Betsy Ross House

The Betsy Ross House is a Colonial museum in the Historic District of Philadelphia, United States, set in a narrow brick building from the 18th century. The rooms span multiple floors connected by steep staircases, displaying typical furnishings of the era: a workshop, living area, and cellar holding objects from that time.

The house was built in 1740 and later became both home and workplace for seamstress Betsy Ross, who raised seven children there. She worked in the upholstery shop and earned her living through sewing commissions in the growing city.

The building carries the name of seamstress Betsy Ross, whose reputation rests on her flag-making work and continues to draw visitors today. The courtyard includes burial sites, showing how closely home and workplace intertwined in the colonial city.

Visitors walk through the narrow rooms independently while using audio guides, which are also available in a children's version. The steep stairs and low doorways require some care when moving between floors.

The courtyard serves as burial site for Betsy Ross and her third husband John Claypoole, making this a rare place that combines museum and memorial. Visitors can view the small grave amid the brick walls, far from the usual cemetery atmosphere.