Valley Forge Prepares for Historic Celebration of America's 250th and Park's 50th Anniversaries
A replica Revolutionary War-era cannon sits on the historic grounds of Valley Forge National Historical Park, which is preparing for massive multi-year commemorations beginning in 2026. (John Kostyk/Unsplash)
Valley Forge National Historical Park is preparing for a multi-year series of major commemorative events beginning in 2026 to celebrate the nation's 250th birthday, the park's 50th anniversary, and the 250th anniversary of the Continental Army's historic winter encampment.
Article by Maddie Tyler, Chief Senior News Editor
VALLEY FORGE, Pa. - Valley Forge National Historical Park is preparing to step into the national spotlight as the year 2026 brings a monumental wave of celebrations, recognizing pivotal moments in both the American Revolution and the park’s own history.
With Philadelphia located just 20 miles away and slated to host massive events in 2026—including the PGA Championship, MLB All-Star Game, FIFA World Cup soccer, and America’s 250th birthday celebrations—Valley Forge is gearing up to welcome an influx of national and international tourists looking to connect with America's founding history.
The year 2026 carries a special dual significance for Valley Forge. As the United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the park will simultaneously celebrate its 50th anniversary as an official unit of the National Park System. On July 4, 1976, during the nation’s Bicentennial, President Gerald Ford visited Valley Forge to sign the legislation that transitioned the site from a state park—gifted by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania—into the 283rd national park.
To mark this rare milestone, the park has announced the 50/250 Celebration: Retreat to Valley Forge, scheduled for the 4th of July weekend, July 3 through July 5, 2026. The three-day event will feature special commemorative programs throughout the grounds. All events hosted by the park will be free to the public, though parking will be limited, prompting the park to operate a special free hop-on, hop-off event shuttle running between five major stops every 10 to 20 minutes from 9:20 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The weekend itinerary is packed with historical demonstrations and activities. Friday, July 3, will kick off with an opening ceremony and ribbon cutting for a new storytelling fire pit at Muhlenberg's Brigade. Throughout the day, visitors can witness musket firing demonstrations, camp life portrayals by the Spencer's Additional Regiment reenactor group, and learn about surveying and mapmaking with the Department of Geographers.
On Saturday, July 4, the Valley Forge Then and Now festival will take place at the National Memorial Arch, featuring live early 20th-century music by the Hot Taters, hut building, a replica cannon and Conestoga wagon, and opportunities to learn about different eras of the park's history, including Ice Age fossils and past Boy Scout Jamborees. Visitors can also sign a giant birthday card for the park and leave their "John Hancock" on a reproduction of the Declaration of Independence at the Visitor Center. A special "House of Declaration" event at the Maurice Stephens house will feature live readings of the Declaration of Independence at multiple times throughout the day, while Muhlenberg's Brigade will host cannon firing and camp life demonstrations.
The celebrations will conclude on Sunday, July 5, with ongoing storytelling, Junior Ranger activities, and a closing ceremony at Muhlenberg's Brigade at 2:30 p.m., followed by a final musket demonstration. The National Park Service will also feature the "My Valley Forge Story" exhibit at the Visitor Center, highlighting 50 years of stewardship and visitor memories at the historic site.
The historical commemorations won't stop at the end of 2026. The park has outlined a major schedule of events running from late 2027 through mid-2028 to honor the 250th anniversary of the Continental Army's grueling six-month winter encampment.
This special Encampment 250 commemorative period will be anchored by three signature events. The programming kicks off with The Great Marching In on December 19, 2027, marking the exact day General George Washington and the Continental Army arrived at Valley Forge in 1777. The following spring will feature French Alliance Day on May 6, 2028, celebrating the critical alliance with France, which was originally marked in 1778 by the army with a "feu de joie" or fire of joy musket salute. The period concludes with The Great Marching Out on June 19, 2028, commemorating the transformed army's departure from Valley Forge after six months of intense hardship, training, and survival.
As the calendar turns toward these historic milestones, Valley Forge National Historical Park is poised to serve as a central destination for Americans and global visitors alike to reflect on the trials, triumphs, and foundational history of the United States. For more information on the upcoming 50/250 and Encampment celebrations, shuttle schedules, and safety tips for the hot July weather, visitors are encouraged to check the official Valley Forge National Park Service website.