Betsy Ross House, Philadelphia

Popular tradition says that the first American flag was conceived and made by a Quaker lady named Elizabeth (Betsy).

The house where she lived with another widow after her husband death, was preserved, and you may visit both the house and shop.

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Betsy Ross house (pic 1) is where Betsy and John Ross lived from 1773 to 1786. Betsy sewed the first American flag here (1776) and probably that’s why you pay a ticket to see a house which is one of the city’s major attractions!

There are only some rooms to see (photography isn’t allowed) but the signs will give some information about Betsy’s life, how she started until her retirement at the age of 76 due to rapidly failing vision (after over 50 years in her trade). She died at the age of 86, by the way the life expectancy rate for Colonial Americans is often misunderstood, according an info sign in the museum this happens because one in ten infants born in the 18th century didn’t live to the age of one, however, if you lived over 21 you’d live to see your 60th.

At the last room there is a girl that plays the role of Betsy (pic 3), you can see her at work and talk to her, ask question, how she’s still alive after 200 years and things like that. I did and hopefully she laughed. :)

The entrance fee is $3, the museum is open daily 10.00-17.00. It supposed to get packed by visitors (and the house is really small) but I was alone all the way.

On my way out I noticed some colonial actors at the courtyard but I found the fake cats more interesting (pic 4)

The Betsy Ross House is one of Philadelphia's biggest tourist attractions. Reputedly the house that Betsy Ross lived in when she sewed the first US flag, it's easy to see why despite it being a matter of oral conjecture than easily proved fact. That said, thoughtfully restored and period furnished colonial house makes for an interesting museum and the story of Betsy Ross' sewing exploits provided a much needed inspiration for girls growing up with a history of the American Revolution full of only men.

Dating back to the mid-1700s, the house is fairly ordinary aside from its most famous dweller though it does stand out now that all its neighbors have gone the way of the wrecking ball. If for no other reason, Ross' notoriety made sure this lovely old home is still around for us to enjoy. The suggested donation is $3 for adults. An audio tour is available for $5 which includes the suggested admission price.

Deemed “Our Nation's Oldest Residential Street,” Elfred's Alley offers a rare glimpse into colonial America and does in fact date back to the very early 1700s. Few outside of Philadelphia-natives fully recognized the importance of the city to the inception of the United States. Boston has its tea party, New York is the nation's global capital and DC is the seat of the government but Philadelphia played a pivotal role in what was to become and outside of Boston still offers the most detailed view of life in pre-Revolutionary life in what was to become the US. The Liberty Bell and Betsy Ross's flag may be the icons cementing this legacy but Elfred's Alley is a more concrete vision to behold. A neighborhood street largely unchanged in character for 300 years. Sure, it was set for demolition in the early 1900s but thankfully, concerned citizens banded together to save it and now with it a National Historic Landmark, it should be around for future generations to behold and hopefully appreciate.

There is a small museum store located on the block but aside from that, the buildings still on display are private (and fairly expensive for their size) homes. The best way to enjoy them is to stroll down it's narrow cobblestone street midday during the week when it's likely no one else is around. It's like taking a walk to another time.

Supposedly haunted, the house is a complex of two buildings that Betsy Ross lived in and met with the flag committe to design and present the American flag in 1777.
After you tour through the house, you can go into the courtyard and meet Betsy Ross, hear storytelling and watch colonial era craftsmen at work.

Hours:
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, April to October
closed Mondays, October through March
Suggested donations:
$3 adults/seniors
$2 children 12 and under/students
Audio tours are $5 (price includes admission)

The Betsy Ross house is located a little north of Franklin Court. The site has a courtyard, a gift shop/ticket office, and the house itself. Sometimes you will see colonial actors in the courtyard. The house itself is rather small but it's an interesting look at life in a colonial city. There are several stories to the house (including the basement).

If you visit try to get their early. Due to the size of the house, it can be very difficult to move from room to room when crowded.

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Although Betsy Ross had diligently studied upholstery, she had never made a flag. Once the idea was revealed to her, she agreed to take on the project...with one change. A five pointed star would be used in the design rather than the six pointed star. General George Washington and two others who accompanied him to her shop agreed to the alteration. One year later a resolution was passed making the Stars and Stripes the official flag of the United States.

Her part in the American Revolution by sewing the Stars and Stripes would never have been known if it hadn't been for a family member bringing it to the attention of Congress almost 100 years later.

Hours are 10 am-5 pm daily from April-September; Tues.-Sun. from October-March. The home is opened on all holiday Mondays. A self guided tour is $3.00 for adults and seniors; $2.00 for children and students. A $4.00 entrance fee provides an audio guide.

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The Betsy Ross house is where the first flag of the United States was made. This came about when General George Washington and two other members of the Continental Congress walked into her upholstery shop with something specific on their minds--a new flag representing the country had to be created and they felt Betsy was up to the task. The year was 1776.

Betsy's house is nicely preserved and her life in Philadelphia interestingly detailed. She was an enterprising woman who lived into her 80's.

Operating hours are 10 am-5 pm daily from April-September; Tus.Sun from October-March. A self guided tour is $3.00 for adults and seniors; $2.00 for children and students or a $4.00 admission fee which provides entrance and an audio guide.