Valley Forge March-In Commemoration 2023

Partner Event
December 19 - 19, 2023 @ 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM EST

Valley Forge National Historical Park
1400 North Outer Line Drive
King of Prussia, PA 19406

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Visit Valley Forge National Historical Park on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 as we commemorate the 246th anniversary of the arrival of the Continental Army to Valley Forge in 1777 with family-friendly programs, demonstrations, reenactors, and hands-on activities!

The Visitor Center at Valley Forge and The Encampment Store will be open from 9 AM to 9 PM for holiday shopping and light refreshments.

Commemorative activities at Muhlenberg's Brigade will take place from 6 PM to 8 PM.

At the Visitor Center Area

  • March-In Commemoration Welcome and Introduction
    • Begin your March-In commemorative experience in the park theater with a 3-minute presentation telling the story of the Continental Army’s arrival and previewing some of the evening’s programming.
  • The Encampment Store
    • The Encampment Store, located inside the Visitor Center at Valley Forge, will be open until 9 PM for holiday shopping and provide light refreshments.
  • Valley Forge Muster Roll
    • Located inside the Visitor Center at Valley Forge, the muster roll contains names, ranks, dates of enlistment, and other notes on soldiers’ assignments, activities, and conditions.
  • The First Oval Office: George Washington’s Marquee Tent
    • Join staff from the Museum of the American Revolution at the Mini Grand Parade behind the visitor center to explore a handsewn, full-scale replica of General George Washington’s sleeping marquee tent, which served as his mobile headquarters while on campaign. 
    • Meet costumed living history interpreters portraying the people who would have been there.

Along the Paved Trail

  • Building Shelter
    • When the army first arrived in December 1777, troops needed shelter quickly! Learn how soldiers built temporary shelters like wedge tents and brush huts, and try to construct your own shelter using various materials.
  • Receiving Rations
    • Find out what kinds of foods soldiers were eating when they marched in to camp at Valley Forge (and how much).
  • Historic Tools
    • Learn about the tools and building techniques used by soldiers at Valley Forge to make more durable structures like the log huts you see at Muhlenberg’s Brigade.
  • Sentries
    • Sentries stood guard and controlled access to the Continental Army’s winter encampment at Valley Forge. As you approach the log huts at Muhlenberg’s Brigade, you’ll encounter uniformed guards. 
    • Give them the correct countersign (password) to gain entry to the huts!

At Muhlenberg's Brigade

  • Soldier Life in the Huts
    • Keep warm and explore inside the log huts! Try on colonial clothing, play common games from the 18th century, and speak with Continental Army soldiers. 
    • Meet Edward "Ned" Hector, a Black Revolutionary War hero, as portrayed by reenactor Noah Lewis.
  • Camp Life
    • Experience the daily life of the enlisted men, officers, and women attached to the army. Learn what they wore, what they ate, how they experienced the winter encampment at Valley Forge, and see them performing drill and guard duty.
  • Civilian Markets at Valley Forge
    • See different examples of food produced for the Continental Army and learn about the markets near camp where soldiers and civilians with the army could buy local produce and other items.
Contact
Sarah Reynolds
610 783-1099