The Chillicothe Historical Society has announced plans for a special exhibition to help celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of our great nation this summer.

A special display will be presented on the front porch of the Main Museum at 423 North 4th Street. This photo op display will be presented so that individuals and families can take photos with Betsy Ross as she sits sewing the original 13-star flag. This exhibition was put together by long-time member, Linda Herron. Linda will begin work on the project in early June with a goal of being on display in mid-June through mid-July. Also, Uncle Sam may make an appearance, standing somewhere behind her.

Elizabeth Griscom Ross who was born in 1752, was known as an upholsterer in Philadelphia. The story of her sewing the first flag at the request of George Washington emerged in the 1870s from her family’s oral tradition, but there is no documentary evidence from the 1770s to confirm it. She made flags for the Pennsylvania Navy during the American Revolution. She reportedly convinced George Washington of the design of a national flag in 1776. The story is largely believed to be made up, and the myth incorporated into an oil painting that appeared at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair.

Today though, the story of her sewing the first United States flag has become a tradition associated with the American Revolution. As such, the display of her sewing the first flag was an easy choice for the Historical Society’s celebration of this anniversary.