The Pursuit of History: Forging the Continental Army
Friday, May 19th, 2023
Doors open at 8:00 am — Arrive by 8:30 am
Washington Memorial Chapel at 2000 Valley Forge Park Road
An unparalleled opportunity to spend a day with noted authors and historians and a small group of discerning history lovers—in and around Valley Forge National Historical Park.
Includes sessions, lunch at Washington Chapel, Valley Forge National Historic Park tour, and dinner at the historic General Warren Inn.
Scheduled sessions include:
- The Winter that Won the War—Phill Greenwalt, author, The Winter that Won the War: The Winter Encampment at Valley Forge, 1777–1778.
- The Leadership of General Washington—Mark Lender, author, Cabal! The Plot Against General Washington.
- The Military Discipline instilled by Baron von Steuben—Rick Bell, author of a forthcoming book on von Steuben.
- Women at the Valley Forge Encampment—Nancy K. Loane, author of Following the Drum: Women at the Valley Forge Encampment.
- On the Ground at Valley Forge—Aboard a coach and on foot, guide Ken Gavin takes us through Valley Forge, placing it in the context of the American Revolution, describing the factors behind the choice to encamp at Valley Forge, and the critical events that transpired that winter.
There is an optional book package available when you register that includes Phill’s, Mark’s, and Nancy’s books. (The book package is priced below the current price on Amazon and your books are shipped at no additional charge.)
Read more about our authors, presenters, and guide on our Sessions page. The schedule shown above is current; if there are changes to the schedule, they will appear above.
Limited to 40 participants. Sold out. This sold out in 28 days. Sign up for news of future Pursuit of History Weekends. Thanks to all who registered. We’re looking forward to a great day in May. Note: Now that the 40 spots are claimed, that’s it. There will be no increase and there are no plans to repeat this event at Valley Forge.
Date and time
Friday, May 19. Doors open at 8 am. Please arrive by 8:30 am. Program begins at 8:45 am. Ends with dinner.
Locations
All events are held in and around Valley Forge National Park and The library at Washington Memorial Chapel at 2000 Valley Forge Park Road. Evening dinner will be held at the General Warren Inn, Malvern, PA, about 7 miles from the park. (See details, below.)
Cost
$395 per-person for the all-day event—including presentations, tour, food, and beverages (throughout the day), as well as an evening dinner at the General Warren Inn. You will also receive a “The Pursuit of History: Forging the Continental Army” embroidered jacket. See the What’s Included page.
Lodging, if needed, is the responsibility of each participant. See our Lodging page for recommendations.
Organizer
The Pursuit of a History, is the non-profit organization behind the groundbreaking History Camp. This is the first Pursuit of History Weekend and pioneers a completely new format, carefully curated for a small number of individuals and unlike any history event you’ve attended. Learn more in this message from the founders.
“‘The Pursuit of History: Forging the Continental Army’ will be a ‘must see” event for all history loving Americans. Presentations by leading experts and audience participation are the hallmark of every ”History Camp” program. I’ve been honored to participate in these intellectually stimulating programs over the years, and each time I left with enduring friendships and a deeper understanding of the past. I know of no better way for those who love to learn about American history than to engage with the nation’s premier historians, visit the sites where history was made, and enjoy the company of those who share your passion for the past! This new event, ‘The Pursuit of History: Forging the Continental Army,’ should be all that and more with a small group exploring a critical time in our Revolution.”
Valley Forge 2023 Title Sponsor
Thank you to Lorna Hainesworth for her generous financial support of The Pursuit of History: Forging the Continental Army, History Camp Valley Forge, and Touring Revolutionary Philadelphia.
Interested in becoming a Sponsor?
Contact us to learn more about how you can support the mission of The Pursuit of History, the non-profit organization that is creating and presenting these three days at Valley Forge as well as weekly, monthly, and annual programs that engage adults with history.
Event Locations
Washington Memorial Chapel
On June 19, 1903, the 125th anniversary of the evacuation of the Continental Army from Valley Forge, the cornerstone for the Washington Memorial Chapel was laid. We will meet in the library and hold most of our discussions here.
Washington Memorial Chapel
2000 Valley Forge Park Road
King of Prussia, PA 19406
The General Warren Inn
Built by George Ashton, a prominent member of St. Peter’s Church, General Warren Inn was owned by the Penn family at the time of the American Revolution. Operated by Peter Mather as the Admiral Warren during the Revolution, the tavern gave Warren Avenue its name. Mather, a Tory, was credited with informing the British of the position of General Anthony Wayne’s troops before the Paoli Massacre in September 1777.
A community was built around the Warren Inn in the late 1700s. Here a blacksmith, wheelwright, and general store served as a crossroads stop along the Lancaster Turnpike.
The present General Warren Inn was built in 1831 after a fire destroyed the original.
The General Warren Inn
9 Old Lancaster Road
Malvern, PA 19355
Source: East Whiteland Township
Valley Forge, Pennsylvania—May 19–21, 2023
Join us for three exciting days of engaging history events. Sign-up for one, two, or all three days!
FRIDAY, MAY 19, 2023
The Pursuit of History: Forging the Continental Army
[ SOLD OUT! ]
An unparalleled opportunity to spend a day with noted authors and historians and a small group of discerning history lovers—held in and around Valley Forge National Historical Park. Includes sessions, tours, lunch, and dinner.
SATURDAY, MAY 20, 2023
History Camp Valley Forge
Our first-ever History Camp in Pennsylvania welcomes history lovers of all stripes and interests to the engaging, fun History Camp experience you know and love. We’re planning a full-slate of sessions. And if you wish to present, learn more on the History Camp Valley Forge home page!
SUNDAY, MAY 21, 2023
Forward Operating Base Valley Forge: George Washington’s Armed Camp on the Schuylkill
[ NEW TOUR! ]
Travel by bus with Rick Herrera for a tour focused on the military strategy and tactics of Washington’s encampment at Valley Forge.
Touring Revolutionary Philadelphia
[ SOLD OUT! ]
Valley Forge 2023 Title Sponsor
Thank you to Lorna Hainesworth for her generous financial support of The Pursuit of History: Forging the Continental Army, History Camp Valley Forge, and Touring Revolutionary Philadelphia.
Interested in becoming a Sponsor?
Contact us to learn more about how you can support the mission of The Pursuit of History, the non-profit organization that is creating and presenting these three days at Valley Forge as well as weekly, monthly, and annual programs that engage adults with history.
Join Us at an Upcoming History Camp Event!
History Camp is a project of The Pursuit of History, the non-profit organization formed in 2019 to enable the growth of History Camps across the U.S. For those of you who have been involved with History Camp for several years, you’ve seen the tremendous growth in all aspects of History Camp—with more sessions, more activities, and starting in 2020, weekly author discussions streamed and archived at HistoryCamp.org/discussions.
Image Credits
“Baron Steuben drilling troops at Valley Forge” by E A Abbey (CC0)
Valley Forge National Historical Park (©2022 Lee Wright)
Independence Hall, Philadelphia (©2019 Michelle D. Novak)