Fodor's Expert Review Star-Spangled Banner Flag House

Built in 1793, this Federal style home was where Mary Pickersgill hand-sewed the 30 x 42 foot, 15-star, 15-stripe flag that survived the British bombardment of Fort McHenry in 1814 and inspired Francis Scott Key to write "The Star-Spangled Banner." The house contains early 19th century furnishings and American art of the period, including pieces from the Pickersgill family. Outdoors, a map of the United States has been made of stones from the various states. The Jean and Lillian Hofmeister building houses a new, permanent exhibit, Family of Flagmakers, which examines the life and career of Mary Pickersgill and contains the original receipt for the Star-Spangled Banner, on view for the first time in decades.