My Valley Forge Story: Congressman Dick Schulze

Congressman Dick Schulze (pictured far right, in a light blue suit), stands with other members of local, state and federal governments as President Gerald Ford signs Valley Forge into the National Park Service. July, 4, 1976.

NPS

Nancy Schulze wrote in to share the story of her late husband, Congressman Dick Schulze, surrounding Valley Forge National Historical Park.

"I am writing about the Valley Forge National Historical Park which will be celebrating its 50th Anniversary on July 4 of this year. Valley Forge was the geographical center of the district my husband, Congressman Dick Schulze, represented for 18 years. Dick's home was a mile from the border of the park. Before Valley Forge became a national park, Dick was concerned about deferred maintenance and deterioration of such a critical and pivotal part of our nation's history.

Consequently, as a freshman member, Dick wrote and shepherded legislation through Congress to transform Valley Forge into a national park. He also arranged for President Ford to fly into Valley Forge on Marine One to sign the legislation on the nation's 200th birthday, July 4th, 1976, before a crowd of tens of thousands. I have several pictures of the event in our files.

In January of this year, my husband was buried at the churchyard cemetery next to his former home, a mile from Valley Forge."

At Valley Forge's 50th Celebration opening ceremonies on July 3rd, 2026, Superintendent Rose Fennell acknowledged the Congressmen's dedication to the park that laid the foundation for others and their Valley Forge stories.

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