Centennial and Memorial Association of Valley Forge facts for kids
The Centennial and Memorial Association of Valley Forge was incorporated in Montgomery County Pennsylvania in 1878, focusing on the mission to save, acquire, restore and preserve General Washington's Valley Forge Headquarters and surrounding acreage as parcels became available
Led by founding Regent Anna Morris Holstein and her team, the initial awareness and fund-raising campaigns began with a large elaborate celebration on June 19, 1878 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Departure of the Army of the Revolution from Winter Quarters. In addition, stock certificates were sold and other events planned to help raise funds. Initial funds were used for the acquisition of General Washington's HQ from owner Hannah Ogden in 1878.
Subsequently additional acreage was purchased, original artifacts acquired, necessary repairs and renovations to restore the home back to 1777-1778 encampment completed. Due to Anna's relationship with the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association they were even able to bring a tree from General Washington's home back to his Valley Forge Headquarters and plant it in his memory. Those efforts along with creative perseverance eventually led to the State of Pennsylvania making Valley Forge the first State Park in Pennsylvania in 1893, and for tens of millions being able to enjoy the Park since.
On July 4, 1976, the United States Bicentennial, President Gerald Ford visited Valley Forge Park addressing the crowd and the nation on live TV and signed H.R. 5621, making Valley Forge an Historical site and a National Park.
In addition to Mrs. Holstein who served from inception until her death in 1900, several other prominent and giving individuals from Upper Merion, Norristown and Montgomery County, and across Pennsylvania served as Executives or Board Members. Vice-Regent Helen C. Hooven, Mrs. Rebecca McInnes, Freeland G. Hobson esq / Treasurer, Vice Regent Henry J Stager, Colonel Theodore W. Bean, The Honorable Richard Henry Koch, Mr Richard T. Hallowell, Frank L. Murphy esq, are among just a few who helped lead the Centennial and Memorial Association in their early years.
