February may be the shortest calendar month, but at Valley Forge National Historical Park, Route 23, Upper Merion, it’s one that’s long on opportunities for commemoration.
Presidents’ Day Weekend at the park begins with the Philadelphia region’s Cradle of Liberty Council, Boy Scouts of America, conducting its101st Pilgrimage and Encampment—the world’s oldest continuous scouting event.
On Sunday, re-enactors from The Second Pennsylvania Regiment of the Continental Line enliven history by appearing in full garb and bearing period weaponry.
Their Presidents’ Day presentations will take place at the park’s Muhlenberg Brigade area, where General Peter Muhlenberg and his men anchored the outer line of defense in preparation of a potential British attack.
The regiment will demonstrate artillery at 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m., unleashing a barrage of cannon- and musket-fire.
On Monday, George Washington himself will be the man of the hour at his 281st birthday at the Visitors Center.
Kids can make tricorne hats, get lessons in weaving and learn the manual of arms, formations and marching.
At noon “Martha Washington” will serve cake, and then at 12:30 p.m. Gen. Washington will formally review his “troops.”
With Black History Month as a backdrop, Valley Forge becomes a place to recognize the sacrifice of all members of the Continental Army, including soldiers of African descent.
According to historian, lecturer and re-enactor Joseph Becton, at least 500 such soldiers of color were among those enduring the winter of 1777–78, a little-known historical fact. The multiracial composition of those beleaguered brigades would represent the most integrated American army until Vietnam.
The memory of these soldiers and their perseverance are recalled at the Monument to Patriots of African Descent, located about half a mile northwest of the Visitors Center on Pennsylvania Route 23. While available for visit year-round, it gains special significance during Black History Month and since its dedication in 1993, has evoked deep feelings of pride among all who read its stirring engraved epitaph: “Throughout these historic and hallowed campsites were courageous Black Patriots who participated in our nation’s bitter fight for independence.”
For more information about Valley Forge National Historical Park, visit www.nps.gov/vafo or call the Visitor Center at 610.783.1099.