LOUISIANA, Mo — In honor of Independence Day weekend, the Louisiana Area Historical Museum unveiled an authentic Union flag, pictured at top left. It originally featured 32 stars and was made after Minnesota became a state in 1858. The other two stars were added upon the admission of Oregon in 1859 and Kansas in 1861, but before West Virginia joined in 1863. It was donated by museum board member Dr. Edward Glenn from his mother’s estate. Restoration was done by Creative Art Services of St. Louis. The Union ensign is displayed side-by-side with a First Flag of the Confederacy, upper right, which was donated in 2016 and came from the family of Confederate soldier Samuel Minor, whose photo hangs below the flag at lower right. Charles Cogar is pictured taking a photo of museum board member Linda Beer with the two flags. The museum at 304 Georgia Street is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. There is no admission charge, but donations are always welcomed.