My Valley Forge Story

A collection of snapshots of rangers and visitors outside log huts, stone buildings, wearing living history clothing, walking, and with bikes.
Learn how to share your Valley Forge story and help celebrate Valley Forge National Historical Park's 50th birthday!

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A hexagon shape containing the number 50 and years 1976, 2026. A log hut is inside the 0 of 50. a landscape with huts, a path, river, fields, and trees.
Valley Forge National Historical Park turns 50 years old in 2026!

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The People's Park

Valley Forge National Historical Park holds a special place in the hearts and minds of people locally, from across the nation, and around the world. Over the years, the park has been a place for bicentennial festivities, campouts, and jamborees; for sledding, weddings, and ceremonies; for spending time with family, communing with nature, volunteering with friends, and for moments of quiet reflection.

Valley Forge National Historical Park continues to be a place where important memories are made. Every single day visitors discover something new about American history, picnic with family, or achieve a new personal record during a run.

The My Valley Forge Story project collects and shares the stories and memories of the people who have made Valley Forge what it is today.

Read the stories >

 
black and white photo of a large crowd seated in chairs in front of a stage and a line of conestoga wagons
Celebrations on July 4, 1976 included the Bicentennial Wagon Train Pilgrimage which began on the west coast, traveled across the country, and culminated at Valley Forge.

NPS Photo (VAFO Archives)

Celebrating 50 Years

As part of the American bicentennial celebrations in 1976, Valley Forge State Park was gifted from the Commonweath of Pennsylvania to the people of the United States and became Valley Forge National Historical Park. To this day, Valley Forge remains the only national park to be born on the 4th of July.

By collecting and sharing your special Valley Forge memories on the eve of its 50th anniversary as a national park, we want to recognize the long legacy of community and stewardship, and bring alive the past, present, and future of this special place.

We look forward to sharing your stories and experiences, and those of other Valley Forge lovers as we celebrate 50 Years of Valley Forge National Historical Park in 2026.

 

Valley Forge Story Collections

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    What's Your Valley Forge Story?

    Share your story on social media

    Post about your Valley Forge memories on Facebook and Instagram with the tags #MyValleyForgeStory and #VF50!

    Follow @ValleyForgeNHP on Facebook and @valleyforgepark on Instagram for more Valley Forge stories.

     

    Last updated: June 15, 2026

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    Contact Info

    Mailing Address:

    1400 North Outer Line Drive
    King of Prussia, PA 19406

    Phone:

    610 783-1000

    Contact Us