NPS Photo / G. Purifoy There are no regularly scheduled ranger programs at Valley Forge from December through Februrary. Even though regular ranger programs don't start until March, there are special events and programming, including March-In (Dec. 19), Washington's Birthday (Feb. 19), and Story Time at Valley Forge (see details below). Ranger programs are typically scheduled between 10 AM and 12 PM, or between 1 PM and 3 PM. Locations vary according to season and staffing. Call the information desk at 610-783-1099 or ask a ranger inside the Visitor Center at Valley Forge for the most current information about daily times, topics, and locations of ranger programs. 
NPS Photo / G. Purifoy Washington's Headquarters and Valley Forge Station Open HousePark rangers and volunteers are on site during operating hours to interpret the house and answer visitor questions. Open daily March through October. Winter hours vary. See full seasonal operating hours here. Washington's HeadquartersRooms are furnished to represent how they may have looked during the Valley Forge encampment. Historic Valley Forge StationContains museum exhibits, located adjacent to Washington's Headquarters. 
NPS Photo / G. Purifoy Art in the Park MeetupsJoin rangers each month at a different beautiful location in the park to practice your photography, sketching, drawing, or painting in a stress-free, judgment-free environment! Bring your own equipment and supplies. The program is free — advance registration is not required. Programs are scheduled in the morning usually from 8 AM to 11 AM on either Saturdays or Sundays. 2024 Art in the Park Meetup Dates
You can also check the event calendar and search using the keyword "Art in the Park" to find upcoming programs. Join the Art in the Park Facebook community here. 
NPS Photo / B. Dhunjisha Story Time at Valley ForgeJoin park rangers on four Saturday mornings in February and March as they read a short story about the history or natural resources found at the park. Who: Geared towards families with kids in preschool through 2nd grade (all children are required to have a parent or guardian present). Where: The Meeting Room at Valley Forge located on the 2nd floor of the visitor center building. (1000 North Outer Line Drive). When: 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM - 1 hour duration
Cost: Free! 
Photo by Steven Walter Fall Campfire ProgramsSelected Saturdays in the fall at 7 PMHot fire, warm conversation. Join a park ranger for an interactive evening by the campfire as we discuss unique stories of Valley Forge and the American Revolution. The programs are located at Conway’s Brigade, and run for about an hour. Conway’s Brigade & Parking: Accessible from PA Route 23. Park at the Von Steuben Statue parking lot or the Varnum’s Picnic Area parking lot, then walk down the historic trace road to Conway’s Brigade. What to Bring: Flashlight, blanket, jacket. Weather: The program will be canceled for rain, call 610-783-1099 before 5 PM to check on the status of the program. Below are dates and topics from the 2023 fall campfire programs.September 30 - The Caribbean During the American RevolutionThe empires of Spain, France, and Great Britain all had colonies in the Caribbean, and the control of a single island was worth more than the whole thirteen American colonies combined. Each island played an important role in smuggling, transporting goods, and harboring armies and navies. Without the strategic benefits of colonizing the islands of the Caribbean, there may well never have been an American Revolution. October 7 - The Great Cow Chase!In the darkest moments of the Valley Forge Encampment, General "Mad" Anthony Wayne led troops into New Jersey to gather supplies. What followed was a deadly game of cat and mouse between American and British forces through the forests and farms of South Jersey, all while driving cattle. October 14 - Cancelled due to Inclement WeatherOctober 21 - First Peoples, First AlliesAt Washington's request, a delegation of 47 Oneida warriors joined the Continental Army at Valley Forge, but they were not the only Native nation to join the fight during the Revolution. Take a closer look at the allegiances of the different nations of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, the factors that drove their decisions, and the lasting effects of those choices for generations to come. October 28 - John Laurens: Complicated HeroJohn Laurens was dedicated to serving his country with virtue and loyalty, but just like anyone he had his flaws. What do we know about who John Laurens really was, and why is he considered one of the unsung heroes of the American Revolution? November 4 - The Conway CabalGeorge Washington is well-known as the man who led the Continental Army to victory in the American Revolutionary War and then became the first president of the United States, but during the Valley Forge encampment there were officers and Congressmen who were not at all confident in his ability to achieve victory against the British and unite a nation. Learn about how the Conway Cabal critiqued Washington’s leadership and attempted to remove him from his role as Commander-in-Chief. Seasonal Programming ChangesSummer(June through August). Ranger programs are offered most days during the summer months. Fall(September through November) Ranger programs are offered on weekends in the fall. Winter(December through Februrary) No regularly scheduled ranger programs, but special events like March-In provide great opportunities for learning and fun. Spring(March through May) Ranger programs are offered on weekends in the spring. |
Last updated: April 17, 2024