
True Colours Flag Project
Learn more about the process of recreating — and the history behind — the flags flown by 18th-century ships at sea during the Revolutionary War.
Sponsorship provided by The Color Guard of the Pennsylvania Society of Sons of the Revolution.
About the True Colours Flag Project

Learn More!
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 2021 run, 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. Digital visitors can read more below to follow the project's progress and take a closer look behind the scenes.
The Making of True Colours
Go behind-the-scenes with the Museum and the makers recreating these historic flags.

An Introduction to the True Colours Flag Project

Meet the Makers of True Colours

How to Make a Flag or Standard

True Colours Progress Update: Readying for a Flag Day Weekend Debut

True Colours Replica Flags Debut at the Museum

Makers Reflect on the True Colours Flag Project

A Day Aboard the SULTANA with the True Colours Flag 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