Valley Forge National Historical Park
Education Programs 2009/2010

Valley Forge National Historical Park Education Programs are designed for grades third through eighth, but may be adapted for the upper grades. All programs have been designed to link classroom learning with experiences in the park. 

“Riding Through History” - Program meets at Washington’s Headquarters.  This two-hour program gives students a hands-on history lesson by getting them out into the park to see for themselves what the winter encampment was like for General Washington and the soldiers of the Continental Army. Park rangers get on your bus and take you on a guided tour of Valley Forge, featuring stops at Washington’s Headquarters, the Commander-In-Chief’s guard huts and the Grand Parade ground. This program is offered Monday-Friday mornings; tours begin at 10:00 a.m. (fee charged maximum of $150/group, maximum 2 buses)

“Soldier Life” - Program meets at Visitor Center.  This one and-a-half hour program, gives students the opportunity to learn about what life was like for the average soldier at Valley Forge. Through hands-on activities, students discover who the men and women of the Continental Army were and why they joined the army. This program emphasizes the accomplishments of the army at Valley Forge; accomplishments which enabled them to eventually win our independence.  Program is offered Monday-Friday mornings at 10:30 a.m. This program is outdoors so please dress accordingly!  A minimum of 15 students is required to make a reservation: maximum of 45 students. (no fee)

“Home School Day” - Program meets at Visitor Center.  Do you have home school students who would like to have a unique education experience while visiting Valley Forge?  Participate in a special program featuring costumed interpreters and park rangers that bring the past to life through hands-on activities.  Home School Days take place on October 22, 2009 and May 13, 2010 from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.  (reservations required; no fee charged).

“Rangers on the Road”
Bring Valley Forge to your group/school (max 30 mile radius of the Park). Park rangers are available to visit your group and present a one hour program about Valley Forge.  Topics available include Soldier Life, George Washington as a Leader, the Philadelphia Military Campaign of 1777 and Stories in the Rocks-the geology of the park.  Please call the reservation number for further information.  (fee charged; $60.00-$80.00 per program, depending on time and distance traveled.)

Teacher Resources.  Go to our website at www.nps.gov/vafo and click on the “For Teachers” link.  The website includes the program reservation form, information on planning a field trip, professional development and institutes, suggested reading as well as Honored Places – The National Park Service Teacher’s Guide to the American Revolution.

2010 Summer Teachers Institute. Join National Park Service staff in an engaging week of getting behind the scenes at some of the most significant historic places in the country. Sessions will open the doors to the stories behind the scenery through lectures by noted historians, tours of rich museum and archeology collections, workshops on innovative teaching strategies developed by experienced educators and visits with characters from the 18th century.  Program for summer 2010 will be announced January 15, 2010. 

Note:  Over the next year, we will be reviewing and evaluating our education programs.  Please check the park's website's “For Teachers” section to view information on new programs beginning in June 2010.

Reservations and Logistics: We recommend that groups book a pre visit program to complement and prepare students for their in park experience.  Both programs can be scheduled in one call.

Phone: Call our reservation number at 610-783-1037. Request a program, date and time. If the date is available, your group will be scheduled for a program. If you reach our voice mail, please leave a message and we will promptly respond. A confirmation letter will be sent one month prior to your visit or click here, (web link) to go directly to reservation form.

E-mail: Send an e-mail to VAFO_education@nps.gov.  Be sure to include the requested program, date and time.  If the date is available, your group will be scheduled for a program. A confirmation letter will be sent one month prior to your visit.

Fees: Fees are charged for Riding Through History and  Rangers on the Road programs.  Groups must pay the day of the program with cash or check which can be given to the ranger.  Credit cards can be used for payment only at the Visitor Center.  Make checks payable to The National Park Service. 
 
Logistics: For programs in the park, groups must arrive at the program location fifteen minutes prior to the start time to register the group. Groups that arrive more than 15 minutes late may have their programs cancelled. Call 610-783-1037 or 610-783-1099 to report lateness.

Program Notes

• Groups delayed by 15 minutes or more may have their program cancelled.  To report delays, call 610-783-1037 or 610-783-1099.
• Dress for the weather; some or all program activities will be held outdoors.
• Teachers are responsible for managing their group at all times.