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Please contact the Booth Family Center for Special Collections for assistance with accessing these materials.

“Star Spangled Banner” autograph manuscript

 Collection — Box: 1
Identifier: GTM-1897

Scope and Contents

“Star Spangled Banner,” autograph manuscript, signed by Francis Scott Key, Washington, D.C., August 29, 1842.

Dates

  • 1842

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

Most manuscripts collections at the Georgetown University Booth Family Center for Special Collections are open to researchers; however, restrictions may apply to some collections. Collections stored off site require a minimum of three days for retrieval. For use of all manuscripts collections, researchers are advised to contact the Booth Family Center for Special Collections in advance of any visit.

Conditions Governing Use

Researchers are solely responsible for determining the copyright status of the materials being used, establishing who the copyright owner is, locating the copyright owner, and obtaining permission for intended use.

Historical Note

Key wrote this copy of the "Star Spangled Banner" one year before his death and sent it to Thomas Steven Espy. Very few manuscript copies of the national anthem have survived. Key wrote this copy long after he wrote the original song on September 14, 1814.

Extent

0.25 Cubic Feet (1 box)

Language of Materials

English

Metadata Rights Declarations

Custodial History

The manuscript was sent to Fr. Gillespie at Georgetown University by Elizabeth McCalmont Espy Nunn. Gillespie then donated it in her name to what would become the Georgetown University Archives.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift of the recipient's daughter, Elizabeth McCalmont Espy Nunn (Mrs. J. A. Nunn), 1897.

Status
Completed
Author
John Zarrillo
Date
2023
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Georgetown University Manuscripts Repository

Contact:
Lauinger Library, 5th Floor
37th and O Streets, N.W.
Washington DC 20057