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Living History: A Visit with Betsy Ross

Presented by American Historical Theatre

Uncover the true story of Betsy Ross as history comes to life with Jill Lawrence of American Historical Theatre!

In this presentation, attendees will be introduced to the real woman behind the legend. They’ll explore the history of the American flag as Betsy demonstrates how it came together from its original elements, and they’ll even get a chance to try her “famous” technique—cutting a perfect five-pointed star with a single snip of the scissors.

Betsy Ross is often imagined as the humble seamstress in a small colonial room, carefully stitching the first Stars and Stripes. While historians question the claim that she created the very first flag, they do agree on the more grounded and meaningful details of her life. Because women’s contributions were rarely documented at the time, the true maker of the first American flag may never be known. What is certain, however, is that Betsy lived a remarkable and resilient life. She worked hard to sustain her business and remain true to her beliefs during the British occupation of Philadelphia from 1777 to 1778.

It was through the determination and spirit of everyday people like Betsy Ross that the nation was born, and through their perseverance that the United States grew and flourished.

Open to all ages. Registration is suggested but not required. 

About Betsy Ross

Elizabeth Griscom Ross (January 1, 1752 – January 30, 1836) was a Philadelphia upholsterer widely credited with creating the first American flag in 1776, though this story, popularized by her grandson in 1870, lacks evidence. Born in New Jersey, she was the eighth of 17 children in a Quaker family. Trained as an upholsterer, she and her first husband, John Ross, ran their own upholstery business in Philadelphia. She remains a key figure in American history, representing the contribution of women to the American Revolution.

About the Actor

Jill Lawrence earned her BFA with honors in Musical Theater from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and her high school diploma from the North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston-Salem. She has performed with the Ziggaraut Theater in Los Angeles, The Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, American Family Theaters and The Philadelphia Shakespeare Festival, just to name a few. For many years she welcomed visitors from all over the world as Betsy Ross at the Betsy Ross house. Jill has been an adjunct professor at Camden County College, a writer and tour guide for Once Upon A Nation and a guest storyteller at the National Archives in Washington.

About American Historical Theatre

Founded in 1992, American Historical Theatre is a nonprofit organization dedicated to making history engaging and accessible. Through first-person historical interpretation, their performers invite audiences to connect with the past, fostering empathy and an understanding of the power of individual choice. To learn more, visit their website at ahtheatre.org.

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