True Colours & Washington Standard Projects
Learn more about the process of recreating — and the history behind — the flags flown by 18th-century ships at sea during the Revolutionary War with the True Colours Flag Project. Plus, learn about the Museum's 2022-23 Washington Standard Project to create handmade replicas of General George Washington's headquarters flag.
The True Colours Flag Project
Explore the work of Betsy Ross, Rebecca Flower Young, and other Philadelphia seamstresses who supported the Revolutionary War by making the large flags flown by privateers and navy ships at sea. Throughout the summer of 2021, on-site visitors had an opportunity to interact with the modern makers recreating these early flags from countries like the United States, France, Britain, Spain, Portugal, and more, including handling the flags, trying their hands at sewing, and learning about historic textile work.
Sponsorship for the True Colours Flag Project is provided by The Color Guard of the Pennsylvania Society of Sons of the Revolution.
An Introduction to the True Colours Flag Project
Meet the Makers of True Colours
Meet the seamstresses the Museum partnered with to bring the True Colours Flag Project to life using historically accurate techniques and materials.
How to Make a Flag or Standard
True Colours contributor Kirsten Hammerstrom explores the process and steps for sewing a standard, or flag, from wool bunting.
True Colours Progress Update: Readying for a Flag Day Weekend Debut
Take a look at the progress of the seamstresses tasked with bringing the True Colours Flag Project to life as they neared its debut on Flag Day Weekend 2021.
True Colours Replica Flags Debut at the Museum
Check out photos and behind-the-scenes moments from the the debut of the True Colours Flag Project at the Museum over Flag Day Weekend in 2021.
Makers Reflect on the True Colours Flag Project
A Day Aboard the SULTANA with the True Colours Flag Project
Washington Standard Project
Following the success of the True Colours Flag Project, the Museum embarked on a project researching and handmaking a replica of General George Washington's Standard flag, while documenting the process and doing on-site demonstrations. The original flag, which is a highlight of the Museum's collection, is said to have marked his presence throughout the Revolutionary War.
An Introduction to the Washington Standard Project
Washington Standard Project Progress Update
Completing the Washington Standard Project
America 250’s official recognition of the True Colours Flag Project acknowledges the program as an expression of the America 250 vision to inspire the American spirit.
Official Recognition