The author describes her internship with Smithsonian Institution, where she assisted with the conservation of Union Army Civil War flags. After photodocumentation and condition reports were prepared, the wool flags were vacuumed. Some were analysed for fabric structure and colourfastness. The flags were rolled and protected with acid-free tissue and pellon before rolling onto acid-free tubes. One flag was cleaned with a solution of 0.25per thousand Triton-X in deionized water, a time-consuming and costly operation. The author also conducted a project on the removal of red wine stains from a variety of fabrics. Polyester released the stain most easily; cotton with greatest difficulty. Lactic acid was most effective in removing these stains.