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American flag flown over the U.S. Senate during official mourning period, 1963
American flag flown over the U.S. Senate during official mourning period, 1963

American flag flown over the U.S. Senate during official mourning period, 1963

Object number1998.043.0001.0003
Date11/07/1963 - 12/22/1963
ClassificationsArtifacts
ObjectFlag
Credit LineThe Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza Collection
MediumCloth
Dimensions10 × 15 feet (304.9 × 457.3 cm)
Collections
DescriptionUnited States flag originally raised over the Senate wing of the U.S. Capitol Building on November 7, 1963, then lowered to half-staff on Friday, November 22, 1963 after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The flag remained at half-staff over the Senate wing of the Capitol until the end of the official month of mourning on December 22, 1963. Flags flown over the U.S. Capitol routinely fly for 30 days. The flag is made of canvas, possibly wool. Stamped on the upper left edge, near the canton of stars, are the words "BULL DOG (Insect Proof) 10'x15'". [See record 1998.043.0001.0001 for the letter of authenticity that accompanies this flag.]
Curatorial Commentary
Included in the Museum's temporary exhibit, "Mourning a President," about the funeral and mourning rites for President John F. Kennedy, this item will be on display on the Museum's seventh floor from November 17, 2017 to February 19, 2018. -- Lindsey Richardson, Curator of Collections