Betsy Ross House
Official Site
Betsy Ross House
The well-known and loved story of Betsy Ross sewing the first Stars & Stripes is tightly woven into the colorful fabric of America's rich history. 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 learn more about Betsy and her exciting life and times through our interactive, historical programming. Audio tours are only $7 for adults and $6 for children.
Hear Betsy's Story With New Audio Tour!
Now when you tour this authentic 18th-century home you can meet Betsy and listen to her story of love, death and the Revolutionary War. Come and experience the birthplace of the American flag as you hear all about Betsy Ross’s life - the business woman, revolutionary, mother and wife.
New Kid’s Audio Tours Available!
Now kids ages 4 – 8 can tour the house as they learn about Betsy Ross, the flag and life in the 18th century while they solve 13 “history mysteries.” $7 for adults and $6 for kids.
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Special Events
Colonial Chocolate Making
Friday, April 18, 11 am - 4pm
Join us for FREE Historic Chocolate Making demonstrations & tastings at the birthplace of the American flag – the Betsy Ross House!
How exactly did townspeople make chocolate in the 18th century? With a rebellion against tea and everything British, our forefathers proudly chose chocolate and coffee drinks as symbols of freedom. Thus began chocolate’s uniquely American journey of good taste. Come in and listen, watch, and taste!
Mother's Day Tea Party with Betsy
Saturday, May 10th, 4 - 5:30 pm
Dine on an elegant array of treats and sip fine teas in a beautiful, historic setting with Betsy Ross, herself, as your hostess at this unique and memorable Mother’s Day celebration. This popular event sells out early, so make your reservations today.
Food provided by City Tavern.
Click here to purchase tickets»
Flag Fest 2014
June 8 - 14
Celebrate Flag Day in the birthplace of Old Glory with a week of fun festivities for the whole family at the Betsy Ross House!
Flag Festival 2014 kicks-off at the start of National Flag Week on Sunday, June 8 and continues right through Stars & Stripes Saturday on June 14.
All week long, enjoy a variety of activities and programs including:
- The inspirational Flag Raising Ceremony with Betsy Ross, 10 am daily
- Patriotic crafts for kids, 11 am - 3 pm daily
- Meet and greets with Ben Franklin and George Washington History Makers
- Interactive drills with the Continental Army
Stars & Stripes Saturday
Saturday, June 14th, 10 am - 5 pm
The City of Philadelphia's Official Flag Day Celebration, Stars & Stripes Saturday is a daylong event that takes visitors back to the first Flag Day celebrations held at the Betsy Ross House in the 1890s. Highlights of Stars & Stripes Saturday include:
- Old-fashioned carnival games
- Performances by the Give & Take Jugglers, the Mummer's String Band Connection, and the Funicular Aerial Circus
- Stories from American and Philadelphia history told by an award-winning Once Upon A Nation Storyteller
Special Exhibits
Navigating Night: Life After Dark in Colonial Philadelphia
Prepare to be transported to the nighttime world of 18th century Philadelphia with Navigating Night: Life After Dark in Colonial Philadelphia. Through this brand new exhbit at the Betsy Ross House, visitors will learn how the colonists readied for bed (no shower required), about "first sleep" and "second sleep," how the colonists got their nightly news (hint: it wasn't on TV), the origin of fairy tales and ghost stories and much more.
Dressing the Bed
Meet Betsy Ross in Her Upholstery Shop
Meet Betsy in person, hard at work plying her trade, and have the chance to ask the famous lady, not only about how she came to sew the nation's first Stars & Stripes, but all about her fascinating life and business. See real upholsterer's tools and learn first-hand how they were used in this exhibit made possible with the support of American Express.
Group Information
Groups are welcome at the Betsy Ross House. Group leaders and tour guides should check in with the admissions staff upon arrival.
Movies Under the Stars & Stripes!
Starting Friday, May 2, First Friday movie nights return to the Betsy Ross House with Movies Under the Stars & Stripes!
From May through October, take in a little bit of history and a side of b-movie fun as the Betsy Ross House presents a series of classic horror films from the 1950s & 60s. The $5 admission not only includes the movie screening, but also a tour of the house as well.
- Friday, May 2: Plan 9 from Outer Space
- Friday, June 6: Attack of the Crab Monsters
- Friday, August 1: The Brain That Wouldn't Die
- Friday, September 5: Little Shop of Horrors
- Friday, October 3: Double Feature - A Bucket of Blood and Night of the Living Dead
Betsy Ross House Virtual Tour
Want to check out some of the House's rooms before your visit? Take the virtual 360-degree tour.
Map/Directions
Group Information
Group Activities, Tours, and Unique Experiences
Plan your group trip to Historic Philadelphia with unique experiences from the Betsy Ross House, Franklin Square, Lights of Liberty, and Once Upon A Nation! From interactive Storytelling tours and Philadelphia-themed mini golf to performances by historic reenactors and dazzling 3-D shows, it's all listed right here!
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