Project Title:  Interactive table: Star-Spangled Banner

Museum/ Institution: National Museum of American History 

Program Created:  2002

Program URL (if available):  

Project Image(s) and/or Video

Video of the table c/o youtube  YouTube - Interactive Star Spangled Banner Exhibit.mht

Photographs of the table:  

                                                                                                      c/o google images

Media Source(s)/Credit(s): youtube & google images

Program Description: (150-250 words)   The interactive table is approximately 12 feet wide by 7 feet deep which allows for a number of people to view and use it at the same time. It is angled slightly downward facing the viewer at just below waist height. Under the clear glass cover is a photographic representation of the original flag which scrolls gently and is populated in areas with black circles on the glass. When each of these circles is touched a window opens and conveys facts and figures related to the flag. One can learn about who made the flag, where it was made, why it was made and what it signifies in American history as well as geographic, social and political conditions of the time. These are portrayed in photographs, diagrams and text. The windows can be closed by touching the 'x' in a corner of the window and another opened by touching a circle.

Firsthand or secondary review/critique: (150-250 words)  During my visit there were about 9 people interacting with the table which made it seem a bit crowed and difficult to access easily. Once I made my way forward I was initially impressed with the ease of use and information presented. It was a very helpful supplement to the original flag which is displayed nearby. I didn't get a chance to try all the windows so I'm not sure whether there was a musical or oral component to the table, which I think may have helped children interact with it for a longer period of time. The children present were unable to reach across the table and touch circles closer to the top. For an adult, that wasn't a problem, but I think that for the table to be most effective with a younger (and smaller) audience, its placement could be somewhat improved. However, as an adult, I found it to be informative, entertaining and a very effective learning format. 

Technologies incorporated:  Computer programs, touch sensitive screen, zoom in/out, video

 Internally or externally produced:  Externally produced in collaboration with a museum team.

Entry Contributor and Date:   Kirsty Gharavi  2/7/11

Related projects:  Smithsonian produced video of the galleries construction c/o youtube

YouTube - Sneak Peak at the Star-Spangled Banner Gallery.mht