$150K In PA Funding To Benefit Valley Forge National Historical Park

HARRISBURG, PA — A regional historic organization that sponsors various educational programming in the Greater Philadelphia area has been given state dollars that will help propel its mission at one of the most famous sites in southeastern Pennsylvania.

Historic Philadelphia, Inc. has been awarded $150,000 in state funding that will be used to allow programming to continue at Valley Forge National Historical Park in Montgomery County, the site of the third winter encampment of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War from 1777 to 1778.

The announcement was made by the office of State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, a Democrat representing portions of Montgomery and Chester Counties.

Shusterman serves on the state House Tourism and Recreational Development Committee.

"Valley Forge Park is a real critical piece of America's history in our backyard," she said in a statement. "I'm happy to have help put forth this funding in the recently passed state budget, one that makes record investments in Pennsylvania's schools, cultural landmarks, critical programs and services, and more."

Shusterman said that every dollar that is spent on tourism in the commonwealth brings in $3 to Pennsylvania economy, stressing the importance of supporting the local tourism industry in the Keystone State.

"This is not just a local investment," Shusterman stated. "We're promoting regionwide strengthening in our tourism sector, continuing to link the cultural sites in our great southeastern Pennsylvania counties."

Valley Forge was once a state park, but it was ultimately acquired by the federal government and is now part of the National Park Service.

The park, which is said to welcome thousands of visitors each money, is also home to some protected wildlife species and an extensive recreational trail system.

Today, Valley Forge National Historical Park, which is located in Montgomery County, about 35 minutes away from Center City, Philadelphia, hosts various educational programming for history buffs and school children, and is also considered a haven for runners, cyclists and picknickers.

The park sits in both Montgomery and Chester Counties.

More information about the park can be found here.

Historic Philadelphia is a regional organization that is dedicated to "making our nation's history relevant and real through interpretation and education, strengthening Greater Philadelphia's role as the destination to experience American history," reads a description on the group's website.

In addition to Valley Forge National Historical Park, the organization also provides various programming at Independence Hall and the National Constitution Center in downtown Philadelphia.