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Our Flag at 50

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Special Display

Born of passion, patriotism and political posturing, the Maple Leaf flag turns 50 in 2015. Get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the creation of our most iconic emblem, with never-before-exhibited paintings, rare artifacts, and fascinating photographs from the Great Flag Debate of 1964. This display includes the first known depiction of the flag as it exists today, and illustrates how supporters of a distinctive Canadian flag developed a simple and symbolic design.

Image: Collage of the 11-point leaf, designed by artist Jacques St-Cyr. This is probably the first depiction of the flag as we know it today.

©Canadian Museum of History, 2014.6.13, photo Steven Darby, IMG2014-0218-0001-Dm