Flag Day is June 14, and there is no better place to celebrate the stars and stripes turning 244 years old than their birthplace. Fittingly, Old City goes all out; especially the Betsy Ross House, who is celebrating all week! Here is what’s in store for Flag Day festivities.

Betsy Ross House’s Flag Fest

June 13—19
239 Arch St.

 

Every day from June 13—19, there will be fun activities at Betsy Ross House, beginning with daily flag raisings with Betsy Ross at 10 am, and including educational programming, historical reenactors, and more. All week, the first 100 visitors to the House each day will receive free admission, as well.

 

It all kicks off on Sunday, June 13 at 10 am, when Betsy Ross will raise the flag in her House’s courtyard to reveal a giant flag made entirely of M&Ms! Visitors are invited to take pictures with the unique flag and share them using the hashtag #mmsflag or tag the Betsy Ross House on social media and enjoy free samples of everyone’s favorite candy.

 

 

On June 14, Flag Day begins with the annual naturalization ceremony, this year streamed live on Facebook at 9 am, as 13 new citizens take their Oath of Allegiance. Then, join Betsy Ross on-site for a flag history program beginning at 11 am.

 

But the party doesn’t end with Flag Day. On Tuesday, hear from Once Upon A Nation storytellers; and on Wednesday, meet suffragists (reenactors) Frances Harper and Alice Paul. On Thursday, June 17, learn about colonial chocolate making with an interactive demonstration sponsored by American Heritage Chocolate.

 

On Saturday, June 19, the Betsy Ross House joins in celebrating Juneteenth on the final day of Flag Fest. The U.S. Colored Troops will join Betsy to raise both the 13-star American and Juneteenth flags, and visitors will meet Rev. Richard Allen beginning at 11 am.

 

From June 10-14, after visiting the Betsy Ross House, ticket buyers can bring their ticket stub to the Museum of the American Revolution for a $2 discount. More on that next.

Flag Day Weekend at the Museum of the American Revolution

June 10—14
101 S. Third St.

 

Join the museum over Flag Day weekend to explore the evolution of the American flag with the opening of their summer exhibit, Flags and Founding Documents, 1776-Today. Plus, view a display of handmade replica flags flown by Navy ships at sea during the Revolutionary War with the debut of their True Colours Flag Project, and enjoy other family-friendly events and activities.

 

Throughout this weekend, visit the Discovery Cart to view replica objects inspired by the work of flagmaker Rebecca Flower Young, who advertised “all kinds of colours” for the Revolutionary cause from her shop here in Philadelphia.

 

Visitors to the Museum throughout the weekend will also receive a miniature version of General George Washington’s Standard, the six-point flag that also serves as the museum’s logo!

Festivities at the National Constitution Center and Beyond

June 14
National Constitution Center, 525 Arch St.

 

Celebrating the birthday of both the American flag as well as the U.S. Army, this festival includes events to honor the flag, as well as military elements. These events will be outdoors and free to the public; no reservations are required.

 

At 10:30 am, come to the front lawn of the National Constitution Center for a 50-star flag-raising ceremony, a reading of the Flag Act of 1787, U.S. Army Drill Team demonstration, and more.

 

At noon, head to Franklin Square for an outdoor concert by the U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps. Throughout the day, families can view displays featuring military vehicles and equipment on Chestnut Street.

 

 

 

 

Photographs courtesy of Visit Philadelphia.