National Park Foundation’s Grant Boosts VFPA’s Efforts To Rebuild The Historic Property
Valley Forge Park Alliance’s mission to renovate the Maurice Stephens House just got a big boost. The National Park Foundation awarded a $40,000 grant to VFPA’s campaign to rehabilitate and reuse the Maurice Stephens House. The grant marks significant progress in the campaign to raise $980,000 to reactivate the historic property, located on the edge of Grand Parade in Valley Forge National Historical Park.
The Strong Parks, Strong Communities grant is extra special because it comes from National Park Foundation, the official nonprofit partner to the National Park Service. “Given the competition for these grants, we are thrilled to receive support from the NPF for this exciting project,” said Molly Duffy, executive director of VFPA. “We are reactivating the Maurice Stephens House for the millions of visitors from near and far who come to Valley Forge to explore, learn and be inspired.”
Built in 1816, the Maurice Stephens House sits on the site of what was General Huntingdon’s quarters in 1777 during the Valley Forge winter encampment. It overlooks the Grand Parade, where General Von Steuben trained the Continental Army, turning them into the cohesive fighting force that went on the win the American Revolutionary War six years later.
VFPA’s campaign to raise $980,000 will fund construction of a café, accessible restrooms, outdoor seating, and other enhancements that will complement work by the National Park Service to preserve the structure. VFPA will use the building for its offices, public meeting space and a launch point for birdwatching and trail walks. “The Maurice Stephens house is the perfect centerpiece for our mission to inspire appreciation and citizen stewardship of Valley Forge,” said Duffy.
NPF is the official charity of America’s national parks and nonprofit partner to the National Park Service. Chartered by Congress in 1967, NPF raises private funds to help protect more than 84 million acres of national parks through critical conservation and preservation efforts and connect all Americans with their incomparable natural landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich history.
“Philanthropy and partnership are essential to the success of America’s national parks,” said Will Shafroth, president and CEO of NPF. “Ultimately, investing in the growing community of park partners is a commitment to expanding and transforming the role philanthropy plays to ensure national parks reach their full potential.”
Want to learn more about Valley Forge Park Alliance and the Maurice Stephens House? Please read this story about the fundraising campaign.
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