspect of America. Instead of creating a country for a singe group of people, several different groups of people came together to create one nation,” said Dunnigan, “and Americans are proud of that. Many display their flag on their front porch. You don’t usually see that in other countries.”

According to Dunnigan:

—Most large flags displayed prior to 1812 were destroyed in battle. Those that weren’t survived as trophies of war captured by the British.

—The Ft. McHenry flag was not captured, but rather preserved by a prominent American family.

—The Ft. McHenry flag is one of the very few surviving flags with 15 stars and 15 stripes, instead of the traditional 13 stripes.

—The flag has been worn down by light, gravity, and dust after being displayed for years in the Smithsonian. The most common piece of debris found on the flag was particles of blue jean fibers.

—The restoration will likely include vacuuming, flattening, and silk-screening the missing patches of the flag. The restoration of the 1920’s and 30’s will be undone.

Contact Dunnigan at (734) 764-2347.

Contact: Jill Siegelbaum Phone: (734) 764-7260 E-mail: jmendler@umich.edu

John Dann