Charles H. Weisgerber (1856-1932) painted this monumental canvas (9’ x 12’) from 1892-93 to honor the legend of Betsy Ross and the creation of the first American flag. Weisgerber was inspired by the widely circulated account of Ross presenting the first flag to George Washington, Robert Morris, and George Ross in her Philadelphia home. While the true designer of the “Stars and Stripes” remains a mystery, Weisgerber's painting nonetheless calls attention to Betsy Ross' (1752-1836) compelling personal story. Ross earned enough money from her work as an upholsterer to support both her immediate and extended family through numerous family tragedies, including the death of three husbands. Although she may not have designed the first version, the numerous flags that Ross did sew during her lifetime had monumental importance on the streets and ships of the newly established United States.
Charles H. Weisgerber remained dedicated to Betsy Ross’ legacy throughout his life. He painted “Birth of Our Nation’s Flag” after returning to Philadelphia from Paris in the early 1890s. The painting gained considerable public attention after it was exhibited in Pennsylvania's pavilion at the Chicago Columbian Exposition in 1893. Weisgerber produced and sold chromolithographs of the painting to support the Betsy Ross House and memorial foundation. “Birth of Our Nation’s Flag” was donated to The State Museum of Pennsylvania by the Weisgerber family in 2001.