New FOVFP License Plate

In the News

Why Is This Land Important?
The land known as the Perkiomen Peninsula, and particularly the Pawling Farm, played an essential role in the Valley Forge winter encampment of 1777-78.  It provided strategic protection for the camp; it was the site of the newly organized Commissary function that saved the Continental Army from starvation; and it was the ultimate site of the encampment itself before the army marched on to victory at Monmouth.
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The Bruce Baky Valley Forge Fellowship
The McNeill Center for Early American Studies at the University of Pennsylvania announced this new fellowship.  The National Park Service and the Friends of Valley Forge Park have made possible the Bruce Baky Valley Forge Fellowship, to be awarded to a dissertator specializing in military history during the American Revolution, broadly defined, when a suitable candidate is available.  The fellowship honors the late Bruce Baky, former Chairman of the Friends of Valley Forge Park and a long time advocate of strengthening connections between the academic community and the park.  The Baky Fellow will be appointed to a ten month term with a stipend and will be offered housing in Valley Forge National Historical Park.  While devoting the majority of his or her time to dissertation work, the fellow will also develop and present public programming at the park, work with park staff, and develop at least one research or educational project for the park.  “We can think of no better way to honor Bruce and we are grateful to the Friends of Valley Forge Park for their support in funding this fellowship and in particular to Bruce’s wife Sherrin” said Valley Forge National Historical Park Superintendent Mike Caldwell.

Vault Tours Now Open to the Public at VFNHP
For the first time ever two vaults at Valley Forge National Historical Park, storing more than 1,600 Revolutionary-era items, will be open to the public. Visitors will get the story of the American Revolution from a unique standpoint, the nature of the weapons and other artifacts with which the war was fought.[Full details] 

 
Upcoming Special Events

Get Dirty After Dark,  Thursday June 24th   6:00 - 8:30 PM
Join us for a night of discovery, fun and getting dirty!  Uncover history and artifacts unearthed from an excavation at Washington’s Headquarters, the former site of a building used for eating and meeting during the encampment.  All ages welcome.  Advance registration is required.  Registration fee includes access to special evening programming, southern barbecue and two drink tickets.  [Full details] 

An Evening With...,  Saturday June 26th  7:00 PM
Join us for an evening with three of our nation’s founding fathers, appearing together at Valley Forge for the first time!  John A. Nagy, author and President of the American Revolution Round Table of Philadelphia, will boderate this fascinating Revolutionary War Era Panel Discussion with General George Washington (Dean Malissa), Thomas Jefferson (Steven Edenbo) and Dr. Benjamin Franklin (Bill Ochester).  A reception follows the presentation.  RSVP is helpful but not required.  Please call 610-783-1777 if you wish to attend.
[Click to view the poster] 

2010 Summer Lunch and Learns
This series, open to the public of all ages, is held on Wednesdays from noon to 1 PM at the Valley Forge Park Education Building.  Bring a bag lunch, lemonade will be provided.

June 16th
”The Philadelphia Campaign”
Speaker: Paulette Mark, Friends Member & retired Park Ranger
American and British activities during the Battles of Brandywine and Germantown and the Valley Forge encampment

June 23rd
”Carpenters Hall”
Speaker: Bill Freilich, Friends Member, Park volunteer and Carpenters Hall Docent
Activities of the First Continental Congress and the Carpenters Company members during the Valley Forge encampment

June 30th
”The Archeological Dig”
Speaker: Joe Blondine, archeologist and participant in the 2010 dig
What is taking place behind Washington’s Headquarters, what we hope to learn and what previous digs have found

July 7th
”Birds of the Local Area”
Speaker: Carrie Ashley, Education and Program Coordinator, Audubon Center at Mill Grove
Learn about the birds seen at Valley Forge and the surrounding areas

July 14th
”The Navies of World Powers During the Revolution”
Speaker: George Matlack, Park Ranger
What roles did the navies of Britain, France and Spain have in the American Revolution?

July 21st
”Patrick Henry”
Speaker: Carris Kocher, Friends Board member and Park volunteer
Activities of this Founding Father during the Valley Forge encampment

To see the full Valley Forge National Historical Park Calendar of Events click here