Soon history enthusiasts around the state will catch a glimpse of the abundance of patriotism reverently preserved at the House of Flags Museum in Columbus through a feature to air on UNC-TV.

House of Flags Chairman Robert Williamson met with UNC-TV videographers on Sat., Jan. 26 who spent about four hours videoing the museum and interviewing Williamson.

“We anticipate it’s going to help improve tourism,” Williamson said.

Williamson said he discussed with UNC-TV the history of the flags displayed and the museum’s history dating back to its founder, the late George Scofield.

Williamson said he does not yet know when the museum will be featured on the television show, but said they will be told before it airs.

The Polk County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution on Jan. 7 in support of the House of Flags museum being featured on UNC-TV’s North Carolina Now, which highlights interesting places in the state.

“WHEREAS, the purpose of the House of Flags Museum is to properly display a unique and comprehensive historical collection of over 300 United States, military, state and international flags, including all 27 full-size official U.S. flags from 1776 to 1960, and to provide educational experiences to elementary school children, high school students and adults of all ages,” states the county’s resolution; “and WHEREAS, every weeknight UNCTV’s North Carolina Now highlights the most interesting places in the state, covering a wide array of topics from the mountains to the coast; and WHEREAS, the House of Flags invites North Carolina Now to feature this unique facility, located in Columbus, NC, on one of its future television shows.”

The resolution, along with emails from House of Flags representatives, was part of the House of Flags’ recent effort to get featured on the network.

Williamson said with just the publicity the Tryon Daily Bulletin gives, the museum sees visitors from around the region.

In October 2012 the museum served as host to three flags from President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s administration. That three-day exhibit alone brought in almost 800 visitors to Columbus. Williamson said this Internet publicity alone draws numerous groups to view the national treasures inside the museum.

He said in 2007, when the museum became incorporated, the House of Flags would get the first 10 headlines within an Internet search and now it’s the first 20 pages.

Williamson said he’s visited several national museums and people there can’t believe the House of Flags was accomplished with no public funding.

“They are amazed,” he said, “and I’m appreciative.”

Located in downtown Columbus adjacent to the Veterans Park, the House of Flags Museum was founded on Sept. 8, 2001 by Scofield and VFW Post 9116, Columbus. The museum is the only House of Flags museum in the nation and its purpose is to teach history based on flags.

The original House of Flags Museum was located at the former Green Creek School gymnasium and a major fundraising campaign moved the museum to the former Columbus Fire Hall, donated to the House of Flags by Polk County and renovations completed through fundraising and grants. The new museum opened on Nov. 11, 2011 with fundraising ongoing to complete the second floor.

For more information about the House of Flags or to donate to the fundraising effort, visit www.houseofflags.org.

UNC-TV is North Carolina’s PBS network and has been featuring programs and features for children and adults since 1955.