The Flag Act of 1818 set forth a rule that no new stars could be added to the flag until the Fourth of July immediately following a state’s admission to the union. Thanks to that mandate, New Mexicans hoping to share their pride at becoming the 47th state were essentially forced into committing their first illegal acts as U.S. citizens.
From January 6 through November 25, 2012, the New Mexico History Museum commemorates that dip into the dark side with “47 Stars,” an exhibit of the officially unofficial 47-star flag. “47 Stars” joins a collection of long-term exhibits commemorating statehood.
In addition, the museum’s front window will be festooned with bunting and the archival image of a statehood parade car will be turned into a cutout that visitors can pose behind for Centennial souvenir photos.
The museum’s Brainpower and Brownbags lunchtime lecture series will also be dedicated to statehood topics throughout the centennial year.
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