Anderson Bros.

Betsy Ross Commemorative Handkerchief

Maker

Anderson Bros. (American, early 20th century), printer

Title

Betsy Ross Commemorative Handkerchief

Year

early 1900s

Medium

Materials/Techniques

Techniques

Geography

Place Made: New Jersey; Place Made: Paterson

Dimensions

50.8 cm (20 inches) (length)

Credit / Object Number

Credit

Gift of Mrs. Constance Wharton Smith

Object Number

58.165.30

Type

Exhibition History

Former Glory
Jul 27, 2018 – Jan 20, 2019

Label copy

Contrary to popular belief, no evidence supports the story that the first American flag was made by Betsy Ross, thought to be depicted here. The Ross myth, disseminated by Ross’s grandson, coincided with the 1876 Centennial Exposition, which commemorated the 100-year anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. While Ross probably didn’t design the first American flag, she was known to sew flags for the Pennsylvania Navy during the Revolutionary War.

Image use

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Tombstone

Anderson Bros. (American, early 20th century), printer
Betsy Ross Commemorative Handkerchief, early 1900s
Jacquard woven silk
50.8 cm (20 inches) (length)
Gift of Mrs. Constance Wharton Smith 58.165.30

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