On March 3, 1931, President Herbert Hoover signed the bill making “The Star-Spangled Banner” the official national anthem of the United States. The anthem’s lyrics were written by Francis Scott Key, ...

To mark the 250th anniversary of the United States, we’re cataloging 25 objects that define the country’s history. “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Many of us put our hands on our hearts and try to croak ...

On September 13th, 1814, lawyer and poet Francis Scott Key was negotiating the release of American prisoners aboard a British ship when he became a prisoner, himself. Held through the night, he ...

A composite of the "Star Spangled Banner" that inspired the lyrics of the national anthem. (Courtesy of the Smithsonian Institute) To mark the 250th anniversary of the United States, we’re cataloging ...