1732 – 1836
Betsy Ross was a trailblazing woman in Philadelphia’s revolutionary history – but for none of the reasons you think you know!
Elizabeth Gristhscom’s family were members of the Quaker Society of Friends, but broke religious tradition in two ways. First, her father was a member of the elite Carpenter’s Company of Philadelphia and second, she was apprenticed to an upholsterer to learn the trade of furniture and flag finishing. Betsy broke tradition again by leaving the Society of Friends to marry her fellow apprentice, John Ross – then inheriting their upholstery business as his widow. It was there that she created several orders of U.S. Naval flags during the American Revolution. Her family capitalized on this at the time of the American centennial, growing her false legacy into the story of the first American flag that many still learn today.
This program is a traditional first person, biographical lecture followed by a question and answer discussion.
Program themes: history myth busting, women’s property rights in 18th century America, Philadelphia society, the American Revolution, Labor Union history.
Hedge Witch History 