News Summary AHF Products has donated a historic linoleum flooring pattern book from Armstrong Flooring to the National Building Museum. This significant addition, including designs from 1928, highlights the artistry of flooring design. The museum now displays key patterns, including the celebrated ‘Christmas pattern’ and collections from 1942, showcasing the evolution of flooring throughout the decades. This donation not only preserves design history but also honors Armstrong’s cultural impacts, especially after its spinoff and recent challenges. Washington, D.C. – A significant piece of design history has been added to the National Building Museum’s collection, thanks to AHF Products, which recently donated a historic linoleum flooring pattern book from Armstrong Flooring. The 288-page book, showcasing the company’s offerings from 1928, is now part of the museum’s permanent collection and aims to celebrate the artistry of flooring design. Alongside the 1928 pattern book, the museum also displays Armstrong Flooring’s notable Pattern #5352, commonly referred to as “the Christmas pattern,” and a pattern book from Armstrong’s 1942 offerings. Visitors to the museum can find the pattern book in the “Visible Vault: Open Collections Storage” exhibit on the second floor, where it highlights the decorative and functional aspects of flooring through the decades. Armstrong Flooring has a long and storied history that dates back to its origins as a cork production company in 1860. The company transitioned to flooring by utilizing cork dust as a major ingredient in manufacturing linoleum. A pivotal moment in its history occurred in 1907 when Armstrong built a flooring factory on Liberty Street in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Over the years, it evolved into a division of Armstrong World Industries. In 2016, Armstrong Flooring spun off from Armstrong World Industries to become an independent entity. In recent years, the company faced significant challenges and declared bankruptcy in 2022. Subsequently, its assets were acquired by AHF Products, which operates from West Hempfield Township. The donation to the National Building Museum not only preserves a vital aspect of design history but also pays homage to the artistic legacy that began in Lancaster. The CEO of AHF Products emphasized the importance of this donation, noting that the patterns preserved in the museum honor their design and cultural impact as part of our shared visual history. Armstrong Flooring’s iconic designs garnered nationwide recognition, with one of its vinyl patterns, Futuresq, prominently featured in Disneyland’s “House of Tomorrow” exhibition in 1957. Throughout the 20th century, Pattern #5352 became Armstrong’s most celebrated design, making appearances in films, television shows, and nostalgic kitchen setups. This enduring popularity reflects the cultural significance of Armstrong’s flooring patterns and their influence on interior design trends across the United States. With the donation of the historic pattern book by AHF Products, the National Building Museum is set to enrich its collection while providing visitors with an opportunity to explore the design innovations that have shaped our environments over the decades. The inclusion of these pieces marks a significant moment for design enthusiasts and historians alike, ensuring that the legacy of Armstrong Flooring will continue to inspire future generations. Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic HERE Resources National Building Museum Acquires Historic Linoleum Pattern Book Additional Resources Lancaster Online: Piece of Lancaster County Business History Reuters: Armstrong Flooring Files for Bankruptcy Family Handyman: LL Flooring Review Bob Vila: Best Flooring Companies Vicksburg Post: Armstrong Flooring to Close Vicksburg Plant Wikipedia: Flooring Google Search: Armstrong Flooring History 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.
