From Black patriots to The Grand Forage, the 2022-2023 lecture series features research from an all-star roster of Colonial experts.
With a hearty huzzah, Valley Forge Park Alliance unveiled its new 2022-2023 Speaker Series. The line-up features an all-star roster of experts on Valley Forge and Colonial America. Returning to in-person events for the first time since the pandemic started, the speaker series kicks off on Dec. 6 with a 6 p.m. happy hour and 7 p.m. lecture featuring historian Justin B. Clement’s new research by into the Black American presence at Valley Forge.
Untold stories are the focus on VFPA’s 2022-2023 series. Topics include the Black Americans who served in households at the winter encampment and the Black spies who worked for Gen. Lafayette. Other speakers will discuss the largely unknown history of the role of British soldiers who joined the Continental Army to support America’s independence. And, there’s a deep dive into The Grand Forage, the strategy that Gen. Washington used to keep his troops from starving during the winter encampment at Valley Forge.
Valley Forge Park Alliance’s speaker series will be held inside the Visitor Center at Valley Forge National Historic Park. For those unable to attend, VFPA will provide Zoom links to the live broadcasts. VFPA is also hosting happy hours before each lecture. The cocktails and conversation reception features beer, wine and cider from Grace Winery of Glen Mills and Artillery Brewing Company of West Chester. Ticket prices range from $10 – $25 and can be purchased here.

Dec. 6, 2022, 6 pm – 8 pm
“Uncovering the Black Presence at Valley Forge Headquarters Buildings”
Presented by: Justin B. Clement, historic site supervisor, Pottsgrove Manor
Jan. 17, 2022, 6 pm – 8 pm
These Distinguished Corps: British Grenadier & Light Infantry
Presented by: Don Hagist, author and managing editor of Journal of the American Revolution


Feb. 7, 2023
6 pm – 8 pm
“Feeding Washington’s Army: Surviving the Valley Forge Winter of 1778”
Presented by: Dr. Ricardo Herrara, author and visiting professor, department of national security and strategy, US Army War College
March 7, 2023, 6 pm – 8 pm
Presented by: (Ret.) Col. J. Craig Nannos, CEO of The Sentry Post and consultant to the National Museum of the United States Army, the National Constitution Center, US Bicentennial Celebrations 1974-1984


May 2, 2023, 6 pm – 8 pm
Writing the Family Histories of the American Revolution
Presented by: Dr. Karin Wulf, the Beatrice and Julio Mario Santo Domingo Director and Librarian at the John Carter Brown Library and professor of history at Brown University

June 7, 2023
Lafayette’s Revolutionary Black Servants and Spies
Presented by: Benjamin Goldman, an expert reenactor of Le Marquis de Lafayette who has performed at Valley Forge, Independence National Historical Park, Mount Vernon, and at the White House.
Visit this link to view the entire Valley Forge Park Alliance Speaker Series.
Want to learn more about Valley Forge Park Alliance? Read the Insider’s Guide to Valley Forge Park Alliance and get details on VFPA’s campaign to restore the Maurice Stephens House.
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