David Copperfield Blends Fact and Fiction to

In a one-of-a-kind specially created illusion, David Copperfield attempted to “find the missing 15th star" on the Star-Spangled Banner.

This illusion was performed during an event on Flag Day at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.

The Star-Spangled Banner flew above Ft. McHenry during the Battle of Baltimore in the War of 1812. Francis Scott Key saw the enormous flag flying over the fort and was inspired to write the song that became the national anthem. he flag remained with the family of the commander of Fort McHenry, Lt. Col. George Armistead, after the battle. Family members permitted “souveniring,” or the snipping of small pieces from the flag. One star was cut out “for some official person” but who that person was is unknown to historians. The family loaned the Star-Spangled Banner to the Smithsonian in 1907 and gifted it in 1912 to be shared with the nation.

“The Star-Spangled Banner is one of our nation’s most treasured objects, a lasting symbol of this country’s promise,” Hartig said. “The Smithsonian and Copperfield partnership allows us to spark the public’s imagination and capture their curiosity to learn more about our flag."

You can learn more about the flag here: https://amhistory.si.edu/starspangledbanner/