“The entrance hall is dominated by the 44-foot original Star-Spangled Banner and the Foucault pendulum, which disappears in a hole in the floor in front of it. These items are fitting symbols of history and technology.”
—Wolf von Eckardt, The Washington Post, Jan. 26, 1964
Founding the Museum of History and Technology
Ceremonial trowel
Used by Smithsonian Regent John Nicholas Brown during the building’s cornerstone ceremony.
Authorizing Congressional legislation for MHT, signed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Vice President Richard Nixon, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Sam Rayburn. Soon thereafter, on June 13, 1956, Eisenhower signed Public Law 573, appropriating $33.7 million for the Museum. The project was launched. (Loan from National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, DC)
Watercolor of Flag and Pendulum
Architect’s rendering of Flag Hall at MHT about 1960.
Watercolor by Elliott Glushak, 1961
