Sewing a New Nation: Betsy Ross and the Birth of the American Flag

Step back into the Revolutionary era with a special living history presentation at The Hermitage. Join historical interpreter Kim Hanley as she brings to life Betsy Ross, the Philadelphia upholsterer often credited with sewing the first American "stars and stripes" flag. Born Elizabeth Griscom into a Quaker family, Ross trained as an upholsterer and built a life defined by resilience, faith, and determination. Widowed during the hardships of the Revolutionary War and later remarried, she continued to operate her business while raising five daughters—an extraordinary achievement for a working woman in the 18th century. In this engaging living history program, Hanley explores the challenges Ross faced as a businesswoman during wartime, the traditions of the Quaker faith, and the important but often overlooked role women played in supporting the Revolutionary cause. Guests will also see a demonstration of the famous five-pointed star cut with a single snip of the scissors—one of the enduring legends surrounding the creation of the American flag. Through storytelling, craftmanship, and historical insight, this program offers a deeper appreciation for the women whose work helped stitch together the fabric of a new nation.