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America at 250 | Civic Holidays | In Person

Flag Day

Date
Sunday, June 14
Time
All Day
Flag-Independence-Mall.png

On June 14, 1775, the Continental Congress established the U.S. Army and, two years later, adopted the official American flag. Celebrate both historic anniversaries with programs from the National Constitution Center. Learn about the creation of the American flag, participate in flag-raising ceremonies, and help fold our giant flag!

Philadelphia’s Stripes and Stars Festival
From star-spangled banners to five-star generals, Philadelphia’s Historic District celebrates the shared birthday of two of our country’s greatest institutions—the American flag and the U.S. Army.

The day kicks off at the National Constitution Center with a 10 a.m. opening ceremony featuring George Washington and Betsy Ross. Additional ceremonies and events take place throughout the day at the Betsy Ross House and on Independence Mall.

 

Flag Day Programs at the Museum

History of the American Flag Show
History of the American Flag Show

10:45 a.m. and 12:45 p.m., Kenneth C. Griffin Great Hall Overlook
In the summer of 1777, the Continental Congress passed the Flag Act, declaring that “the flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.” As the American flag turns 249, join us to discover its history during our interactive flag show.

Betsy Ross: Beyond the First Flag
Betsy Ross: Beyond the First Flag

11 a.m., Kenneth C. Griffin Great Hall Overlook
Betsy Ross is perhaps best known for sewing the first American flag at the request of Gen. George Washington, but did you know she ran a successful woman-owned business in revolutionary Philadelphia? Or that she helped establish the Free Quaker Meeting House? Meet the woman behind the flag and hear about her experiences during the American Revolution and beyond!
Presented in partnership with the Betsy Ross House

Artifact Spotlight: A Fragment of the Lincoln Flag
Artifact Spotlight: A Fragment of the Lincoln Flag

11 a.m. and 2 p.m., Civil War and Reconstruction gallery
On the way to his inauguration, Abraham Lincoln stopped in Philadelphia on Feb. 22, 1861, and raised an American flag over Independence Hall. View a fragment of this flag and learn more about the president’s commitment to preserving the Union and fulfilling the promises of the Declaration of Independence made in 1776.

‘It’s OK to Be a Hero:’ American Women in the Military
‘It’s OK to Be a Hero:’ American Women in the Military

11:45 a.m. and 2:45 p.m., Kenneth C. Griffin Great Hall Overlook
The path for women in the American military has been paved by the bravery of many. Learn about notable women veterans and how they helped open doors, from Margaret Corbin in the Revolutionary War to Sheila Widnall, the first female secretary of the Air Force in 1993.

Giant Flag Folding

Noon and 3 p.m., National Constitution Center Front Lawn
Join us on the Front Lawn for a flag-folding demonstration featuring our giant American flag! We’ll uncover the flag’s symbolism and learn how to properly fold the it.

Fun With Flags Challenge

10 a.m.–noon., Kenneth C. Griffin Great Hall Overlook
Find your inner vexillologist at this fast-paced activity and explore the stories behind the 56 state and territory flags that hang above the National Constitution Center’s Grand Hall Overlook.

Flag Day Arts & Crafts

10 a.m.–5 p.m., Kenneth C. Griffin Great Hall
Follow flag code as you color and fold your very own American flag to take home. Also decorate Thank-a-Vet bags, which will be donated to the Veterans Multi-Service Center, to thank veterans in our community for their service.