N-10, silk company flag of the 10th Iowa Infantry Regiment, c. 1862,  was placed on display today at the State Historical Society of Iowa, 2nd Floor exhibits, Flag Hallway.  The flag will be on display until October 18, 2011.  On special display is the associated belt of Color Sgt. J. Gower.  Gower was utilizing the belt to help support the flag when a bullet struck the belt and buckle deflecting it from his lower abdomen.  The belt was wrapped around the flag staff and sent back to Iowa.  In 2004, it was rediscovered and once again the story of the "life saving" belt was revealed to the public.

Volunteer Conservators Dave Thompson and Ken Lindblom work to remove the surface grime from this Civil War flag.  The flag has a heavy layer of coal dust on it.  The sponges are carefully pressed onto the fabric lifting the debris. 

"Southern Rights" flag at Historic Battle of Athens Site

Period dressed educators view the historic Battle of Athens flag.  This was the first time this flag had been back at the original site of use in 150 years and one day.  This flag was captured by Moore's home guard from Martin Green's Missouri militia.  It was held by a member of Moore's guard, Mr. D. Beaman, until 1901when he donated it to the State Historical Society of Iowa.

The flag was heavily souvenired by Moore's men after capturing it.  Souveniring refers to cutting a section of the flag as a symbol of victory.  From historical research the flag would have originally had 15 stars appliqued to the canton with a bear design at center.

Association of Midwest Museums Conference

The annual conference features outstanding sessions, workshops, dynamic speakers, and exciting tours and receptions at museums in the host community. Approximately 400 - 500 museum professionals attend the annual AMM Conference.  It was fun and informative.   And we have a lot of new outreach ideas.

Up-date on Joe Ross banner

Up-date:  The banner is hand-painted on silk and is still hanging on its original honey-Oak rod with acorn shaped carved tassels. She will make an excellent addition to the State Historical Society of Iowa's Grand Army of the Republic collection. 

Yesterday, Ron Rittel of the 49th Iowa Infantry, was able to conduct some research into the banner. It was  learned that the post was named after Private Joseph M. Ross (Company “E” 29th Iowa) who was born in Ohio, resided in Red Oak, Iowa, and enlisted at the age of 18 on November 13, 1862. Private Ross was killed in action on April 2nd, 1864 at Terre Noir Creek, Arkansas.

Joe Ross Post No. 209 was mustered into existence on July 18, 1883 and boasted a total of 22 charter members on that date. Over time, that number would continue to grow in number to ultimately reach a total of 121 members before the post ceased to exist and was disbanded in 1920. The banner of the post appears to have passed through the hands of the local Odd Fellow’ Lodge and an American Legion Post before being turned over to the care of the Adjutant General of Iowa in 1943. Exactly when it entered into the collections of the State Historical Society of Iowa’s Museum is, as previously stated, not precisely known.

Thank you to Ron for sharing his impressive research skills with the Iowa Battle Flag Project.

Volunteer, Richard Fast, returns to Project

Summer always brings warm weather, picnics, parades and Richard Fast.  Richard has been a Project volunteer for the last 9 years and is highly valued in the lab. 

22nd Iowa Infantry, Company D flag

Today during examination it was discovered the the stars were formerly detailed with silver foil wrapped cotton thread.  Only a limited amount of the thread remains.  Additional, the stars on the reverse are made from feed sack material.  One star shows a print line in it.  See http://www.iowavalor/ for the full story.