News Release

Valley Forge National Historical Park Dedicates Completion of Renovated Visitor Center

Valley Forge Superintendent Rose Fennell, surrounded by park partners and local elected officials, cuts the ribbon during the dedication ceremony

NPS Photo / G. Purifoy

News Release Date: February 16, 2022

Contact: Adam Gresek, 610-716-6190

King of Prussia, Pa. — Valley Forge National Historical Park dedicated the newly renovated Visitor Center at Valley Forge with the opening of its new museum exhibition on February 16, 2022. The park held an outdoor ribbon cutting ceremony with park leadership, partners, and local elected officials to celebrate this momentous occasion. 

Renovations to the visitor center include updated restrooms, efficient lighting, and improved spaces for park staff and partners. The visitor center was originally dedicated in 1976, and this is the first major renovation in its history.

The most significant change is a brand-new museum exhibition telling the history of the 1777-1778 winter encampment of the Continental Army, and how the citizens of Pennsylvania worked to preserve Valley Forge in the following decades. This will also be the first time many objects from the George C. Neumann and John F. Reed Collections of Revolutionary War artifacts will be on public display since the renovations began. Accompanying the artifacts are new accessible display panels, interactive videos, a toy log hut building activity, and a complete audio walkthrough for visually impaired visitors. The public is invited to learn more at https://go.nps.gov/vafo-exhibit.

“We are excited to welcome visitors into this beautiful new space that has been the result of years of hard work. With this new exhibit, our rangers can better tell all the diverse stories that took place here in Valley Forge,” said park Visitor and Community Engagement Director Adam Gresek.

The dedication also closely coincides with the February 21 observance of Washington’s Birthday. From 10AM to 3PM on Monday February 21, visitors to the park can tour the exhibition and have a celebratory cupcake provided by the Culinary Arts Institute of Montgomery County or wish George himself a happy birthday.

- NPS -