Spotlight: Philadelphia - The Betsy Ross House

Spotlight: Betsy Ross is best known for sewing the first U.S. flag - with 13 stars and 13 stripes. The account of this historic event was first made public in 1870 in a speech by William Carnby, one of Betsy's grandsons. He and several other family members signed sworn affidavits that they heard the account first-hand from Betsy's own mouth. According to the account, George Washington, Robert Morris and George Ross met with Betsy in 1776. Washington presented her with a piece of paper which contained a sketch of a flag with 13 red and white stripes, and 13 six-pointed stars. When asked if she could make a flag from the design, Betsy reportedly suggested that they change the stars to five points rather than six. They agreed, and she proceeded to sew the first U.S. flag. Although most historians claim that the account is fictional, it is the most commonly disseminated account of our flag's origin. Regardless of who produced the first version of the flag, it was officially adopted by the U.S. Congress on June 14, 1777 - Flag Day.
     The Betsy Ross House was built around 1740. It served as both a business and a residence for various artisans for more than 150 years. The first floor front room was used as a workshop and showroom, while the remainder of the house was used as a residence by the family. It is believed that Betsy Ross lived there with her family from 1776 to 1779. She was primarily an upholsterer, but supplemented her income by sewing flags, tents, musket cartridges, etc. during the war effort. Her family identified the building as the place where Betsy sewed the first U.S. flag. In 1898, while many other colonial era homes were being torn down to build newer buildings, a group of concerned citizens formed the American Flag House and Betsy Ross Memorial Association to raise funds to purchase the home. Once they purchased the home, a portion was turned into a museum and opened to the public. In 1937, the house went through massive renovations in an effort to restore it to its appearance when Betsy Ross's family lived there. The house was donated to the city of Philadelphia in 1941.

Location: 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia; it is within easy walking distance of Independence NHS

Cost: Audio tours: adults - $7.00; children/students/seniors/military - $6.00; Self-guided tours: adults - $5.00; children/students/seniors/military - $4.00

Time: About 30 min. - 1 hour; Open 10:00 - 5:00 pm daily

Description:  Visitors to the home can see seven rooms furnished with period antiques and reproductions, including the only interpretation of an 18th century upholstery shop in the country. Original Betsy Ross memorabilia on display include her: walnut chest-on-chest, Chippendale and Sheriton side chairs, eyeglasses, quilted petticoat and Bible. They can also speak to "Betsy" herself as she works in her workshop. An audio tour, narrated by "Betsy," tells about her life as a business woman, revolutionary, mother and wife, helping the visitor gain a better appreciation of what life was like for the working class in the 18th century.
     The grounds include an annex building, a civic garden, a fountain, and the tombs of Betsy Ross and her third husband, John Claypoole. Visitors can mingle with History Makers and hear stories from our nation's history.

Rating: 3 stars (out of 5)

Things You Should Know: - Groups of 20+ visitors are eligible for discounted group rates.
- The house is closed on Mondays from December - February.
- Kids' audio tours include 13 "history mysteries" (age 4-8).
- The Betsy Ross House is currently hosting a special exhibit entitled: A Museum in the Making: The American Flag House & Betsy Ross Memorial Association, 1898-1941. It will be open until January 2016.
- You can't take pictures inside the house.
- The Betsy Ross gift shop sells flags that have been flown over the Betsy Ross House.
- Concessions are available in the courtyard from May 1 - Labor Day.

Nearby: Independence Park NHS, Christ Church Burial Ground (Ben Franklin), Arden Theatre Company, The Franklin Fountain (old style ice cream shop)