Visiting The Betsy Ross House In Philadelphia, The Complete Guide

Table Of Content

• Betsy Ross 250th Anniversary: A Year of Sipping, Stitching and Storytelling
• Did Ross Sew The Flag?
• ‘The Traitors’ Host Alan Cumming Reveals There Will Be Some “Good Twists” In Season 3 - Contenders TV: Doc + Unscripted
• The Upholstery Shop
• Come for Philadelphia. Stay (Over) for Philly.
• The History
• Guide To The Betsy Ross House: What To See

The Betsy Ross House, the birthplace of the American flag, is alive with the sights and sounds of the 18th century. Tour the house and then stay a while longer to meet Betsy in her upholstery shop and learn more about her exciting life and times through our interactive, historical programming. An annual tradition, Flag Festival 2024 celebrates National Flag Week with a week full of free family programming. The annual celebration of National Flag Week features free programming daily, including an interactive flag history presented by Betsy Ross, herself, the chance to meet other 18th-century women and learn about their lives, and much more. Flag Day, June 14, features a naturalization ceremony and the opportunity to meet the flag makers from the Defense Logistics Agency, who embroider Presidential flags right here in Philadelphia. Each day, the Betsy Ross House offers visitors the chance to take self-guided or audio tours.

Betsy Ross 250th Anniversary: A Year of Sipping, Stitching and Storytelling

Art of Aging: Betsy Ross interpreter bringing history to life for nearly 20 years - WPVI-TV

Art of Aging: Betsy Ross interpreter bringing history to life for nearly 20 years.

Posted: Thu, 20 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

It’s possible that Betsy simply used his name to conduct business. It’s furnished with period-appropriate furniture, decor, and accessories. As you step inside the Betsy Ross House, you’ll travel back to the 18th century. Betsy is most acclaimed for for creating the first American flag, a symbol of unity and freedom that endures today. The Visit Philly Overnight Package — booked more than 190,000 times since 2001 — comes with free hotel parking (worth up to $100 in Center City Philadelphia), overnight hotel accommodations and choose-your-own-adventure perks. Betsy Griscom Ross Ashburn Claypool 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.

Did Ross Sew The Flag?

On the whole, it’s a lovely well-interpreted museum with plenty of information panels along the way. The restoration efforts breathed new life into the houses, which was subsequently gifted to the city in 1941. But the house was also suffering from wear and tear. With further donations from a Philadelphia mogul, the prominent historic architect Richardson Brognard Okie was commissioned to do a major restoration. In 1777, Congress adopted the Stars and Stripes as the official flag. Legend has it that in 1776, George Washington visited Betsy to discuss a new flag design.

‘The Traitors’ Host Alan Cumming Reveals There Will Be Some “Good Twists” In Season 3 - Contenders TV: Doc + Unscripted

Tradition tells that General George Washington and two members of the congressional committee visited Mrs. Ross in 1776. She convinced Washington to change the shape of the stars in a sketch of a flag he showed her from six-pointed to five-pointed by demonstrating that it was easier to cut the shape of the five-pointed star. Ross made flags for the Pennsylvania navy during the time of the American Revolution and was an avid flag-maker for over 50 years. This daylong, family-friendly festival in the House’s courtyard is the culmination of Flag Fest and features entertainment, from magic, to puppet shows to circus acts, along with old-time carnival games and more. A gem in Philadelphia’s Historic District, the Betsy Ross House tells the stories of 18th-century women and is home to the only (fully functional) 18th-century upholstery shop in America. The 250th-anniversary events commemorate both Betsy and John Ross’s elopement, as well as the opening (and impact) of their historic shop.

The Upholstery Shop

Historically Speaking: Betsy Ross, an original American patriot - northcoastcurrent.com

Historically Speaking: Betsy Ross, an original American patriot.

Posted: Wed, 21 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

They’ll hear about their lives, their families, their careers … and maybe try their hands at their trades. This fall marks the beginning of a yearlong commemoration of two milestones in the life of Betsy Ross. The Betsy Ross House will host a series of special events continuing through Summer of 2024. But before we move on to the next congressional melodrama, let’s make sure we’ve given Johnson his due. I say that not as any fan of his — he had no business being elected speaker, given his assertive role in trying to overturn the 2020 election — and I think that’s all the more reason to say it.

Come for Philadelphia. Stay (Over) for Philly.

Hot dogs, drinks and light snacks are available in the courtyard from Thursday through Sunday during March and April and daily starting May 1. Get the scariest offers and stay current on sales and events. This was a place where family members would gather for various activities, such as conversation, reading, and socializing. They also welcomed prominent visitors and clients here. Wander through the tiny rooms and tight 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. Historic Philadelphia, Inc. retains the right to cancel, postpone, close attractions at any time.

First Friday Movie Night Under the Stars & Stripes

He had hired her to do a pretty good commission for Mount Vernon, so he was familiar with her work and clearly was happy with her sewing skills and upholstery skills and thought that she was up to the task. What’s so interesting is that Betsy and John Ross had just finished their apprenticeship just a few months earlier and they were just starting their own business. She was about to get married so this was a wedding gift for her.

During their investigation, they captured disembodied voices galore throughout the house. Could this be the spirit of the guard who was left to die here? A man’s voice was also captured in the director’s office, but it was too muffled for them to make out precisely what it was saying.

Guide To The Betsy Ross House: What To See

These BYOB gatherings feature guest speakers, new sewing techniques and beginner-friendly projects (and, of course, Betsy Ross cameos). Admission to the event is free and advanced registration is required. Betsy's mother, father and sister all died days apart of yellow fever, leaving Betsy to raise her niece. And although Betsy and John were married for 34 years, John was disabled by a war injury for nearly 20 of them and needed constant care from his wife. Just around the corner is the beautiful Elfreth’s Alley. Independence National Historical Park is just due south, about a minute stroll.

The Betsy Ross House is open from April through October, 10 a.m. It's closed on Mondays from November through March, and closed on both Mondays and Tuesdays during January and February. For self-guided tours, a visit to the house will set adults back a mere $4; kids, students, seniors and military personnel are free. A grieving Betsy continued to run the upholstery business, and in 1782, she was visited by a fellow prisoner and friend of her second husband named John Claypoole, who came to bring her the sad news of her husband's death.

The history of the Betsy Ross House is as full of twists and turns as the stairs in her home. The front portion of the bandbox or “trinity” style house was built in 1740 with the rear section being added on about years later. In the 18th century the house was occupied by a shoemaker.

She faces the condemnation of her Quaker community for marrying outside her religion. The program continues in the House with a special love-themed tour and a delicious, handcrafted “love potion”  cocktail. Celebrate the 250th  anniversary of John and Betsy Ross’s November 1773 marriage with this special program. Guests will hear a love story for the ages when they meet a young Betsy just after her elopement with husband John.

Family treasures throughout the Betsy Ross House include her family bible (restored in 2019), her eyeglasses and more. Changing exhibits in the gallery offer interesting peeks into rarely seen corners of colonial life. Nestled under the trees in the shaded courtyard are the graves of Betsy Ross and her third husband, John Claypoole. Once Upon A Nation Storytelling, First Friday Movie Nights, Flag Raisings, and more will return to the courtyard for the summer season! Plan your summer now in our upcoming events section on our Home Page. You can upgrade to an audio tour on-site at the admission desk.

Additionally, check out their website for other events they host, including seasonal events and night programs here. Even if you’re not around the Philadelphia area, the Betsy Ross House is offering virtual field trips for school or tour groups here. Betsy Ross is well known for being the creator of the first Stars & Stripes design of the national flag. The Betsy Ross House is the birthplace of the American flag, but its available as a step-back into the world of the 18th century. To purchase tickets and to learn more about the Betsy Ross House 250th anniversary celebration, visit the official website below. Meet historic figures from Colonial Philadelphia’s Black community and learn about the 18th-century Black experience during this storytelling series.

This is where she may have made the bulky 10 foot flag and where she entertained friends. Bed hangings were extremely expensive in those days and a precious commodity. There’s an actress dressed as Betsy in period costume in this room. And she’ll answer any questions you have, as if she was back in time. You may also get a lesson on how to cut the 5 point star. There is no proof that her husband John was also an upholsterer, though he advertised that he was.