50/250 Celebration: Valley Forge Then and Now

Valley Forge Then and Now (50th Anniversary Celebration)

When: Saturday, July 4, 2026 from 10 am to 1 pm

Where: National Memorial Arch

ALERT: Extreme Heat Forecasted - Outdoor programming will end early on July 3, 4, and 5, 2026.

Learn more at go.nps.gov/vafo-50-250 >

Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Valley Forge National Historical Park (the only national park born on the 4th of July) with special programming highlighting many different eras and chapters from Valley Forge's storied history. Live music, a replica cannon and conestoga wagon, and tables and activities will give this celebration a fun festival atmosphere.

Learn about the fossils of ancient Ice Age animals that once roamed the landscape, the winter encampment of George Washington and the Continental Army during the American Revolution that made Valley Forge famous, the community-driven stewardship of the Centennial and Memorial Association that first preserved Washington's Headquarters in the 1870s, how Valley Forge became the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's very first state park, the Bicentennial celebrations and the birth of Valley Forge National Historical Park in 1976, and more!

The park will be extremely busy this day. Please plan accordingly. More event-specific trip-planning materials and transportation information is available at go.nps.gov/vafo-50-250