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Valley Forge National Historical Parksoldier cabins at Valley Forge © MJ Ticcino
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Valley Forge National Historical Park
Archives & Library
Shelves full of books lining the balcony of the Valley Forge library.

VALLEY FORGE NHP

The archives and library support the interpretive, education, and resource management and protection programs at Valley Forge National Historical Park.

The archives & library collect, preserve, and make available for research use to National Park Service staff , volunteers and the general public, published and documentary materials relating to :

  • the park's historical significance;
  • the establishment and development of the park;
  • park research, development, and resource management activities.

The collections document the park's statements of significance and in turn the interpretive themes and resources:

  • As a significant turning point in the history of the Continental Army, Valley Forge symbolizes the collective and personal sacrifices of the army and its resolve to not simply survive but to successfully rise above adversity, develop a new professionalism, and ensure American independence.
  • Valley Forge was possibly the largest winter encampment of the American Revolution.
  • The cultural resources of the park, which include Washington's Headquarters, historic structures, remnants of original fortifications, monuments, landscapes, extensive park collections, and unknown archeological resources, help to commemorate an imperishable chapter in the history of America's struggle for independence.
  • Natural resources are an integral part of the cultrual landscape of Valley Forge. Protection and enhancement of natural systems are necessary to achieve the park's mission to presernve and commemorate the site of the 1777-1778 encampment.


Archives Collections

The archives contain the park’s administrative and resource management records as well as donated manuscript collections. The collections consist of textual material, photographs several all formats, microfilm, audio/video materials, and maps, plans and drawings.

Library Collection

The library collection consists of approximately 7,000 volumes including books, reports, theses and dissertations, and periodicals.

 
A white, two story building surrounded by trees.

Valley Forge NHP

For information on Research Access to the Archives and Library, please click here.

 

Documents Available Online

Valley Forge National Historical Park is currently in the process of creating electronic access to documents and publications. Currently, Valley Forge : Making and Remaking a National Symbol, The Valley Forge Report, and A Demographic Survey of the Continental Army that Wintered at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, 1777-1778 are available online. Click here to view these documents.

 

 

 

For other information, please contact:

 

Dona M. McDermott, Archivist

Valley Forge National Historical Park

1400 N. Outer Line Drive

King of Prussia, PA 19406-1009

Email: Dona_Mcdermott@nps.gov

Office: 610-783-1034

Fax: 610-783-1060

Library: 610-296-2593                           

Maxwell's Library 2nd floor pictured are books and research material in the collection  

Did You Know?
Access to many National Park Library catalogs is available on-line. Valley Forge NHP is currently in the process of creating an electronic catalog. We will use this site to keep you up-to-date on our progress. Until then you might wish to access other national park libraries currently on-line.
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Last Updated: September 29, 2006 at 12:21 EST