Washington's Birthday

NPS / Gregory Purifoy

Alternative Text for the Image

The image is an infographic illustrating ways that people can celebrate Washington's Birthday online. It includes illustrations of George Washington wearing a birthday hat and the Washington's Headquarters building at Valley Forge against a solid blue background.

Text reads "Join Valley Forge National Historical Park. Virtual Washington's Birthday. #FindYourPark, #EncuentraTuParque.

Option 1 includes an image of a computer mouse pointer in the shape of a hand with pointing finger with text reading "Virtually explore historic sites from Washington's life!"

Option 2 includes an image of a of an open card containing the text "Dear George," a drawing of a balloon, and with text reading "Send General Washington a birthday card!"

Option 3 includes an image of a ranger hat with text reading "Learn the history of Washington's Birthday from park rangers".

Option 4 includes an image of a birthday cake with writing on the top that reads "Happy 288th Birthday General Washington" with text reading "Bake an 18th century birthday cake!"

An Online Celebration

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Valley Forge National Historical Park is moving its Presidents Day celebrations online this year. After all, if there is a historic site familiar with the dangers of the spread of disease, it's Valley Forge.

In collaboration with a seven other parks and historic sites across five different states, we are featuring stories about George Washington's birthday from many pivotal points in his life. We invite you to enjoy the online programming listed below and hope that you and yours remain safe and healthy this winter.

 

Disease During the Valley Forge Encampment

During the winter of 1777-78, nearly 2,000 soldiers die from influenza, typhus, typhoid, and dysentery at Valley Forge, and General Washington orders inoculations against smallpox in one of the first mass immunization programs in history.

 

 

NPS Photo / Beth Dhunjisha

Wish Washington a Happy Birthday

February 1778 was a tough time for the army, and their commander could use all the support he could get. (Even more than 240 years later!) Send General Washington some birthday cheer by making him a birthday card or other artwork! Here's how to participate:

1. Create your birthday card or other artwork at home.
2. Take a picture of your work with a digital camera or smartphone.
3. Send the photograph in an email attachment to [e-mail] with subject line "Happy Birthday - [Your Last Name]"
   
   - OR -
   
   post your photo on Facebook or Instagram with the hashtag #WashingtonsBirthdayVAFO

All submissions will be collected and posted on the park website in the Washington's Birthday Art Gallery. Please keep an eye on our social media channels as well, as we highlight submitted cards and artwork.

This activity is recommended for children and adults of all ages!

 

NPS Photo / Beth Dhunjisha

Birthday Cake, 18th Century Style

Every year, the Culinary School at the Montgomery County Community College prepares a cake using a traditional recipe from George Washington's home at Mount Vernon. Learn more about cakes of the 18th century and check out the recipe: You can bake your own!

This delicious activity is recommended for foodies, foodie families, and absolutely anybody who likes cake.

WARNING: Valley Forge National Historical Park, Mount Vernon, MontCo Community College, and their affiliates accept no liability for any New Years resolutions that may be endangered after eating the cake made with this recipe.

 

NPS Photo / Beth Dhunjisha

A Revolutionary Life: Washington's Birthday Through the Years

A video playlist featuring short talks by rangers and historians from eight historic sites in five different states was released on Presidents Day 2021, and is available in full on the Valley Forge National Historical Park YouTube channel.

The talks chronicle the extraordinary events in Washington's personal and professional life over the years, from his birth in 1732, to the years he lead the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War, to the years of his presidency and beyond. Each February of Washington's revolutionary life saw its share of challenges and successes, big and small, and taken together these snapshots offer a unique and fun perspective on the life of our nation's first president.

You can also watch the videos and find the audio described versions on the National Park Service website.