Volunteer Needed: The Historical Flag Project needs someone to take the lead and handle the project. This involves keeping the flags in top shape, securing sponsor donations when replacements are needed, working with the Salisbury Explorers, and managing the schedule for setting up and taking down the flags.
Years ago, Rosie Cravens proposed a project led by the Salisbury Historical Society. The aim was to bring the community together to celebrate the town’s history, honor its soldiers and citizens, and acknowledge their contributions to key historical events that shaped our past.
17 Historical Flags of Salisbury is a complete list of the flags, their sponsors, and the history of each flag.
As a historical society, we focus on preserving history and its stories. The significance of these flags is truly fascinating. As historians, we acknowledge the evolving interpretations and modern reinterpretations of historical symbols that emerge over time or within contemporary communities.
We aim to be as historically accurate as possible, which is a considerable challenge, given that vexillologists (flag experts) often engage in spirited debates about historical flags. Questions come up about when they were first flown, if they were flown at all in early history, their designs and colors, or whether some were later created as commemorative pieces. We’ve worked hard to ensure accuracy, relying on expert consensus or tradition when necessary.
We strive to connect our flags with the heritage of our town. Our soldiers served both within and alongside other regiments, creating a rich and diverse collection.
Our Goals
- Historic flags serve as a reminder of the struggles, dreams, and patriotism of early settlers as they worked to create a new way of life.
- Our flags, prominently displayed during the summer, are likely to be photographed by many tourists. The locations include Salisbury Heights and the South Road Village Crossroads at Route 127 and Route 4.
- The historical flags pay tribute to veterans in our older graveyards or newer cemeteries throughout town who served in the French and Indian Wars, the American Revolution, the War of 1812, and the Civil War.
- Historical flags are not only fascinating but also vibrant and festive, adding a charming mix of town beautification, patriotism, and pride. Every year when they are displayed, they catch people’s attention.
The Salisbury Historical Society manages the project with strong support from the community, which generously sponsors the flags. Each spring, some flags require replacement, and sponsors are either reached out to directly or found through our social media platforms. The response so far has been amazing!. Thanks, everyone!
A heartfelt thank you to the Salisbury Fire Department and Explorers Post 74 for always putting up and taking down the flags for us every year.
Interested in helping keep the flags flying? Occasionally, the flags and hardware require maintenance or replacement due to wind, rough telephone poles, and sun damage. If you’d like to support this community project, please send a check to:
The Salisbury Historical Society, c/o Historical Flag Project
PO Box 263
Salisbury, NH 03268
All donations are warmly appreciated and help us keep our flags flying high. Thank you!
For information: contact@salisburyhistoricalsociety.org
The Salisbury Historical Society
PO Box 263
Salisbury, NH 03268
A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization