Valley Forge History & Culture

Watch park rangers demonstrate the firing commands of a blackpowder flintlock musket. These are the training and combat commands as developed by General von Steuben at Valley Forge. The first firing uses the training commands and the second shot is based on the combat commands. This is a re-shoot and update of the earlier posted musket demonstrations.

Listen as park archivist Dona McDermott talks about the contributions of General von Steuben, using photos from the collection of Valley Forge National Historical Park.

Park Ranger Peter Maugle tells the story of Rifleman Timothy Murphy at a campfire program. Watch the campfire and listen as Ranger Maugle tells the story of Timothy Murphy's exploits during the Revolutionary War. Murphy, a rifleman, spent several years in the Continental Army and was invloved in some of the major battles of the war. Learn more about one the heroes of the revolution that many people have forgotten.

Park Ranger Peter Maugle discusses the use of earthern forts known as redoubts. Hear how redoubts were constructed and used by the Continental Army at Valley Forge. Learn how the design and placement of the redoubts assist in the defense of the encampment. Download this program and bring it with you on your visit to Valley Forge and listen at Redoubt #3 (Tour Stop 7).

Natural Resource Manager Kris Heister explains how the natural resources and terrain of Valley Forge offer significant military advantages. General Washington and the Continental Army used these advantages to help protect and supply the encampment. Listen and watch at home or download this program and listen at tour stop #2 (Muhlenberg Brigade) in Valley Forge National Historical Park.

In the Revolution, the soldiers were only a small part of the entire experience. People supported the army through making things, and helping the soldiers both personally and professionally, as well as hindering them. Listen as Quinn Kess, an SCA intern at Valley Forge National Historical Park talks about these various groups at a campfire program.

Listen to Park Ranger Bill Lange discuss Henry Knox and Artillery. Hear how General Knox learned about artillery and gained the support of General Washington and Congress. Download this file and listen at Knox's Quarters near the Covered Bridge.

Listen as Park Intern Miranda Tidwell discusses the important role the Commander-in-Chief's Guard played in the training of the soldiers at Valley Forge. Download this file and listen as you visit the guard huts near General Washington's Headquarters at Valley Forge.

Watch as members of the Oneida Indian Nation demonstate the firing procedures of an artillery piece. The firing demonstration took place on May 6, 2007, the 229th anniversary of French Alliance Celebrations at Valley Forge. May 6, 1778 the Continental Army learned of the newly signed alliance France. Download the attached PDF document to learn more

Valley Forge National Historical Park Collections Curator Scott Houting discusses the drilling the training of soldiers at Valley Forge. A copy of the original 1779 drill manual is currently on display in the Welcome Center at Valley Forge. This temporary exhibit highlights the efforts of General von Steuben and the Continental Officers in creating a better trained, disciplined, effective fighting force. Bring this podcast with you and listen as you visit the Welcome Center.

Listen to Park Ranger Marc Brier explain the cabins at Muhlenberg's Brigade. These reconstructed soldier cabins are on the site of an original brigade camp. Photos have been included to help explain the site. Bring this podcast with you and listen as you visit tour stop #2.

View the first three minutes of our introductory film Valley Forge: A Winter Encampment

View the part two of our introductory film Valley Forge: A Winter Encampment

View the part three of our introductory film Valley Forge: A Winter Encampment

Daniel Morgan and the Riflemen: Park Intern Jason Collins tells the story of how Daniel Morgan and his riflemen played a key role in several decisive battle of the American Revolution. Bring this podcast with you and listen as you visit the General Anthony Wayne Statue at tour stop #4.

Author Thomas Fleming discusses how General George Washington reacted those who criticized his leadership while the army was at Valley Forge.Bring this program with you on your visit to Valley Forge National Historical Park. Listen to this program as you visit General Washington's Headquarters at tour stop #5.

Listen to Park Ranger Marc Brier explain the cabins at Muhlenberg's Brigade (Tour Stop #2). These reconstructed soldier cabins are on the site of an original brigade camp.

Did you ever wonder what it was like to travel with George Washington during the war? Listen to Hannah, an enslaved African American who cooked for General Washington, describe the life you would be expected to live as a member of the general's household at Valley Forge. Presented by Park Ranger Ajena Rogers. Bring this podcast with you and listen as you visit General Washington's Headquarters at tour stop #5.

Listen to a member of the Oneida Indian Nation discuss the role of Native Americans in the Revolutionary War, and how these Native Americans served at Valley Forge. Bring this podcast with you and listen as you visit the Muhlenberg Brigade Cabins at tour stop #2.