Darien Historical Presents 'Through The Lens Of Patriotism'

From the Darien Historical Society: After 9-11, whenever Robert Carley would drive down the Post Road after work, he would see the sun setting behind a huge flag hanging behind the Darien Volunteer Firefighter Monument, and stop to take pictures.

“I must have taken hundreds of photos of that one flag. It looked transparent, and almost had a spiritual quality to it,” said Carley, a resident of Darien.

Although never able to locate the owner of that flag or discover its whereabouts, that enormous banner launched Carley on an odyssey to photograph thousands of flags and flag-themed art projects all over the country. An exhibit, “Through the Lens of Patriotism” is on display at the Darien Historical Society as an adjunct to “Long May She Wave: The Evolution of Our Flag,” and both exhibits run until March 13.

Carley, who has exhibited his photographs all over the country and has won several awards for his work, will share the story of his quest on Wednesday, February 28 at 7:30 p.m. at the Society. The program is free for members and students. The cost is $10 for non-members.

Traveling to new regions of the country each year, Carley snaps photos and hears the myriad stories about why people are inspired to express their patriotism by painting the red white and blue on everything from cars and boats to pumpkins and pizza boxes. There’s even a sub-genre of flag homes in the collection, Carley said.
“After September 11, I dedicated myself to this – and it has paid off in ways I never would have expected,” said Carley, a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania who also works as a background actor and has appeared in many shows and films including Madame Secretary, Still Alice and Blue Bloods.

Working in Stamford in an office near the water at the time of the attacks, Carley said he and his co-workers could see the smoke from the fires at the World Trade Center. In the days following, Carley said there was such an outpouring of patriotism that stores sold out of flags.

“People felt such a need to express their devotion to the country in the weeks after 9-11, but there were no flags left at any stores. So I noticed they started painting flags on any available surface,” said Carley.

In addition to flag art, Carley is an abstract artist and a caricature artist who has drawn over 700 portraits of famous people -- and had his picture taken with many of them. One caricature of George H.W. Bush was displayed at the Smithsonian.

Carley’s photographs will be offered for sale and a portion of the proceeds benefit the Darien Historical Society.

If you have information about the flag that flew after 9-11 near the Volunteer Firefighter Monument, please call the Society at 203.655.9233.

For information or to register for this program visit our website at www.darienhistorical.org or call the Society at 203.655.9233.

The Darien Historical Society wishes to thank the generous sponsors of the “Long May She Wave: The Evolution of Our Flag” exhibit: Abercrombie, Burns, McKiernan & Company Insurance, Atria Senior Living of Darien, Barrett Bookstore, Christie’s Quilting Boutique, Geary Gallery, M3 Messenger, Ring's End of Darien and Signarama of Stamford. Media Sponsors: Darien Times & WSHU Public Radio.

The Darien Historical Society tells the story of Darien and with your support, we’ll write the next chapter. To become a member of the Society, call 203.655-9233 or visit our website.

Photos courtesy of the Darien Historical Society