Visit the Betsy Ross House

Experience colonial times as you explore the Betsy Ross House in historic Philadelphia. The little house just down the street from the National Constitution Center shares the life of Betsy Ross, the seamstress who’s credited with sewing the first flag of the United States of America.

You can enjoy a virtual tour of the house prior to your visit to give you an idea of what you can see in person. You can also use it as a learning opportunity for your kids from the comfort of your own living room.

Here’s your guide to touring the Betsy Ross House.

Starting Your Tour of the Betsy Ross House

The Betsy Ross House looks like many of the other homes in the historic district. If you didn’t know it was her house, you may just pass it by. If you’re interested in taking a tour, make your way toward the back of the house to the gift shop.

The little shop offers lots of gifts and souvenirs. The admission desk is to your right. You can get your tickets and purchase an audio tour device (see more information on that below).

RELATED POST: Visit the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia

Once you’ve got your tickets, you can start by exploring the little alcove with information about Betsy Ross sewing the first Stars and Stripes of the new nation. Then exit that room and follow the exterior corridor to the actual house.

Follow the signs as you make your way through the house. It will help with traffic flow, as it can get a little congested if you’re visiting during a rather busy time.

NOTE: There are some steep, winding staircases from the main floor to the upper floor, as well as one down to the cellar.

Interactive Exhibits Bring Learning to Life

While the main and upper floor are more for looking, the cellar is where I found the more interactive exhibits. There was a weighted pale of water so you could try lifting it to feel how heavy it was. Next door there was a kitchen where kids could make a pot pie.

While I was exploring the cellar, I noted a woman in colonial attire mending to her chores. She was tidying up the place. She was friendly and offered to answer any questions I had about what life was like in the Betsy Ross house back in the day.

RELATED POST: Visit the Museum of the American Revolution

In researching the venue in more detail, I found that at certain times, Betsy Ross herself is in the house, talking with kids about her experiences as a seamstress. The real-life interaction can be a great way for kids to learn about this historic time.

Here’s what they currently list (as of May 15, 2020) as the times Betsy is in her upholstery shop (living room). I would recommend checking out their website before your visit to make sure you can meet Betsy Ross.

• Through June 7: Monday – Friday: 10 am – 4 pm; Saturdays and Sundays: 10 am – 5 pm; Friday, June 7: 10 am – 8 pm
• June 9 – September 2: Friday – Wednesday: 10 am – 6 pm; Thursdays and First Fridays: 10 am – 8pm
• September 3 – November 30: Monday – Friday: 10 am – 4 pm, Saturdays and Sundays: 10 am – 5 pm; Friday, November 29: 10 am – 5 pm

Your Call on the Audio Tour

I paid the extra few dollars for the audio tour. I was mixed on whether I would recommend it others. There were information signs throughout the building, so if you’d rather read the information, you can.

The audio guide device was very simple to use. I had no issues with that. It was nice to listen to the audio recordings instead of trying to read anything. But at the same time, it didn’t allow me to skim through things very easily because I wanted to wait and listen to the complete recording before leaving the given room.

RELATED POST: 7 places to explore at Valley Forge National Historical Park

If you’re a big history buff, or are looking for something extra during your visit, pay a couple extra dollars for the audio tour. If you’ve got young kids with you, they do have an audio tour geared toward them. I didn’t have kids with me, so I am not sure how that differs from the one I had.

The Details

Address: 239 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Hours of Operation: March 1 – November 30: 10 am – 5 pm, daily. December 1 – February 29: 10 am – 5 pm, Tuesdays – Sundays (closed Mondays)

Costs: Adult self-guided tours are $5. Children, seniors, military and students are $4. Add $3 per person for the audio tour device.

Website: http://www.historicphiladelphia.org/betsy-ross-house/visitors/

PIN THIS