The New York State Museum will display a recently conserved 19th century presentation flag reportedly given to the Six Nations Iroquois by the United States government around 1813. On display for six months in Native Peoples of New York Hall, the flag was conserved by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Measuring 60 inches by 118 inches, the flag is one of many presentation flags commissioned by the United States government given as tokens of peace to Native American leaders in the early 19th century. Differing from the more common “stars and stripes” design, presentation flags often depict an eagle in the canton (upper corner). The eagle on this flag is nearly identical to others painted by William Berrett, an artist who sometimes painted flags sewn by Elizabeth Claypoole, better known as Betsy Ross. Prior to conservation, the flag was in very fragile condition and could not be un

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