NPS Photo / B. Donnelly 2026 and BeyondThe year 2026 marks the beginning of a period of celebrations and commemorations at Valley Forge National Historical Park recognizing key moments in the history of the American Revolution, the United States of America, and Valley Forge. Philadelphia, just 20 miles from Valley Forge, will be host to many high-profile events in 2026, including March Madness basketball, PGA of America golf, USGA golf, FIFA World Cup soccer, the All-Star baseball game, and events commemorating America's 250th birthday and the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. As celebrations and commemorations take place in 2026 and beyond, Valley Forge National Historical Park will be a destination for national and international tourists, out-of-town visitors, and local area residents to discover history, connect to nature, and recreate surrounded by scenic beauty. Events commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on and around July 4, 2026 will be hosted by many different organizations in communities surrounding Valley Forge National Historical Park. 
Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board Community CelebrationsHouses of Declaration and Dare to Declare events are community-organized readings of the Declaration of Independence to be scheduled on or around the Fourth of July in Montgomery and Chester counties, Pennsylvania. Park partner the Valley Forge Tourism and Convention Board hosts a webpage showing the sites participating in Houses of Declaration. Park partner the Valley Forge Park Alliance will host a House of Declaration at the Maurice Stephens house in Valley Forge National Historical Park on July 4, 2026. The Chester County Community Foundation hosts a webpage with information about Dare to Declare events. 
NPS Photo 50 Years of Valley Forge National Historical ParkFifty years ago, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania gifted Valley Forge State Park to the American people in honor of the United States Bicentennial, the 200th anniversary of the United States of America. On July 4, 1976, President Gerald Ford came to Valley Forge and signed a law passed by Congress authorizing Valley Forge National Historical Park as the 283rd unit of the National Park System. The park’s non-profit partner The Friends of Valley Forge, now the Valley Forge Park Alliance, was also created on this day. In 2026, visitors to Valley Forge National Historical Park will see commemorative exhibits installed around the park and stories featured on the Valley Forge website, social media channels, and the NPS app celebrating the legacy of history and stewardship at Valley Forge. 
Happy Birthday Valley Forge National Historical Park!Retreat to Valley Forge over the 4th of July weekend in 2026 and celebrate the 50th anniversary of Valley Forge National Historical Park and the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Special commemorative programs and events will take place at Valley Forge National Historical Park on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, July 3, 4, and 5, 2026. Learn more about the 50/250 Celebration: Retreat to Valley Forge All 4th of July events hosted by Valley Forge are free to attend. No vendor space is being offered by Valley Forge National Historical Park, and the Valley Forge Park Alliance and Washington Memorial Heritage are not seeking vendors for their events on July 3rd, 4th, and 5th. 
NPS (VAFO Archives) 
Valley Forge Park Alliance The 250th Anniversary of the Valley Forge EncampmentValley Forge National Historical Park will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the six-month winter encampment of the Continental Army at Valley Forge between December 19, 2027 and June 19, 2028. This commemorative period will include three special events and additional Encampment 250 programming online and in the park. The Great Marching In will kick off the Encampment 250 commemoration on December 19, 2027, marking the anniversary of the day that General George Washington and the Continental Army arrived at Valley Forge in 1777. French Alliance Day on May 6, 2028 will mark the 250th anniversary of the celebration of the alliance with France and the feu de joie (fire of joy musket salute) performed by the army at Valley Forge. The Great Marching Out will commemorate the Continental Army’s departure from Valley Forge after six months of hardship and transformation on June 19, 2028 |
Last updated: April 27, 2026