Happy birthday to Historic Philadelphia, which celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2024! Lots of historic family fun promises to be in store, starting with the Betsy Ross House as the site recognizes and commemorates the 250th anniversary of the 1774 opening of Betsy’s upholstery business.

The Betsy Ross House tells more than the story of America’s first flag. This Philadelphia treasure highlights an extraordinary 18th-century woman who was a courageous rebel, grieving widow, working mom, business owner, and survivor. Meet Betsy (one of several trained historic interpreters) while she sews real-life projects with period methods for today’s historic sites. Since 1891, the House has hosted Flag Day celebrations each June, the longest running Flag Day commemorations anywhere.

2024 Special Events at the Betsy Ross House

Flag Raising with Betsy

May 24th – 27th and every day from June 9th – September 2nd at 10am

Join Betsy in the Betsy Ross House courtyard for a secret ceremony raising the 13 star flag, and hear why this was especially daring in 1776.

Once Upon A Nation Storytelling

May 25th – 27th, 11am – 4pm
May 31st –  June 8th Fridays and Saturdays, 11am – 4pm
June 11th – August 31st Tuesdays-Saturdays, 11am – 4pm
September 1st and 2nd, 11am – 4pm

Visit the Storytelling Bench in the courtyard to hear little-known tales from America’s past.

Flag Fest

June 9th – 15th

The Betsy Ross House’s signature event returns in 2024, with free programming throughout the week highlighting the tradition of flag making in Philadelphia. Visitors can meet George Washington, welcome new Americans during a moving naturalization ceremony on Flag Day (Friday, June 14th) and enjoy an American Music Celebration at the end of the week featuring the Philadelphia Heritage Chorale, J. Donald Dumpson, and Friends.

Meet the Women of the 18th Century

June 21st – August 31st Fridays and Saturdays
September 7th – October 26th Saturdays, 11 am to 3 pm

Learn about the lives and times of the diverse female population of Colonial Philadelphia as History Makers (first-person interpreters) portray women of different races, religions, and economic backgrounds on weekends through the summer and fall.

First Friday Movie Nights Under the Stars & Stripes

First Friday of each month, June through October (no movie in September)
Movies begin at dusk, so start times will vary.

BYOB and snacks and enjoy a kitschy classic under the stars in the House’s courtyard. Tickets are $8 online or at the gate, and include an after-hours tour of the House. Seating is limited so get there early!

• June 7: The Killer Shrews (1959)
• July 5: The Brain from Planet Arous (1957)
• August 2: The Invisible Boy (1957)
• October 4: Night of the Living Dead (1968)

Slice of History: A Race Through Time

Friday June 28th, 6pm

Slice of History is a meet-up for young adults to kick off Civic Season 2024, organized by the National Center for Civil and Human Rights and Made by Us. During this scavenger hunt, teams of two tackle challenges, earn clues, and race through time for a chance to win great prizes– finish first to secure tickets to the Chinese Lantern Festival! Participants will meet the Founding Fathers and Betsy Ross and all teams will be rewarded with a pizza party post-race with beer provided by Yards. Tickets are $60 for each team of two.

Children’s Naturalization Ceremony

Tuesday July 2nd, 9am

Thirteen children from around the world take the Oath of Citizenship during this moving ceremony.

Red, White, & Blue To Do

Tuesday July 2nd, 12 – 7 pm

July 2nd was declared by John Adams to be a day of “pomp and parade.” The Betsy Ross House celebrates with patriotic carnival-style games for prizes (50 cents per game) from 12 – 4 and extended hours (until 7pm). More events through the city here.

Patriotic Pet Fashion Show

Thursday July 4th, 10:30am

You’re not going to want to miss pets of all kinds decked out in their patriotic finest, as they parade in the courtyard in celebration of Independence Day.

About the Betsy Ross House