Among the most recognizable icons in the world today, the American flag has enjoyed a long history of graphic renderings and artistic re-interpretations. Although the Continental Congress agreed in 1777 that the United States flag should be comprised of stars and stripes in red, white, and blue, more than a century passed without formal design regulations, yielding a wealth of exuberant and unbridled creative manifestations of the national banner.

From Civil War-era flags and Native American moccasins to political campaign buttons and original flag art, “Long May She Wave: A Graphic History of the American Flag” assembles thousands of American flag-related objects and artifacts from the private collection of Kit Hinrichs, one of the world’s leading graphic designers and a partner in the international design firm, Pentagram. Together, the range of objects and memorabilia presented comprise their own genre of folk art and are a unique part of American heritage.