Flag Days in Acton

As the Society gets ready to open its new exhibit of flags and patriotic quilts, we did some research on flags in Acton.  We came across the 1906-1907 School Committee report that contained instructions for Acton's schools about flag-raising.  The report gives an interesting glimpse of the events in American history that were considered the most noteworthy at the time:

“The School Committee have appointed the following list of flag days.  On the days designated the flags on all the schools in town are to fly, and the teachers are to give special instruction upon the event commemorated:

January 1. Emancipation Proclamation, 1863
February 12. Lincoln’s Birthday, 1809
February 22. Washington’s Birthday, 1732
March 17. Evacuation of Boston by the British, 1776
April 19. Battle of Lexington, 1775
May 1. Battle of Manila, 1898
May 23. Foundation of Jamestown, 1607
May 30. Memorial Day, 1866
June 14. United States Flag adopted, 1777
June 17. Battle of Bunker Hill, 1775
July 4. Declaration of Independence, 1776
September 3. Treaty of Paris, 1782 [sic]
September 17. U.S. Constitution adopted, 1787
October 19. Surrender of Cornwallis, 1781
December 16. Boston Tea Party, 1773
December 21. Landing of the Pilgrims, 1620
 
Also Labor Day, Inauguration of the President of the United States and the Governor of Massachusetts, and on opening and closing days of each term and other days as directed.”

Most surprising is the fact that despite the Acton Minutemen's significant role at the North Bridge in Concord and the loss of some of their members, the school committee report labeled April 19th the "Battle of Lexington."  Acton's own history, apparently, was not of great concern!

Please join us July 2-4, and 9-10 to view American flags and patriotic quilts stitched by talented quilters of Then and Now, dating back to the late 1800s.