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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 Betsy Ross House, 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.
On the self-guided tour of the Betsy Ross House, guests can explore:
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.
— 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.
— Photo courtesy Historic Philadelphia, Inc.
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.
— Photo by Visit Philadelphia
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.
— 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.
It’s Philly’s biggest year yet!
Make the most of it by booking the Visit Philly Overnight Package, which comes with free hotel parking and complimentary tickets to some of the most popular attractions in each of Greater Philadelphia’s five counties including Universal Theme Parks: The Exhibition at The Franklin Institute, the Mercer Museum in Bucks County, Longwood Gardens in Chester County, the Brandywine Museum of Art in Delaware County and Elmwood Park Zoo in Montgomery County.
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