Unfolding History
The Betsy Ross House and The Rittenhouse come together for a truly historic Philadelphia experience!
Privateers and Prisoners: The Story of Joseph Ashburn and John Claypoole
Ashburn and Claypoole, imprisoned privateers, crossed paths at Old Mill; one died, the other married his comrade’s wife, Betsy Ross.
Painting of Old Mill Prison, 1798.
Stitching History Together: Betsy & George Washington
Follow along to see how our Betsys recreated this 1774 project using techniques appropriate to the time period!
archival photo from Mount Vernon Historians of george Washington's personal ledger
Betsy Ross House Tours
The Betsy Ross House, the birthplace of the American flag, is alive with the sights and sounds of the 18th century.
Exterior of the Betsy Ross House on a sunny day
Slice of History: A Race Through Time
Decipher clues and race your way through time in Old City! Finish with a pizza party - beer included!
Heavens to Betsy: Selling an American Icon
Learn how an idealized version of Betsy Ross has sprung from American culture through this kitsch despite there being no surviving image of Ross herself.
Meet the Women of the 18th Century
Meet the Women of the 18th Century at the Betsy Ross House!
An actress playing Mary Crathorne, posing for the camera.
Patriotic Pet Costume Contest
Join us on July 4 to see which pet is crowned most-patriotic!
Betsy Ross House Flag Raising
Begin your day in Historic Philadelphia with a Flag Raising by Betsy Ross herself!
A History Maker portraying Betsy Ross poses next to an early US flag in the courtyard of the Betsy Ross House
Flag Day
Circle June 14 on your calendar. That’s the anniversary when the 1777 Second Continental Congress officially adopted the Stars and Stripes as our nation’s flag.
A parade marches in front of the Betsy Ross House in honor of flag day circa 1937
Collection Highlights

Allies Victorious Case

  • World War I Victory Flag (c. 1918)
  • Humanity Flag (c. 1918): Honoring the alliance between France, Britain, and the U.S., this symbolic flag reflects Woodrow Wilson’s mission to make the world safe for democracy.
  • World War I Allies Flag (c. 1918): Depicts the national standards of all 21 Allied nations—illustrating the truly global nature of WWI.

Remembering Revolution Case

While few original Revolutionary War flags exist, this case features Centennial-era reproductions, alongside powerful family heirlooms.

  • Beaver Flag of the Armed Ships of New York (Reproduction, c. 1876–96)
  • 13-Star American Flag by Rachel Albright (c. 1903): Hand-stitched by Betsy Ross’s granddaughter at age 91, this historic piece was sold as a souvenir at Independence Hall.
  • Pine Tree Flag (Reproduction, c. 1876–96)
  • Philadelphia Sesquicentennial Parade Flag (1926)

Count the Stars Case

Explore the evolving identity of the United States through its star-spangled banners.

  • 48-Star American Flag (flown at Eisenhower’s Inauguration, 1953)
  • 46-Star American Parade Flag (c. 1907)
  • Flagpole Carrying Harness & Wooden Flag Staff (1900–20)
  • 5-Star Naval Commissioning Pennant (c. 1890)
  • 48-Star Flag (Whipple Configuration) (c. 1912): A rare Star of David-inspired design by Philadelphia publisher Wayne Whipple.
  • 48-Star Crawford WWII Flag (c. 1946–50): Documenting the military service of Johnnie S. Crawford, a Black soldier who served in the Pacific Theater.
  • 34-Star American Flag (c. 1861): Representing Kansas’ statehood, flown during the Civil War.
  • 38-Star American Flag (c. 1876): A commemorative flag from the year Colorado joined the Union.