March is Women’s History Month, and the Betsy Ross House is celebrating by inviting visitors to meet women from the 18th century and hear their stories.
Each week throughout March, a different historical woman, played by an actress, comes to talk about their work and what their lives were like. Visitors are invited to ask questions and interact with the space, which is the house Betsy Ross lived in when she designed and sewed the original American flag.
This past week’s highlighted figure was Susanna Cook, who took up work as a laundress after her husband’s death from yellow fever.
“It was the worst this city has ever seen. I should be grateful I was spared as well as two of my children, but now I have to earn my own living without the help of any man.”, recounted the actress.
During talks with visitors, she explained how grueling the work of a laundress was in the 18th century, and that it was one of the few ways women could make a living during the time.
By sharing the story of an ordinary yet hard-working woman from history, the Betsy Ross house provides insight into the strength and struggles of women in American history. The Betsy Ross House will highlight one more historical woman this Saturday from 11am-3pm. For more information, click here.
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