Williamsport- The Thomas T. Taber Museum of the Lycoming County Historical Society will host its Society Program on Sunday, May 17, 2026 at 2pm, with an appearance by Betsy Ross. Ross family tradition holds that General George Washington, commander-in-chief of the Continental Army and two members of a congressional committee, Robert Morris and George Ross, visited Betsy Ross in 1776. George Ross convinced Washington to change the shape of the stars in a sketch of a flag from six-pointed to five-pointed, indicating that it was easier and speedier to cut the latter. There is no archival evidence to support this long-standing tradition, however, Betsy Ross was an upholsterer by trade and was familiar with textile short cuts The Lecture Series which continues throughout the year is sponsored by Catherine Burns Insurance Services, Muncy. As well, the Series is co-sponsored by a Travel and Tourism Grant from the Lycoming County Visitors Bureau. The Lecture Series features a number of exciting programs and reenactors to celebrate the history and heritage of the country’s 250th birthday.
The lecture will be held in the Community Room of the Taber Museum and is free and open to the public. As it coincides with the third Sunday of the month, free admission to tour the museum is in place. The museum is located at 858 West Fourth Street, Williamsport. There is ample parking behind the museum as well as on the street. For further information about the museum, please call 570.326.3326.