2024 USA Tree at the Museum of Science & Industy in Chicago

All the ornaments on the USA tree (except the icicles) are handmade by members of THE FRIENDS OF THE USA TREE using assorted materials and techniques. They include crochet, ribbon embroidery, velvet, wood, enamel, glass, basketry, sequins, and beads.

There are also two sets of 50-state ornaments, one wood, and the other glass-fired enamel.

The eagle landing on the top of the tree has 125 pieces made from five different woods.

Since the 2024 USA tree is very similar to the previous version, close-up photos of each ornament can be seen on various webpages, starting HERE.

(Above and below)

Two views of
The 2024 USA Tree
ready to be moved
into its display location

* * * * * * * * * *

First, the unadorned tree awaits
the many hand-made ornaments
which bring it to life in this
special exhibit

Members of the Museum Staff
place the eagle on the top

The next two photos show the
ornaments being organized,
so that none will be missed

The work of hanging all the
ornaments begins . . . . .

Next are several photos of sections
of the finished tree.

We start near the top, and continue around to
conclude at the bottom, where the base is ringed
with the first verse of America the Beautiful.

A few days later, the USA Tree
was placed among the others,
and the exhibit was opened
to the public.

Each year, all the trees are
shuffled to various spots
in the museum space.

* * * * * * * * * *

This year's group of FRIENDS OF THE USA TREE . . . . . . .

Carrie Bernardoni, Kathy Cunningham, Sophia Bernardoni, Carla Miller,
Olivia Bernardoni, Lincoln Smithson, Ceci Bernardoni, Joann Carbray,
Tanaka Rawls, Molly Wharton, and Rich Wharton