The American Flag Unfurled
Did Betsy Ross Design the first American Flag? Ross, nee Elizabeth Griscom, was born into a middle-class Quaker family, January 1, 1752. She lived in Philadelphia during the War for American Independence, "The American Revolution".
And the answer is: Most likely, no, she did not. But did Betsy Ross sew a Flag for the American Congress early in the struggle for American Freedom from Great Britain? Yes, indeed, she did. Was this Flag the first "Stars and Stripes" ever made? Unfortunately, the answer to this question may never be known, but such facts and myths about Betsy Ross have been recounted by generations of Americans.
"Betsy Ross: The Flag Unfurled" separates the facts about Betsy Ross and the American Flag from the myths, while presenting an entertaining, educational, and inspiring story of the patriot, upholsterer, and flag-maker that really was Betsy Griscom Ross Ashburn Claypoole.
In program, Betsy Ross (portrayed by Kim Hanley) invites her audience to join her in her upholstery shop. Betsy's stories of personal trial and determination vividly depict the tense and sometimes dangerous political climate in Philadelphia during the struggle for American Independence. Using period appropriate visual aids, she clearly illustrates the need for a flag to identify the new country. As the attendees watch, she builds the American Stars and Stripes on a colorful felt storyboard, step-by-step, from its historical components. Along the way she dispels myths about Betsy Ross and the flag, clearing the way for the students to develop an accurate understanding of the development of our Nation's emblem. Betsy Incorporates many audience participation elements including inviting students to dress in period clothing and act as "volunteer" apprentices.
This event is part of the JES's USA 250 Event Series.
Location: Jefferson Educational Society - 3207 State St, Erie, PA 16508
Date/Time: Wednesday, Feburary 11, 7-8:30PM
Admission: FREE
*If you do NOT receive a letter from info@jeserie.org within 24-48 hours regarding your registration, please check your spam or junk folder. Thank you!
Kim Hanley’s academic training includes a BFA in Restoration and History of Applied Arts from the Fashion Institute of Technology, State University of New York. She is an actor, singer, costumer and dancer who trained and performed from an early age with the School of American Ballet and the Eglevsky Ballet in New York, as well as with the visiting Bolshoi Ballet, Stuttgart Ballet. Ms. Hanley is also an accomplished costumer whose specialty is historical fashion. She has costumed for Many of the Nation’s top historical Interpreters and historical sites such as George Washington’s Mount Vernon. On a lighter note, she includes among her “bigger” clients The Philly Phanatic.
Kim began interpreting Abigail with AHT in 1997. Ms. Hanley has appeared in venues that include the White House Visitors Center, National Archives in Washington DC and NYC, National Portrait Gallery, Fraunces Tavern Museum at Trinity Church in NYC, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Franklin Institute, National Constitution Center, Independence Visitors Center, Museum of the American Revolution, Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania Historical Society, Durham Museum, Mount Rushmore, Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace, Delaware Humanities Forum Chautauqua, and many other historical and educational institutions throughout New Jersey and the Greater Philadelphia area.
In addition to Abigail Adams, Kim’s character portrayals include: Dorothy Quincy Hancock, Annie Oakley, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Lucretia Mott, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Mary Young Pickersgill, Betsy Ross, Molly Pitcher, Eliza Goodfellow, Allice Roosevelt Longworth, Abby Aldrich Rockefeller, and Grace Coolidge. Upcoming Projects include Mother Jones!
