‘Save the Flags’ documentary set to premiere Dec. 6 as Capitol conservation continues

The Michigan State Capitol Commission heard a progress presentation on the Save the Flags conservation project and screened a short segment of a documentary due to premiere Dec. 6 at the Capitol's Heritage Hall.

Project lead Matt Van Acker told commissioners the Save the Flags effort began on July 2, 1991, to preserve, research and display a collection of roughly 240 battle flags carried by Michigan units in the Civil War, Spanish-American War and World War I. He said the flags were removed from rotunda cases after conservation specialists recommended archival storage and have since been preserved, researched and moved into on-site conservation at the commission's new Heritage Hall conservation lab.

Van Acker described a partnership with Textile Preservation Associates (West Virginia) for conservation and with the Michigan Historical Center for archival storage. He said the documentary work has involved producer Bradley Egan of Motion Possible; the short film segment played at the meeting will be followed by a public premiere in December with reenactors and project partners in attendance. "This film will premiere here at the Capitol in our Heritage Hall Staterooms on Saturday, December 6 with the public viewing of the film," Van Acker said.

Commissioners expressed support and noted public interest; Vice Chair Bauer referenced a related book and praised Van Acker's work. The commission plans two showings on the premiere date and additional public-facing programming tied to the project, Blackshaw said.

No formal vote was required for the update; commissioners thanked project staff and asked for follow-up event details.