About This Lesson
This two-tiered lesson explores the life, work, and legend of Betsy Ross, an upholsterer and business owner often credited—though not historically verified—with sewing the first American flag. For grades 4–6, students learn about Ross’ role making military flags and the mystery surrounding the first American flag, while also discovering the contributions of Black women seamstresses, both freed and enslaved, in Revolutionary-era Philadelphia, whose names are not recorded. For grades 7–12, students examine the historical evidence behind Ross’ story, analyze why some figures become celebrated while others are forgotten, and consider how myths, symbols and national memory are shaped by many hands, both recognized and unrecognized.
