Archeological Dig at Valley Forge, PA

What
The most extensive archeological dig ever to take place at The Revolutionary War Continental Army Encampment site at Valley Forge. The purpose of the dig is to learn more about the Continental Army soldiers who lived in the encampment during the winter of 1777-1778, under the direction of General George Washington.

Where
Commander-In-Chief General George Washington's Continental Army Encampment at Valley Forge National Historical Park, Valley Forge, PA.

Archaeological Dig
April - August 2000

Why
Excavation at the site of one of General Washington's brigades will determine where the original log cabins stood at Valley Forge and also expand our understanding of the day-to-day life of the soldiers during their encampment. The encampment at Valley Forge is remembered for its challenging winter living conditions. It was here that the Continental Army overcame adversity to become a well-disciplined force that was able to defeat the British in pivotal battles, and to eventually win the Revolutionary War and independence for our country.

Partnership
The Valley Forge archeological dig is being funded by Aurora Foods Inc., makers of Log Cabin syrup, as part of its four-year, $1 million commitment to restoring log cabins in National Parks across the country. The "Discover Presidential Log Cabins" program marks the third year of the public/private partnership between Aurora Foods and the National Park Foundation (NPF), in cooperation with the National Park Service (NPS).

Contacts
Dona McDermott, Valley Forge National Historical Park, 610-783-1034 (dona_mcdermott@nps.gov)
Jen Larson, National Park Foundation, 202-530-1487 (jlarson@goparks.org)
Sue Waldron, National Park Service, 202-208-5477 (sue_waldron@nps.gov)
Jill Sharp or Kim Scher, Lord, Sullivan & Yoder, 614-846-7777 (jsharp@lsy.com; kscher@lsy.com)