Betsy Ross PORTRAYED BY KIM HANLEY
Elizabeth Griscomb Ross Ashburn Claypoole’s story differs from, and is superior to, the myths that enshroud her true legacy. Hers is the story of a strong and independent woman who was willing to work hard and follow her own mind and heart at a time when women were expected to conform to tradition.
As one of the most iconic figures of American Independence, we think of Betsy Ross sitting in her quaint colonial room, dutifully sewing the first Stars and Stripes. While historians doubt the validity of her descendant’s claim that Betsy made the very first emblem of our nation, they do agree on the less glamorous, yet more substantial facts of her real life. Unfortunately the history of women’s work was not well documented and the world may never know who actually sewed the first American Flag. Betsy Ross never made that claim for herself. We do know, however, that she lived a fascinating and inspiring life during difficult times. She struggled to maintain her business and patriotic beliefs during the British occupation of Philadelphia (1777-78). It is in the hearts of the middle class people such as Betsy Ross that this country was conceived, and on their hard working backs that America thrived as a new Nation.
In this presentation attendees will meet the lady behind the myths, discover the history of the Flag as Betsy builds it up from its historical components, and they will have the opportunity to master her “famous” trick of cutting a five pointed star with one snip of the scissors. Young visitors will be “trained” as apprentices in Betsy’s shop.
Kim Hanley: Bio Actor/Historian, Interpreter, Reenactor, Impersonator
Kim Hanley is Betsy Ross