With Banners Waving November 8, 2012

By 1900, over 250 fraternal groups existed in the United States, numbering six million members. Banners were an important component of American fraternal activities. These colorful textiles were used inside lodges and also in public parades, at cornerstone layings and at other ceremonies. Many fraternal groups included their banner when they took formal portraits. Parade accessories and images showing how banners were used during the 1800s and 1900s are also presented. This banner received much-needed conservation treatment as part of a grant awarded to the Museum by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Prior to treatment it showed damage from long-term exposure to the environment and stress from gravity. Windsor Conservation of Dover, Massachusetts, cleaned and stabilized the most critical structural damage, and re-attached fringe trimming, the valance. They also repaired the banner's decorative tassels.