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Re: Deteriorating Flags and Various Items
Another fine restoration project to mention. Our flags were returned to the state after the war. These flags were housed in the capital building for a number of years. The flags were eventually stored in the basement of the Indiana Soldiers and Sailors Monument. The flags were packed away around the turn of the century, stored in boxes, yes! cardboard boxes, folded up and sit aside to rot away. :confused_ Public awareness lead to the interest in these flags, something that really began when the restoration work on the monument started. The monument was decaying allowing water to enter into the basement where the flags had sit untouched, out of public view for decades.
The Indiana State Historical Society began a project called "Save our Flags", this project raised enough money to restore, photograph, and catalog the flags. I am happy to say the battle flags are now located in a storage room in the Indiana War Memorial. Additionally, they are in special drawers, and in a controlled environment. Unfortunatley some flags were beyond repair, literally turning to dust when the box was opened.
Its unfortunate to know the general public was generally unaware of the existence of the flags. The restoration project, as Katie said, did not come without a hefty price tag. I cannot quote exact figures but, just to get a good start required in access of $250,000. The project brought attention to the people of Indiana and money flowed like sap in the springtime.
The flag commision printed donation and information pamphlets, went to reenactments setting up a booth, held drawings, etc. to raise $$ If I am correct, this project took upwards of 10 years to achieve the goal of giving our flags a new home. In the end I believe the State of Indiana matched all donations received.
You might contact the Indiana War Memorial in Indianapolis, Indiana. Ask about some steps that were taken to get the ball rolling.
I hope this helps.
Another fine restoration project to mention. Our flags were returned to the state after the war. These flags were housed in the capital building for a number of years. The flags were eventually stored in the basement of the Indiana Soldiers and Sailors Monument. The flags were packed away around the turn of the century, stored in boxes, yes! cardboard boxes, folded up and sit aside to rot away. :confused_ Public awareness lead to the interest in these flags, something that really began when the restoration work on the monument started. The monument was decaying allowing water to enter into the basement where the flags had sit untouched, out of public view for decades.
The Indiana State Historical Society began a project called "Save our Flags", this project raised enough money to restore, photograph, and catalog the flags. I am happy to say the battle flags are now located in a storage room in the Indiana War Memorial. Additionally, they are in special drawers, and in a controlled environment. Unfortunatley some flags were beyond repair, literally turning to dust when the box was opened.
Its unfortunate to know the general public was generally unaware of the existence of the flags. The restoration project, as Katie said, did not come without a hefty price tag. I cannot quote exact figures but, just to get a good start required in access of $250,000. The project brought attention to the people of Indiana and money flowed like sap in the springtime.
The flag commision printed donation and information pamphlets, went to reenactments setting up a booth, held drawings, etc. to raise $$ If I am correct, this project took upwards of 10 years to achieve the goal of giving our flags a new home. In the end I believe the State of Indiana matched all donations received.
You might contact the Indiana War Memorial in Indianapolis, Indiana. Ask about some steps that were taken to get the ball rolling.
I hope this helps.
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