- Self-Guided Tours
Adults: $10
Children (ages 6-12)/Seniors (65+)/Students/Military (with ID): $8 - Audio Guide
(Buy a ticket and upgrade to audio on-site)
Adults: $12
Children (ages 6-12), Students/Military: $10
*Children ages 5 and under are free. We honor discounts offered through PA Access Cards. National Park Service Access Cards are not accepted.
March – November:
Daily: 10am – 5pm
*Closed November 28
December – February: Wednesday – Monday (closed Tuesdays): 10am – 5pm
*Closed December 25 and January 1
The Betsy Ross House is located in Philadelphia’s Old City neighborhood in the heart of the Historic District, “America’s Most Historic Square Mile,” and steps away from the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and other landmarks in Independence National Historical Park.
Visitor Highlights
Audio Tours
Enhance your visit with an English language Audio Tour, chock-full of fun facts and behind-the-scenes info from the curator. Hear about Betsy’s daring elopement. Share the heartbreak of her widowhood and her struggle to survive as a single, working mother. And get the latest historic research about her role in the Revolutionary War and the ongoing debate about Betsy and the first flag.
Kids can enjoy their own audio tour and learn about a child’s life in the 18th century as they solve 13 “History Mysteries.”
Already have your tickets? You can upgrade to an audio tour on-site at the admission desk.
Audio Guide
- Adults: $12
- Children (ages 6-12): $10
- Students/Military: $10
The Courtyard
Nestled under the trees in the shaded courtyard are the graves of Betsy Ross and her third husband, John Claypoole. The Old City Holiday Tree Lighting, Menorah Lighting, and more will return to the courtyard for the winter season! Plan your summer now in our upcoming events section on our Home Page.
Meet Betsy at Work
Just as the real Betsy did centuries ago, trained historic interpreters work in the room where Betsy ran her upholstery business, using thoroughly researched, authentic 18th century hand-stitched techniques to make the curtains, bed coverings, chair cushions and other fabric items you see throughout the house.
Betsy’s Belongings
In each room of the house you’ll find centuries-old items that belonged to Betsy Ross and her family. Some, such as the woven cane chairs in the bedrooms, are on view year round while artifacts such Betsy’s snuff box, the family Bible and a cane belonging to John Claypoole, Betsy’s third husband, are displayed on a rotating basis.
Chat With History Makers
Special events bring special appearances from Historic Philadelphia, Inc.’s History Makers, trained historic first-person interpreters who represent a cross-section of actual 18th century Philadelphians. Check the Events listings to learn when you can meet Margaret Woodby, a free Black cake maker who lived near Betsy; socialite Peggy Chew; Susanna Cooke who became a laundress following husband’s death; Hannah Lithgow, the wealthy widow who rented rooms to Betsy Ross; Henry “Box” Brown who ingeniously escaped slavery by mailing himself in a crate traveling from Richmond, VA, to Philadelphia; Mary Crathorne, a chocolate and mustard manufacturer who took over the business after her husband’s death.
Take a Bit of Betsy Home
The answer to “what did you bring me?” is here in the Betsy Ross House Gift Shop. Treat yourself, family and friends to at-home stitchery projects, Colonial-era toys and games, craft activities, books, apparel for the whole family, décor, mementos and general Philadelphia memorabilia and flags, flags and more flags. For a very special memento, guests can choose a date they want to commemorate and we will fly a flag on the courtyard flag pole that day, box it up and ship it to you with a certificate signed by the Director. Forget something when you get home? Order online and have your souvenirs shipped straight to your home.
Accessibility
The 300 year-old Betsy Ross House has narrow passageways and steep winding stairs that impede accessibility for strollers, wheelchairs, walkers and motorized scooters. The courtyard, featuring Betsy Ross’s grave has seating, and the museum store, exhibition gallery and a first-floor restroom are all accessible. To accommodate guests with mobility issues, our museum staff offers a first-floor tour that includes some walking and two steps up/down and a complimentary audio tour with photo guide, and, when available, a visit from Betsy herself. Please see a staff member for assistance.
Inclement Weather Policy
Historic Philadelphia, Inc. retains the right to cancel, postpone, close attractions at any time. In the event of inclement weather every effort will be made to ensure operations upon the return of safe operating conditions. In the event of a complete cancellation, rain checks will be issued with proof of purchase.
