Book - Broad Stripes, Bright Stars

Broad Stripes, Bright Stars: A Graphic History Celebrating 250 Years of America's Icons

By Kit Hinrichs, Delphine Hirasuna, Terry Heffernan

A stunning visual journey through 250 years of American identity, told through the objects that shaped our national spirit.

A Collection 50 Years in the Making

Drawing from Kit Hinrichs' extraordinary personal collection of over 7,500 flags and patriotic memorabilia assembled across five decades, Broad Stripes, Bright Stars is an unprecedented look at how America's most beloved icons—the Flag, the Eagle, Uncle Sam, and Lady Liberty—have woven themselves into the fabric of everyday American life.

History Through Objects

This isn't just a book about symbols. It's about how those symbols lived, breathed, and evolved through:

A Visual Treasure Trove

Hundreds of patriotic objects fill these pages: Native American quilts and Navajo weavings, vintage toys and games, folk and fine art, postal imagery, sports memorabilia, personal adornment, and handcrafted one-of-a-kind pieces—many published here for the first time. Together, they create a rich visual tapestry that captures the American spirit across two and a half centuries.

More Than Pictures

Illuminating text reveals not just the stories behind the objects, but little-known historical facts, enduring myths, and the cultural context that gave these icons their power. Plus, a comprehensive guide to all 27 official flags, the dates states joined the union, and the presidents who served under each design.

Perfect For:

Broad Stripes, Bright Stars is a celebration, a history lesson, and a love letter to the icons that have defined America for 250 years.