Valley Forge Park Alliance Summer Programs

Our friends at the Valley Forge Park Alliance are holding their "Lunch and Learn" summer speaker series online via Zoom, in collaboration with the Tredffrin Township Libraries.

Registration is available on the library website calendar, as well as via the Alliance website using the links provided below. Once you register for a presentation, you will be sent a link for the Zoom presentation. Each presentation requires separate registration.

Wednesday July 22, 12 – 1 pm
The Valley Forge Muster Roll
Presented by Valley Forge Park Muster Roll Staff (Michele Murphy, Mary Lynn Person, Carris Kocher, and Susan Rosone)
Was your ancestor at the Encampment at Valley Forge? What is a Muster Roll?

We welcome you to attend a presentation on the Valley Forge Muster Roll, a project of the Valley Forge Park Alliance. The Valley Forge Muster Roll is dedicated to those who were at winter quarters from December 19, 1777, to June 19, 1778. The Continental Army used monthly muster rolls to track the army’s strength. Learn the history of the Muster Roll, how to search for your ancestor, how patriots are added to the Muster Roll, and new developments with the Muster Roll group.

More information and registration link – 22 July

Wednesday July 29, 12 – 1 pm
The Caribbean During the American Revolution
Presented by. Russell Brindley, VFNP Guide

One island controlled in the Caribbean was worth more than the whole thirteen colonies combined. The Caribbean islands were fought over for hundreds of years and this was no different during the American Revolution. Each island played an important role in smuggling, transporting goods, and storing armies and navies. This presentation explores the overall role the Caribbean played in colonial commerce, supplying the American Army, and the Global Conflict between world powers. Without the important role that the Caribbean played, there would be no Revolution or United States of America.

More information and registration link – 29 July

Wednesday August 26, 12 – 1 pm
A Reappraisal of the Huts at Valley Forge, 1777-1778
Presented by Justin Clement

Most everyone has heard about the huts constructed at Valley Forge. Popular imagery conjures up an idea what the huts looked like, and we have reproductions built by the National Park Service and its predecessor state park. But archaeology and recent scholarship has provided new insights into hut construction during the encampment. This reappraisal is an attempt to communicate that to the public.

Presenter Justin Clement is a doctoral candidate at the University of California, Davis, and a seasoned reenactor of the American Revolution. His dissertation "On Both Sides by Turns" examines mobilization during the rebellion and factors motivating many Americans to switch sides throughout the war years.

More information and registration link – 26 August