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Big Plans On Tap At Valley Forge For George Washington's 283rd Birthday

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Published Date

February 6, 2015
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The 2nd Pennsylvania Regiment Demonstrates Artillery Fire Over Washington's Birthday Weekend/NPS

For George Washington's 46th birthday, Martha surprised him with a public celebration at his headquarters in Valley Forge, bringing some mid-winter excitement (and cake) to the general and his troops. Following in her footsteps, Valley Forge National Historical Park has planned a weekend of programs and activities to celebrate Washington's 283rd birthday this year.

Kicking off the weekend on Saturday, February 14, more than 1,000 members of the Boy Scouts of America will take part in the 103rd Annual Pilgrimage and Encampment at Valley Forge. This event is the oldest continuous scouting event in the world. The scouts will put their cold weather survival skills to the test as they camp overnight, hike the park, learn about the history and significance of the park as well as this years' honored figure, Benjamin Franklin. 

On Sunday, February 15, The Second Pennsylvania Regiment, a local living history reenactment group, will gather at the Muhlenberg Brigade Huts from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bringing more than two dozen infantry and artillery, soldiers as well as camp followers, the group will provide visitors with a dynamic interpretation of camp life including artillery demonstrations at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. At 1 p.m. on Sunday, visitors are encouraged to attend an exclusive presentation and book signing of Give Me a Fast Ship: The Continental Navy, featuring the award-winning author Tim McGrath. The novel tells of the adventures of the sailors and the ships of America's fledgling Navy. The author presentation will take place in the Meeting Room, located in the building adjacent to the Visitor Center, and the book signing will take place in the bookstore on the first floor of the Visitor Center. 

On Monday, February 16, the park will host a birthday party for General Washington. Beginning at 10 a.m. in the Visitor Center, children can make birthday cards for Washington, take part in 18th-century games, try on Continental clothing, and meet the General and Mrs. Washington. At noon, The Culinary Arts Institute of Montgomery County Community College will present the general with a birthday cake and provide the public with cupcakes and samples of a modernized version of Martha Washington's great cake recipe. Following the cake festivities children can participate in the Join the Continental Army program during which they will learn to march and drill like Continental Soldiers and receive a formal inspection by the Commander-in-Chief, General Washington.

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