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Valley Forge National Historical Parksoldier cabins at Valley Forge © MJ Ticcino
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Valley Forge National Historical Park
PECO Sponsored Podcasts
PECO Podcast Through History Logo with George Washington

In February 2007, Valley Forge National Historical Park announced the creation of the PECO Podcast Through History.

The PECO grant is being used to create a 10 episode series of podcasts highlighting the history of Valley Forge and the important strides that were made here by the Continental Army during the winter of 1777-1778.

A new episode will appear every two weeks until mid June 2008.

Download the series using the links below, or visit iTunes to subscribe to the podcast.

 

1. Episode 1 Why Valley Forge?

Why Valley Forge? quickly tells the story of the first three years of the Revolutionary War. This podcast uses a combination of Google Earth, Park Rangers, and actors to tell the story in a new way.

2. Episode 2 Common Problems of the Army

Meet Private Jospeh Plumb Martin and hear about some of the issues the army is struggling with. Episode 2 highlights the issues that General Washington, his officers, and Congress will need to solve during the winter if the war is to be successfull. This episode is based upon the the memoirs of Private Martin who served 8 years in the Revolutionary War. His memoirs are published in a book entitled Private Yankee Doodle.

3. Hut Construction

Episode 3 focuses on the early days of the encampment and the effort to build huts for the army to stay in. These huts housed more than just soldiers. Download this episode to hear how the army kept themselves warm during the winter of 1777-1778.

4. Life in Camp

In Episode 4, viewers will meet an officer of General Washington's staff, an enlisted soldier, and a campfollower. Hear about some of the things the officers, enlisted men, and campfollowers did each day. Learn how life in camp was different depending on what position a person held in the army.

5. February 1778

It is now mid February, and some of officers are still unhappy with the situation at Valley Forge. Hear what one of the officers has to say about the Valley Forge area and how General Washington is trying to correct the issues of supply for the Continental Army.

6. General Washington's Birthday

While General and Mrs. Washington celebrate the General's 46th birthday, they discuss the suffering of the soldiers and improvements that are being made. Meanwhile, one soldier is having difficulty collecting supplies from a local citizen who may or may not support the revolution.

7. General Von Steuben

General von Steuben arrives to meet General Washington. Soon after, General von Steuben begins his efforts to ensure the army has standardized training.

8. French Alliance

General Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette discuss the importance of support from France. The Generals soon learn the efforts of Benjamin Franklin have paid off and France has joined the United States in their fight against the British.

9. General Washington

General Washington tours the encampment remembering the harsh conditions of the winter of 1777-1778. The General visits some cabins, the Grand Parade Grounds, and Artillery Park before departing Valley Forge and the continuing the war effort.

10. A Long Journey

The soldiers are leaving Valley Forge six months after their arrival. The hosts of the series finish with a quick recap of the history of the American Revolution and give viewers a quick tour of Valley Forge today.

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Cars at Washington's Headquarters Parking Lot  

Did You Know?
Valley Forge was Pennsylvania’s first state park, established in 1893. In 1976, the bicentennial year of the Declaration of Independence, the park was transferred to the National Park System as Valley Forge National Historical Park.

Last Updated: July 08, 2008 at 15:10 EST