On Flag Day, Illusionist David Copperfield and the Smithsonian Blend Fact and Fiction to “Find” the Star-Spangled Banner’s Missing 15th Star

WHAT:        Illusionist David Copperfield will attempt to “find the missing 15th star”

                     during an event at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American

                     History. It precedes a naturalization ceremony in partnership with U.S.

                     Citizenship and Immigration Services for 15 candidates for American

                     citizenship.

 

WHEN:       Friday, June 14; 11 a.m.

                     Note: Video of the Star-Spangled Banner Illusion will be available

                     There is no recording or photography during the illusion. Video and

 

WHERE:     National Museum of American History

                     Constitution Avenue, between 12th and 14th streets N.W. 

 

WHO:         David Copperfield, Illusionist 

                    David J. Skorton, Secretary, Smithsonian Institution

                    Anthea M. Hartig, Elizabeth MacMillan Director, National Museum

                          of American History

                    Mark Koumans, deputy director, USCIS

 

On Flag Day, June 14, in a one-of-a-kind specially created illusion, David Copperfield will attempt to “find the missing 15th star” during an event centered on the 205-year-old flag located at the heart of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. It precedes a ceremony in which 14 candidates for naturalization will take their Oaths of Allegiance and receive their American citizenship. Joining in welcoming the new citizens will be Skorton, Hartig, Koumans and Copperfield.  

 

Following the Naturalization Ceremony, Smithsonian and USCIS leaders and 14 newly naturalized American citizens will join the Cardinal Shehan School Student Choir from Baltimore as they perform the National Anthem in the museum’s Flag Hall for the American public. The National Museum of American History is home to the Star-Spangled Banner, the flag Francis Scott Key saw flying over Baltimore’s Fort McHenry in 1814 when he penned the words that would become the national anthem. 

 

 

# # #