Increases in attendance, volunteers and investment highlight the year

VALLEY FORGE, PA–Valley Forge National Historical Park released its annual report today. “2007 was a year of solid progress at Valley Forge,” said Mike Caldwell, Superintendent.  “In collaboration with our many partners in the community, we made great strides in providing more activities for visitors, strengthening our stewardship efforts, and improving our financial sustainability.” Accomplishments highlighted in the report include:

• Increases in total park visitation of 3.86% in 2007 over 2006.
• The greatly enhanced partnership with Once Upon A Nation brought storytelling benches and evening tours to the park for the first time.
• Program offerings doubled this year, and the number of visitors who participated in programs increased by 30%.
• A 5% increase in the number of visitors enjoying the park’s trolley tours.
• A long –awaited plan and Environmental Impact statement for management of the deer population was initiated.
• The record of decision was reached selecting a remedial action for clean-up of the 112-acre Superfund site in the park.
• For a third year in a row, volunteerism at the park increased.
• The park benefited from the services of almost 2,000 volunteers, a 34% increase over 2006.
• Construction began on the historic rehabilitation of the Washington’s Headquarters Area.
• Continued progress was made in implementation of the 2005 Business Plan. Fixed costs were again reduced and funding for more visitor program and restoration projects was made available.
• The General Management Plan was completed. This plan will guide the park toward a future of more choices for visitors and more flexibility in funding and staffing. 

“Our three priorities continue to be more activities for visitors, strengthened stewardship, and improved financial sustainability,” said Caldwell. “We look forward to continuing to work with partners and volunteers in the community this coming year. The park serves as a life-long classroom on the American Revolution and a relaxing respite from our busy surrounding region. All of us understand that there is only one Valley Forge.”

To read the report you can visit this link. To receive a copy of the report, please e-mail us or call 610-783-1037.