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Photo by Visit Philadelphia
Attraction

Dekouvri kijan Kay Betsy Ross la bay yon ikòn Ameriken lavi.

Meet the historic seamstress and learn about her role in making the American flag ...

Photo by Visit Philadelphia

Did she or didn’t she sew the first American flag?

Visitors can get the answer to that question — and learn all about America’s most famous flag maker — at the Kay Betsy Ross, located in Philadelphia’s Historic District.

Betsy Ross was a political rebel, a colonial businesswoman and a mother. She took a stand during a time when women were forbidden to take part in democracy. Generations later, her story would inspire suffragists to sew a star on a flag each time a state voted to grant women the right to vote.

Wander through the charming rooms and winding staircases of the circa-1740 residence on a self-guided tour, then talk to Betsy herself about her role in the American Revolution and her fascinating work and life.

Read on for a guide to the Betsy Ross House — and to learn more about Betsy herself.

Location & Contact:
239 Arch Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
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What can I expect to see at the Betsy Ross House?

On the self-guided tour of the Kay Betsy Ross, guests can explore:

  • Ross’ upholstery shop,
  • the parlor where she is said to have received the Flag Committee,
  • the bedroom where family legend states that she sewed the first flag, and
  • the basement where she made musket cartridges for the Continental Army.

Family treasures throughout the Betsy Ross House include her family bible (restored in 2019), her eyeglasses and the historic sewing table Betsy may have used to stitch the very first American flag, now part of the museum’s permanent collection.

Changing exhibits in the gallery offer interesting peeks into rarely seen corners of colonial life.

Visitors explore the courtyard at the Betsy Ross House, where America's first flag hangs from colonial era-buildings. Visitors explore the courtyard at the Betsy Ross House, where America's first flag hangs from colonial era-buildings.

  — Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

Audio guides are available (for an additional fee), including a special version just for kids, where children learn more about life among the working class in 18th-century Philadelphia while also solving a number of “history mysteries.” 

The attraction also hosts numerous events throughout the year. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, kids can help Betsy raise the American flag during a daily hoisting of Old Glory. And during the summer months, Once Upon A Nation Storytellers entertain in the courtyard during the day.

Check the official website for updates on program offerings.

A re-enactor dressed as Betsy Ross poses next to an American flag. A re-enactor dressed as Betsy Ross poses next to an American flag.

  — Photo courtesy Historic Philadelphia, Inc.

Patwone
Patwone

What’s the history behind the Betsy Ross House?

The raging Revolutionary War created many widows.

Betsy Griscom Ross Ashburn Claypoole ultimately lost three husbands (two during the war), but unlike many widows who were left without resources, her skills as a seamstress enabled her to support herself and her seven children.

Ross died at the age of 84 in 1836. She and her third husband, John Claypoole, are buried in the garden in the courtyard outside her home in Philadelphia’s Historic District.

Yon vi devan Kay Betsy Ross la, yon kay kolonyal de etaj ki konsève, ak pèsyèn blan ak pòt devan. Yon vi devan Kay Betsy Ross la, yon kay kolonyal de etaj ki konsève, ak pèsyèn blan ak pòt devan.

  — Foto pa Visit Philadelphia

Patwone
Patwone

What else do I need to know?

The Betsy Ross House is open daily from March through November and on select days from December through February.

Tickets are required for the self-guided tour, with an option to add an audio guide.

A reenactor playing Betsy Ross sits in a chair sewing a white star to be sewn onto an American flag. A reenactor playing Betsy Ross sits in a chair sewing a white star to be sewn onto an American flag.

  — Photo by S. Moore for Historic Philadelphia, Inc.

For more information on the Betsy Ross House — including events, current hours and ticketing — click the button below. 

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