While your student group is visiting Baltimore you will want to stop by the Flag House. Students will learn through the exhibits about how the flag was made and other interesting facts. The museum offers a number of interactive school programs for students of all ages. The Flag House was built in 1793. It was the home of Mary Pickersgill, who was the maker of the flag that inspired Francis Scott Key’s famous poem which is now our national anthem. Her daughter and mother lived in the house as well. Mary’s mother began making flags in Philadelphia during the time of the Revolutionary War. During the visit, students will encounter the inside of the house as it was when Mary and her family were living. The house is full of original early 19th century objects. Many of these were family possessions. The museum contains exhibits that are both fascinating and educational. For example, the Preserved Us A Nation exhibit tells the stories about the defense by the professional soldiers during the War of 1812. It contains a number of artifacts from the era including a fragment of the Star-Spangled Banner flag and also a drum that was used by an American soldier during bombardment of Fort McHenry. The Discovery Gallery for Kids is another one-of-a-kind exhibit. Students will have the opportunity to participate in interesting activities. For example, the group can try cooking a meal at a replica of the Flag House kitchen. They can also try their hand at playing with older games and toys.