Last updated: December 2, 2025
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March In to Valley Forge 2025
NPS Image / G. Purifoy
Join Us on Saturday, December 13, 2025
Come to Valley Forge National Historical Park to commemorate the 248th anniversary of the Continental Army's arrival to Valley Forge on December 19, 1777 and the beginning of the transformative six-month encampment.
NPS Photo / B. Moses
In the Visitor Center
Begin your March-In visit inside the Visitor Center at Valley Forge!
Holiday Shopping at the Encampment Store
Find the perfect gift! Visit the store online at encampmentstore.org.
Fighting for Philadelphia Book Signing
Meet Michael C. Harris, author of the new book Fighting for Philadelphia: Forts Mercer and Mifflin, the Battle of Whitemarsh, and the Road to Valley Forge, October 5-December 19, 1777 and get your copy signed! Hosted by The Encampment Store.
Holiday Cookie Table
Celebrate the holiday season and commemorate the March In to Valley Forge with snacks! Cookies provided by Valley Forge Park Alliance with generous support from sponsor Bentley Systems.
America's Tapestry
Assist with the Pennsylvania panel of America's Tapestry. Learn more about the America's Tapestry project. Made possible by the Valley Forge Park Alliance and generous support from sponsor Bentley Systems.
Living History Clothing with the Tailoring Brigade
Meet the Tailoring Brigade, an award-winning volunteer group that supports the living history program at Valley Forge one stitch at a time.
March-In Junior Ranger Program
Earn a special March-In Junior Ranger badge.
NPS Photo / H. Mazur
In the Theater
Join park rangers and reenactors in the park theater for a series of lectures and presentations. Programs around 30 minutes in duration with 15 minutes for audience questions.
Why Valley Forge?
11 am
What events and circumstances led General George Washington to select Valley Forge as the winter encampment site for the Continental Army during the winter of 1777-78?
Valley Forge Weather
12pm
Was Valley Forge the coldest winter of the American Revolution? Were soldiers mired in multiple feet of snow? Learn about the weather of the Valley Forge encampment from primary sources, how it actually affected the soldiers, and how it compares to more modern Valley Forge winters.
The Conway Cabal
1pm
There were officers and Congressmen who were not at all confident in George Washington’s ability to achieve victory against the British and unite the nation. Learn about how the Conway Cabal critiqued Washington’s leadership and attempted to remove him from his role as Commander-in-Chief.
Courts Martial at Valley Forge
3pm
A dramatic first-person reenactment will transport visitors back to an 18th century military court where they take part and help the tribunal of military judges decide the outcome of two cases taken directly from the historical record.
Joseph Edwards, an inhabitant of Pennsylvania was tried in February of 1778 for attempting to drive cattle to the British.
Mrs. Catherine Lamberton was charged with “Abusive language to Lieutenant Hardenburgh” and faced trial. As a woman attached to the army, she was subject to military regulations, law, and disciplinary measures. Her actions followed Lieutenant Hardenburgh arresting and confining Sgt. Symon Lamberton (Catherine’s husband) for being drunk and disturbing the camp at a late hour.
NPS Photo / G. Purifoy
At Muhlenberg's Brigade
Walk up to the huts at Muhlenberg's Brigade to learn about food and rations, shelter during the encampment, and military drills. Park rangers will demonstrate musket firing periodically throughout the day.