My Valley Forge Story: Janice Kearney

When I saw your post about the observance of the upcoming 50th anniversary of VFNHP, I felt I had to respond. It's been such a meaningful part of my life!

In 1976 I was only 13 but I definitely remember many of the Bicentennial activities, as my parents made sure to take us. I recall the wagon train - and an actual train that was kind of a museum, the American Freedom train. I also recall seeing the president (Ford's) helicopter landing for the dedication ceremony where Pennsylvania gifted the park to the National Park Service. Mom and Dad also used to take us sledding there on snow days, something my husband and I also did with our kids when they were little.

Wedding vows at Artillery Park.

NPS/ Janice Kearney

I lived just up the road in Trooper/Eagleville; parts of the park are located within Lower Providence Township and I went there often for walks, hiking, taking visiting friends and family for tours, or just to picnic and contemplate life. There used to be a farm adjacent to the park from which you could rent horses, too and I would often go horseback riding in the park.

My husband and I often would visit the park together when dating - he actually lived adjacent to it in the 'thumb' of Lower Providence Township - and we loved it so much we got married there in October 1999. Yes, we had to pull a permit for permission and there were certain things you couldn't do, like have any kinds of tents. Luckily the weather held out!

Artillery Park canons seen in the background as the wedding party walks down the aisle.

NPS/ Janice Kearney

We got married in a field just past Artillery Row - you can see it in the background in some of these.

Sadly, my spouse passed away unexpectedly in 2003, but my kids - ages 5 and 11 in these photos - are now in their thirties and doing great. I know they have wonderful memories of the park while growing up, too.