Historic American flag returns to public view at Arlington Heights museum

A 19th century flag with deep roots in Arlington Heights history has been restored and is on display at the Arlington Heights Historical Museum.

The exhibit, titled “Stars & Stories: Arlington Heights’s Old Glory,” opened June 26. It tells the story of the flag’s journey from 1860s Dunton — the settlement that would later become Arlington Heights — to its return to public display today.

“This flag is more than a piece of fabric — it is a tangible connection to the people who helped build our community and the values they carried with them,” museum director Jeff Anderson said in a news release. “We are honored to share this extraordinary artifact with the public once again and to tell the story of its journey from early Dunton to Arlington Heights today.”

Visitors can explore the history of the flag, which spent decades out of public view, learn about the meticulous conservation process that preserved it for future generations and read stories about its local connections.

The museum is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays at 110 W. Fremont St., Arlington Heights; admission is free. Guided tours ($5 adults, $3 children) are available at 10:30 a.m. Saturdays. The museum is closed July 4 and 5. For information about the exhibit or the Arlington Heights Historical Museum & Society, visit ahpd.org/arlington-heights-historical-museum or call (847) 255-1225.