Historic Gettysburg Flag Unveiled After Decades in Archives

The tattered 1863 flag that flew over Gettysburg is now on public display for the first time.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 5:15am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A historic American flag that flew above Gettysburg during the Civil War in 1863 is now on public display at the Beyond the Battle Museum after being kept in archives for decades. The flag, donated by the son of the man who originally raised it, is the centerpiece of the museum's new 'Spirit of 1776' exhibit, which coincides with the Gettysburg Film Festival's focus on the American Revolution.

Why it matters

The flag's display represents an important connection to the country's history and the pivotal Battle of Gettysburg. As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, the flag serves as a symbolic reminder of the strength and resilience that helped the United States defeat the British Empire and become the country it is today.

The details

The flag was originally raised by a young man named Daniel Skelly, who worked at a store in Gettysburg and flew the flag from the roof to welcome Union troops marching by after the battle. The flag, now tattered and worn, was later donated to the Gettysburg History organization by Skelly's son. The flag is the centerpiece of the 'Spirit of 1776' exhibit, which opened in conjunction with the Gettysburg Film Festival's focus on the American Revolution.

  • The flag flew over Gettysburg on July 4, 1863 during the Civil War battle.
  • The flag has been kept in the Gettysburg History organization's archives until now.
  • The 'Spirit of 1776' exhibit featuring the flag opened on April 6, 2026.

The players

Gettysburg History

The historical organization that has preserved the Civil War-era flag and is now displaying it publicly for the first time.

Daniel Skelly

A young man who worked in Gettysburg during the Civil War and raised the flag to welcome Union troops after the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863.

Daniel Skelly Jr.

The son of Daniel Skelly, who donated the historic flag to the Gettysburg History organization.

Beyond the Battle Museum

The museum in Gettysburg that is hosting the 'Spirit of 1776' exhibit featuring the historic flag.

Gettysburg Film Festival

The annual film festival in Gettysburg that is focusing its 2026 program on the American Revolution, coinciding with the opening of the 'Spirit of 1776' exhibit.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Until today, it's been in a box in our archives. And so now the public will get to enjoy it.”

— Andrew Dalton, President of Gettysburg History

“It's just sensational. The flag was actually donated to our historical society by Daniel Skelly Jr., his son.”

— Tim Smith, Historian with Gettysburg History

“It gave me goosebumps. Really did. To know that that was actually flown over Gettysburg on July 4, 1863.”

— Jacqueline White, Owner of the Dobbin House

“The fact that the United States were able to defeat the British Empire is really a stunning moment in world history. And now we're going to explore that and how that happened. It became the country that we are today.”

— Jake Boritt, Director of the Gettysburg Film Festival

What’s next

The 'Spirit of 1776' exhibit featuring the historic Gettysburg flag will be open to the public at the Beyond the Battle Museum through the end of the Gettysburg Film Festival on April 12, 2026.

The takeaway

The display of this tattered yet resilient Civil War-era flag serves as a powerful symbol of the strength and perseverance that helped the United States emerge as an independent nation. As the country approaches its 250th anniversary, this historic relic reminds visitors of the sacrifices and triumphs that shaped the nation's founding.