Limited to 40 seats
Deadline to donate: August 29 @11:59pm
Field Study at Valley Forge Fall Fundraiser
Led by historian Ken Gavin
Saturday–Sunday, September 12–13, 2026
Join us for a special weekend exploring the history of the Valley Forge encampment through its military, political, economic, social, and cultural significance. Led by historian Ken Gavin, this fundraising field study will include rarely visited locations, well-known landmarks, and fascinating connections between Valley Forge and Gettysburg.
Saturday, September 12
Dinner at the Historic Black Powder Tavern
5:30–6:00 p.m. — Arrival
6:00 p.m. — Buffet Dinner
8:00 p.m. — Program Concludes
Black Powder Tavern
1164 Valley Forge Road
Wayne, PA 19087
Portions of the Black Powder Tavern date to approximately 1747, allowing participants to dine inside a building that witnessed the Valley Forge encampment. Dinner will be served buffet-style. Soft drinks are included, and a cash bar will be available.
The tavern stands across the street from the site of the **Stone Chimney Picket**, an important but rarely visited location associated with the encampment. During the winter of 1777–1778, the Continental Army used the surviving chimney of a burned home as a picket post guarding a key roadway. The site also hosted one of the army's biweekly markets, where local civilians sold food to soldiers at regulated prices.
Sunday, September 13
Participants will have the morning free to eat breakfast before gathering for the field study. You are responsible for transportation to the visitor center at VFNHP.
8:30–9:00 a.m. — Gather at the Valley Forge National Historical Park Visitor Center**
1400 North Outer Line Drive
King of Prussia, PA 19406
9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. — Valley Forge Field Study with Ken Gavin**
**Participants will travel between tour stops aboard a reserved bus.**
This comprehensive tour will examine the encampment from multiple perspectives, with stops including:
Muhlenberg Brigade Huts
National Memorial Arch
Washington's Headquarters Complex
The Grand Parade
Ken will also highlight individuals, monuments, and stories that create unique connections between Valley Forge and Gettysburg.
1:00 p.m. — Tour concludes at the Visitor Center. Thank you for joining us and for your support!
## Transportation and Lodging
Participants must arrange their own transportation to and from the Valley Forge area and secure their own hotel accommodations.
Bus transportation between locations within Valley Forge National Historical Park during Sunday's field study is included.
