My Valley Forge Story: Bitsy Schravesande

Bitsy's hand written letter featuring an illustrated letterhead of Valley Forge Farm.

NPS/ Bitsy Schravesande

My Valley Forge Story begins back in 1874 when the state was warming up for the Bicentennial. I have volunteered every year since then and loved every minute.

So many memories: Marching in from the hanging rock in Gulph Mills, baking bread, sleeping under the starts, listening to men's memories about he Scout jamborees, wreaths around the world, and meeting so many people from every state and from around the world.

I was there in July of '76 when the wagon train arrived, I was there when President Ford stood below the arch on July 4th and announced that Valley Forge would become a National Park. Great celebration.

Volunteering at VF has been enjoyable and very meaningful- sharing the story of VF and it's importance on our road to independence. VF is a wonderful place to soak up history and the beauty of nature.

Tags: valley forge national historical park, my valley forge story, vf50, 50 years of valley forge