The National Heritage Museum welcomes Richard Hatcher, author and historian at Fort Sumter National Monument, who will present the lecture “The Flags of Fort Sumter: National Symbolism in the Civil War,” Saturday, September 17 at 2 pm. During the Civil War, newly created flags appeared on the battlefield. In this lively illustrated talk, Hatcher will offer insight into what these flags meant to our divided nation. He will also trace the history of the Civil War-era flags in the Fort Sumter collection. The lecture is free. It is made possible by Ruby W. Linn, and is part of a lecture series celebrating the National Heritage Museum’s treasured 15-star flag.
Richard Hatcher began his career with the National Park Service as a volunteer in 1970, becoming a permanent employee in 1976. Prior to becoming historian at Fort Sumter National Monument in 1992, he served at Colonial National Historical Park, Kings Mountain National Military Park and Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield. Hatcher is the author of numerous Civil War-related books and articles. His latest work, a co-authored book titled The First Shot, was published in April 2011 by Arcadia Press.
The inspiration for the lecture series is the Museum’s treasured 15-star flag. Made between 1794 and 1818, this flag dates from the same era as the Star-Spangled Banner, which inspired our national anthem. The flag will be available for viewing on the day of the lecture in the Museum’s Farr Conference Room.