A Civil War-era flag, that once flew over 1860s Dunton — the settlement that would become Arlington Heights — returns to public display this week, after months of research and meticulous preservation. The flag last flew publicly after the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln.
William Meyer, left, presents the flag to Albert Volz, a founder of the Arlington Heights Historical Society.
The Arlington Heights Historical Museum debuts its new exhibit — Stars & Stories: Arlington Heights’ Old Glory — on Friday, June 26 from 6 – 8 p.m. The exhibit and reception will feature an historic American flag, with deep roots in Arlington Heights history.
According to Museum Curator Stephanie Lee, the exhibit tells the story of the flag’s journey from 1860s Dunton, to its return to public display this week. This exhibit, she adds, is the culmination of a major project that started with the flag undergoing seven months of conservation in 2025 at Carla Brooke Art Services in Chicago. The museum is reserving images of the flag until the exhibit opens.
“After spending decades out of public view, this treasured flag has undergone expert conservation,” Lee says, “and once again will be displayed for the community to experience and appreciate.”
Museum staff members set up for the exhibit.
The flag was an early artifact preserved by members of the Arlington Heights Historical Society, including Daisy Daniels, one of its founders, and Albert Volz, an early mayor of the village and another historical society founder.
It was William F. Meyer who donated the flag to the historical society. Meyer played a prominent role in the village’s early years, serving as postmaster, village treasurer and helping with the founding of the park district. Consequently, he knew the importance of documenting village history.
“This flag is more than a piece of fabric — it is a tangible connection to the people who helped build our community and the values they carried with them,” said Jeff Anderson, Museum Director. “We are honored to share this extraordinary artifact with the public once again and to tell the story of its journey from early Dunton to Arlington Heights today.”
The exhibit will immerse visitors in the flag’s history, as well as the meticulous conservation process that preserved it for future generations. Museum officials say the flag is more than an enduring symbol of American spirit. It literally is a treasure trove of local stories woven into every stitch.
Beyond the opening reception Friday night, there will be a lecture from 2 – 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, given by Anderson, Museum Director, as well as the conservator, Carla Brooke, and Lee, Museum Curator. Sign up for the lecture, here: Activity detail | AHPD Registration.
Museum officials say it took the collaboration of several Arlington Heights organizations to properly preserve the flag and feature it in a public exhibit, including: the Arlington Heights Historical Society, the Godey Questers, Carla Brooke Art Services, the Arlington Heights Park District, and museum staff members.
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