Betsy Ross: The Life Behind the Legend

With a snip of a pair of scissors could Betsy Ross have changed history? Did she convince the nation’s future first president that five-pointed stars suited better than six? Perhaps. Perhaps not.

Join us for the lecture, “Betsy Ross: The Life Behind the Legend,” Saturday, November 5 at 2 pm to delve into the full life story this enduring American legend. Historian Marla R. Miller shares Ross as she truly was, piecing together the fascinating life of this little-known and much beloved figure. Ross is mainly thought to be important to our history in her role as a skilled needlewoman who was one of Philadelphia's most important flag makers from the Revolution through the War of 1812. What is little known, however, is that she was fiercely on the side of the colonial resistance, reveled in its triumphs, and suffered its consequences.

The lecture is free. It is made possible by Ruby W. Linn, and is part of a lecture series celebrating the National Heritage Museum’s treasured 15-star flag.