Betsy Ross House - Historic Philadelphia, Inc.

Fall Happenings in Historic Philadelphia

See what fall fun is in store for 2026!

Bloodletting & Burials

Journey through Old City and hear gruesome tales of Philadelphia's past.

Photo of a Betsy Ross actress holding a fake human skull.

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.

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.

The Upholstery Shop

Work in the Betsy Ross House upholstery shop is buzzing with as much activity today as it did back when Betsy ran her business from there.

A History Maker portraying Betsy Ross sews the early US flag

How the Betsy Ross House Was Saved

In the late 19th century, many Colonial-era buildings were being torn down. A group of citizens realized the house was in danger and took it upon themselves to save it from destruction.

Meet the Women of the 18th Century

During your visit, you might encounter some of the real women who lived in the city as part of the Betsy Ross House Meet the Women of 18th Century Philadelphia programs.

Did She or Didn’t She?

There has been some debate about whether Betsy did or didn’t sew those first Stars and Stripes. So let’s take a look at what we really know.

A History Maker portraying Betsy Ross poses with an early version of the US flag

Meet the Women of the 18th Century

During your visit, you might encounter some of the real women who lived in the city as part of the Betsy Ross House Meet the Women of 18th Century Philadelphia programs.

Photo of a man putting into a replica of the liberty bell on the Spooky Philly Mini Golf Course in Franklin Square.

Spooky Mini Golf

Bloodletting & Burials Tours

A photo of Franklin Square's seasonal Pumpkin Patch.

Franklin Square Pumpkin Patch

Trick-or-Treat Street

Bark-Or-Treat Trail

Spooky Mini Golf

Daily, October 1 – November 1. 10am-10pm

Tee up for a night of ghoulish golf at Franklin Square . . . if you dare. Grab your putter and try for a haunted hole-in-one as you weave your way through the spooky décor, eerie fog, music, and lighting that adds a touch of seasonal spookiness to Center City’s only 18-hole mini-golf course. After you’ve braved the tricky final green, enjoy some post-putt munchies at the award-winning SquareBurger. If ghostly thrills aren’t your thing, Mini Golf is also open for fright-free daytime putting.

Adults: $15

Kids: $12 (3-12)

Pumpkin Patch

Saturday, October 17. 11 am – 1 pm

A pumpkin a day keeps the ghosts and goblins away. We supply the pumpkins and all the decorations that kids need to design their own one-of-a-kind Halloween pumpkin. Franklin Square’s Pumpkin Patch is free for the 10-and-under, but reservations are strongly recommended. Reserve your spot here. Group and party reservations are not available for this event.

Trick-or-Treat Street presented by Fox Rothschild

Saturday, October 24. 11am – 1 pm

Sweet tooth alert! Franklin Square’s Trick-or-Treat Street presented by Fox Rothschild is a must-do event for the 10-and-under crowd. Young ghosts and goblins can follow the pumpkin trail, gathering sweet treats courtesy of Mars Wrigley. This daytime event is free, but advance tickets are recommended. Click here to reserve your spot. Group and party reservations are not available for this event.

Bark-or-Treat Trail

Sunday, September 25. 11am – 1pm.

Celebrate with a favorite canine for this pup-tastic Halloween event. Dogs are encouraged to dress in costume, follow a trail of treats, and collect helpful information for their owners.

Spooky Twilight Tours at the Betsy Ross House

Saturday evenings in October. 5:30 & 6:45pm.

The lights are low. The excitement is high. And as you wind your way through the Betsy Ross House your costumed History Maker guide will regale you with some ghoulish and ghastly tales of life in 18th century Philadelphia when leeches, bloodletting and ingesting smashed snails were the height of medical care. You‘ll hear how Betsy’s mortal remains were moved from graveyard to graveyard before resting at her Arch Street home. Purchase your $12 timed tour ticket here.