Most people can picture the Betsy Ross flag and today’s Stars and Stripes. But what came in between? The Western Illinois Museum (WiM) and the General Macomb Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) invite the community to find out in a new exhibit, Red, White, and Blue: Celebrating 250 Years of Our American Flag, opening October 27.
Created to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the exhibit traces the American flag from the colonial era to the present day. Along the way, visitors will meet some unexpected versions of the flag and see how the symbol changed as the nation did.
The exhibit features 22 reproductions of historic flags, books, and brochures, along with a DAR display. Visitors can also browse the General Macomb Chapter’s DAR Patriot Book, which shares the stories of the Revolutionary War patriots connected to its members.
Honoring Veterans with a Community ReceptionIn honor of Veterans Day, the DAR will host a reception at WiM on Saturday, November 7, from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Personal flags and refreshments will be provided.
Exhibit Details
What: Red, White, and Blue: Celebrating 250 Years of Our American Flag
When: On view October 27 through November 21, 2026
Where: Western Illinois Museum, 201 S. Lafayette Street, Macomb
Admission: Suggested $5 donation
Hours: Tuesday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
When the exhibit closes on November 21, it will be made available to borrow through WiM by schools, libraries, and organizations. The project was funded by the DAR 250 Celebration Grant.
For more information, visit wimuseum.org or follow @wimuseum on social media. Contact the museum at 309-837-2750, text 309-837-2613, or email info@wimuseum.org.
***Courtesy of the Western Illinois Museum***
