DAR Launches “Flag-enger Hunt” to Locate Oldest U.S. Flag in the Community

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) is challenging local communities to locate the oldest United States flag in their area.
Dubbed the “Flag-enger Hunt” (think scavenger hunt), this national initiative has been issued by the National and Division Vice Chairs of the DAR Flag of the United States Committee. The goal is simple but meaningful: identify and document the oldest flag within each chapter’s coverage area and share its story.
How the Flag-enger Hunt Works:
• Identify the oldest flag in the community — whether in private possession, on museum display, or held as a treasured community artifact.
• Research and tell the flag’s story, including its history, significance, how it was acquired, and what makes it special.
• Take a photograph of the flag and submit it, along with its story and location, to info@pollycooperdar.org.
The Polly Cooper Chapter, NSDAR has been actively searching throughout Westchester and surrounding areas for historic flags with compelling stories.
In Chappaqua, a 45-star wool flag was recently located that has remained in the same family for 126 years. The owner’s grandfather, born in 1900, lived in the family home for 88 years. This flag was flying when he was born. A 45-star flag dates to 1896–1908, marking the period after Utah joined the Union.
So far, the oldest flag the chapter has identified dates to 1836. This handmade linen flag features 25 stars and once belonged to Charles S. Dunscombe, a U.S. Navy Lieutenant and grandfather of Edward Post. Though very worn and frayed, its remarkable hand-stitching remains intact. The flag is currently housed at the Yorktown Museum. Due to its fragile condition, it is not on display but may be viewed by appointment through Assistant Curator Amy Swan.
Perhaps the most fascinating story uncovered so far lies just over the New York–Pennsylvania border. The 36-star “Lincoln Flag,” located at the The Columns Museum in Milford, Pennsylvania, is believed to have been draped over the front of the Presidential box at Ford's Theatre on April 14, 1865. According to tradition, it was used to cradle President Abraham Lincoln after he was shot. The flag was donated in 1954 by the family of Jeannie Gourlay, an actress present that tragic evening.
Do you know of a historic flag in our community whose story deserves to be told? We would love to include its photo and history in our Flag-enger Hunt submissions.
To learn more about the Polly Cooper Chapter’s activities or to inquire about membership, please email info@pollycooperdar.org.
The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR), a nonprofit, nonpolitical women’s service organization, was founded in 1890 to preserve the memory and spirit of those who contributed to securing American independence. With approximately 190,000 members in nearly 3,000 chapters worldwide, DAR remains one of the largest and most active volunteer service organizations. To learn more about Today’s DAR, visit dar.org.
As the United States approaches its Semiquincentennial—the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding—now is the perfect time to discover whether you have an American Revolutionary War Patriot in your family and to help preserve the symbols that tell our nation’s story.