Valley Forge Site Review

McDonnell, Michael

Intro - During the site review of Valley Forge National Historical Park, I was genuinely impressed by the breadth and depth of knowledge of and understanding of current historical scholarship of the interpretive staff, entranced by the natural beauty of the Park, and excited by the myriad interpretive possibilities and potential the Park had for becoming a true centre for the study of the American Revolution. The most disappointing aspect of the site review was the realisation that this potential, because of poor and ever-dwindling resources, has so far gone largely unfulfilled. I can only hope that the establishment of the NCAR will bring much needed added resources that will be used wisely to exploit the knowledge and dedicated enthusiasm of the Park’s staff, and build on the current strengths of the Park’s interpretive programme to make Valley Forge one of the most important Revolutionary War historic sites.