Visitor Center at Valley Forge National Park to Get a Major Makeover

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The Encampment Store and the current interpretive exhibits in the Visitor Center (1976) will remain open to the public through December 9, 2018.(Photo courtesy of wikimedia.org)

Something “revolutionary” is happening at the Valley Forge National Historical Park, giving visitors a more immersive experience. The visitor center at the park, which is one of the top tourist attractions in Greater Philadelphia, will get updates north of $14 million — the building’s first comprehensive overhaul of since 1976, when the park became a national historical park.

The 3,452-acre park is the location of the 1777-78 winter encampment of the Continental Army under George Washington, whose war tent is now at the Museum of the American Revolution in Old City. Visitors should walk away with two “fundamental” experiences after the update: The experience of being in the encampment and seeing items from the original site, writes  Kenneth Hilario in Philadelphia Business Journal.

Officials at the Valley Forge National Historical Park planned updates are split between two projects:
  • $12 million for a comprehensive overhaul of the building, set to begin in late fall 2018 and conclude in late spring 2020; and
  • $2.2 million for new exhibits and an orientation film, set for a spring 2020 completion

“The visitor center is designed to be immersive,” Jonathan Parker, chief of interpretation and public information officer, told the Philadelphia Business Journal.

To read the complete story click here.

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