News Summary The National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. celebrates a significant flooring donation from AHF Products, featuring Armstrong Flooring’s 1928 linoleum pattern book. This 288-page book showcases the company’s rich flooring history, highlighting iconic designs and their cultural impact on American architecture. The museum includes an exhibit showcasing both the pattern book and a roll of Armstrong’s renowned Pattern #5252. This donation reinforces the importance of flooring design in the built environment and aims to inspire future generations. Washington, D.C. – A significant piece of flooring history has found its home at the National Building Museum, with the recent donation of a linoleum flooring pattern book featuring Armstrong Flooring’s 1928 offerings. The donation was made by AHF Products in the latter half of 2024 and highlights the enduring legacy of Armstrong Flooring, which began operations in the late 19th century. The newly acquired 1928 pattern book consists of 288 pages detailing various linoleum products offered by Armstrong Flooring during that era. The museum already houses a pattern book showcasing offerings from 1942, underscoring the company’s rich history in flooring design. In connection with the donation, the museum also displays a roll of Armstrong Flooring’s iconic Pattern #5252, further emphasizing the artistic and historical significance of their products. Founded as a cork production company in 1899, Armstrong Flooring transitioned to producing laminate flooring made from cork dust over the years. The company’s first flooring factory was established in 1907 on Liberty Street in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Over the decades, Armstrong Flooring became known for its innovative designs, many of which gained nationwide recognition. For instance, the vinyl flooring pattern Futuresq was prominently featured in Disneyland’s “House of Tomorrow” in 1957. Armstrong Flooring remained a division of Armstrong World Industries until its spin-off in 2016, when it became an independent entity. However, the company declared bankruptcy in 2022 and ultimately was acquired, leading to the formation of AHF Products, which is currently operating in West Hempfield Township. The CEO of AHF Products remarked that the donation of the pattern book celebrates the artistry of Lancaster and aims to honor the cultural impact of flooring designs. One of Armstrong’s most popular offerings, the brick pattern #5352, known colloquially as “the Christmas pattern,” is another highlight within the museum’s displays. This pattern has appeared in numerous 20th-century movies and kitchens, cementing its status in American pop culture. Visitors can view a roll of Pattern #5352 alongside the new pattern book and other samples in the museum’s collection. The National Building Museum serves a vital purpose in educating the public about architecture, engineering, and design. The museum’s “Visible Vault: Open Collections Storage” exhibit on the second floor features the newly donated 1928 pattern book, making it accessible to the public. The incorporation of these historic elements not only enriches the museum’s offerings but also highlights the importance of flooring design as part of America’s architectural heritage. As institutions like the National Building Museum continue to recognize the artistry behind materials that often go unnoticed, they preserve the stories and craftsmanship that contribute to the built environment. Armstrong Flooring’s journey from a cork production company in 1899 to a key player in the flooring industry reflects broader changes in manufacturing and consumer preferences, making this donation a meaningful addition to the museum’s collection. The permanent exhibit is set to inspire future generations, fostering a deeper appreciation for design and the role materials play in shaping spaces we inhabit daily. Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic HERE Resources Additional Resources Lancaster Online Bob Vila: Best Flooring Companies Family Handyman: LL Flooring Review Reuters: Armstrong Flooring Bankruptcy Martha Stewart: How to Clean Vinyl Floors Wikipedia: Flooring Google Search: Armstrong Flooring Google Scholar: Armstrong Flooring Encyclopedia Britannica: Flooring Google News: Armstrong Flooring
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
