While June 14, 1777, marks the birth of the Stars and Stripes, the story of the modern 50‑star flag includes a remarkable chapter written by a 17‑year‑old Ohio student named Robert G. Heft.
In 1958, anticipating the admission of Alaska and Hawaii, Heft spent twelve hours at his family’s kitchen table sewing a new arrangement of stars for a school project. His history teacher gave him a B‑minus, joking that if Congress ever adopted his design, he’d raise the grade.
Taking the challenge to heart, Heft mailed his handmade flag to his congressman. It eventually made its way to Washington among more than 1,500 proposed designs submitted during the transition to a 50‑state Union. When the new flag was officially adopted in 1960, Heft’s own sewn flag was flown over the U.S. Capitol in recognition of his submission — a moment he cherished for the rest of his life. True to his word, Heft’s teacher later changed the grade to an A.
Whether or not Heft influenced the final layout, his story remains one of the most beloved pieces of modern flag lore — a reminder that even a high‑school project can become part of America’s national tapestry.
Annin Flagmakers credits Digby Chandler with designing the 50-star Flag. The Eisenhower Library indicates the Flag may have been designed by Irving Kittle and was selected by a six member committee.
The Robert Heft legend is a great story and I really want it to be true. In spite of the story being repeated all over the internet, I have yet to find any evidence. Can you please point me towards the the documentation you found?
Thank you for the thoughtful question — you’re absolutely right that the official record around the 50‑star flag is more complicated than the popular version of the Heft story that circulates online.
A few clarifications may help:
• Annin Flagmakers
Annin credits Digby Chandler with designing their company’s version of the 50‑star flag, not the official national layout. Their attribution is internal, not governmental.
• Eisenhower Library & Irving Kittle
The Eisenhower Library confirms that the final 50‑star arrangement was selected by a six‑member executive committee, with Irving Kittle of the Army Heraldic Branch playing a major role. They also note that no individual designer was ever officially credited, and they have no documentation tying the final layout to any specific submission.
• The Heft Story
Where the record is clear:
– Heft created a 50‑star flag for a school project
– He submitted it to his congressman
– His flag was among the many designs sent to Washington
– And his physical flag was flown over the U.S. Capitol on July 4, 1960, which is documented by the Architect of the Capitol
Where the record is not clear:
– Whether his design influenced the final layout
– Whether Eisenhower personally contacted him
– Whether his submission played any role in the committee’s decision
Because of that, we’ve updated our caption to reflect what can be documented while still honoring the part of the story that is undeniably true: Heft’s flag was recognized in Washington, and his experience became one of the most beloved pieces of modern flag lore.
Thank you Anthony. Great story and great follow up.
Just as the creation of the first Flag is surrounded by legend I hope is true but can not prove, the current Flag is surrounded by legend I hope is true but can not prove.