March In to Valley Forge 2025

Commemorate the 248th anniversary of the army's arrival at Valley Forge on Saturday, December 13, 2025 NPS Image / G. Purifoy

Join Us on Saturday, December 13, 2025

Come to Valley Forge National Historical Park to commemorate the 248th anniversary of the Continental Army's arrival to Valley Forge on December 19, 1777 and the beginning of the transformative six-month encampment.

Programming takes place in the Visitor Center at Valley Forge, the park theater, and at Muhlenberg's Brigade between 11am and 3pm on Saturday, December 13, 2025. See below for details.

NPS Photo / B. Moses

In the Visitor Center

Begin your March-In visit inside the Visitor Center at Valley Forge!

Holiday Shopping at the Encampment Store

Find the perfect gift! Visit the store online at encampmentstore.org.

Fighting for Philadelphia Book Signing

12pm to 2pm

Meet Michael C. Harris, author of the new book Fighting for Philadelphia: Forts Mercer and Mifflin, the Battle of Whitemarsh, and the Road to Valley Forge, October 5-December 19, 1777 and get your copy signed! Hosted by The Encampment Store.

Holiday Cookie Table

Celebrate the holiday season and commemorate the March In to Valley Forge with snacks! Cookies provided by Valley Forge Park Alliance with generous support from sponsor Bentley Systems.

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

America's Tapestry

Assist with the Pennsylvania panel of America's Tapestry. Learn more about the America's Tapestry project. Made possible by the Valley Forge Park Alliance and generous support from sponsor Bentley Systems.

Living History Clothing with the Tailoring Brigade

Meet the Tailoring Brigade, an award-winning volunteer group that supports the living history program at Valley Forge one stitch at a time.

March-In Junior Ranger Program

Earn a special March-In Junior Ranger badge while supplies last!

NPS Photo / H. Mazur

In the Theater

Join park rangers and reenactors in the Theater at Valley Forge for a series of lectures and presentations. Programs around 30 minutes in duration with 15 minutes for audience questions.

Why Valley Forge?

11am

What events and circumstances led General George Washington to select Valley Forge as the winter encampment site for the Continental Army during the winter of 1777-78?

Valley Forge Weather

12pm

Was Valley Forge the coldest winter of the American Revolution? Were soldiers mired in multiple feet of snow? Learn about the weather of the Valley Forge encampment from primary sources, how it actually affected the soldiers, and how it compares to more modern Valley Forge winters.

The Conway Cabal

1pm

There were officers and Congressmen who were not at all confident in George Washington’s ability to achieve victory against the British and unite the nation. Learn about how the Conway Cabal critiqued Washington’s leadership and attempted to remove him from his role as Commander-in-Chief.

Courts Martial at Valley Forge

Dramatic first-person reenactments will transport visitors back to an 18th century military court where they take part and help the tribunal of military judges decide the outcome of two cases taken directly from the historical record.

3pm

Joseph Edwards, an inhabitant of Pennsylvania was tried in February of 1778 for attempting to drive cattle to the British.

3:30pm

Mrs. Catherine Lamberton was charged with “Abusive language to Lieutenant Hardenburgh” and faced trial. As a woman attached to the army, she was subject to military regulations, law, and disciplinary measures. Her actions followed Lieutenant Hardenburgh arresting and confining Sgt. Symon Lamberton (Catherine’s husband) for being drunk and disturbing the camp at a late hour.

NPS Photo / G. Purifoy

At Muhlenberg's Brigade

Walk up to the huts at Muhlenberg's Brigade to learn about food and rations, shelter during the encampment, and military drills. Reenactors will demonstrate musket firing periodically throughout the day.

The commemoration of the March In to Valley Forge is supported by park partner the Valley Forge Park Alliance and sponsor Bentley Systems.

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