Last updated: December 11, 2024
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March In to Valley Forge 2024
NPS Image / G. Purifoy
Join Us on the Evening of Saturday, December 14, 2024!
Come to Valley Forge National Historical Park to commemorate the 247th anniversary of the Continental Army's arrival to Valley Forge on December 19, 1777 and the beginning of the transformative six-month encampment.
March with Reenactors from Visitor Center to Muhlenberg's Brigade
At 5:50 PM, march alongside the reenactors as they make their way from the Mini Grand Parade behind the visitor center to the log huts at Muhlenberg's Brigade.
Programs and Activities at Muhlenberg's Brigade
6 PM to 8 PM
Court-Martial of a Civilian
25-minute dramatic presentation in the park theater at 6:30 PM and 7:30 PM
Visitor Center at Valley Forge
Closes at 9 PM
Overflow Parking
In the event that the main event parking near the Visitor Center at Valley Forge fills up, overflow parking will be available at the Chapel parking lot located along Rt 23 next to the Washington Memorial Chapel. From 4 PM to 9 PM a shuttle will transport event-goers between the Chapel parking lot and the visitor center.
NPS Graphic / G. Purifoy
In the Visitor Center
Holiday Shopping at the Encampment Store
Find the perfect gift! Open until 9 PM. Visit the store online at encampmentstore.org.
Cookies and Cider
Commemorate the March In to Valley Forge with snacks. Cookies provided by Valley Forge Park Alliance and cider provided by The Encampment Store.
Violin Music
"An excellent Player on the Violin in that soft kind of Musick" - From 6 PM to 8 PM, music of early America with Robert Mouland, a multi-instrumentalist who performs a variety of pieces on baroque violin and flute.
Valley Forge Muster Roll
Learn about the muster roll and the names, ranks, and other notes on soldiers present
at Valley Forge. A project of the Valley Forge Park Alliance. valleyforgemusterroll.org
Historic Firearms
Learn about the muskets and other firearms used during the American Revolution.
Stories: People of African Descent at Valley Forge
Hear 3-5 minute stories on the second floor of the visitor center.
Try On 18th-Century Clothing
Pose for a picture wearing a cap or regimental coat!
On the March to the Huts
1. George Washington's Marquee Tent
Explore a handsewn, full-scale replica of General George Washington’s sleeping marquee tent, which served as his mobile headquarters while on campaign. Presented by the Museum of the American Revolution and made possible by funds donated by the Valley Forge Revolutionary 5-Mile Run.
2. Court-Martial of a Civilian
25-minute programs take place in the park theater at 6:30 PM and again at 7:30 PM. The trial of Joseph Edwards, an inhabitant of Pennsylvania tried in Februrary of 1778 for attempting to drive cattle to the British.
3. Sentries
As you walk to the log huts at Muhlenberg’s Brigade, you’ll encounter uniformed guards. Give them the correct countersign (password) to gain entry to the huts! The night's password is "Woodbridge!"
4. Building Shelter
Soldiers marching in built temporary shelters like wedge tents and brush huts. Try your hand at constructing your own shelter using various materials.
5. Historic Tools & Hut Construction
Learn how soldiers at Valley Forge made more durable structures like the log huts you see at Muhlenberg’s Brigade.
At Muhlenberg's Brigade
6. Hospital Department
What health issues were at Valley Forge? Learn about hospitals, medical tools, and procedures.
7. Tailoring & Mending Uniforms
Learn who made army uniforms during the encampment at Valley Forge.
8. Leatherworkers
Learn about the construction of leather goods in the Continental Army.
9. What They Carried
Learn what soldiers carried with them on the march into Valley Forge.
10. Edward "Ned" Hector
Portrayed by Noah Lewis. Meet Edward “Ned” Hector, a teamster, soldier, and artilleryman in the Continental Army.
11. Hannah Till
Portrayed by Leslie Bramlett. Meet Hannah Till, an enslaved servant and cook leased to General George Washington.
12. Camp Life
Learn what enlisted men, officers, and women attached to the army wore, ate, and how they experienced the winter encampment at Valley Forge.