Washington’s Headquarters will again be the nerve center of Valley Forge this summer.

Beginning this weekend, visitors can take ranger-led tours through the newly renovated attraction at Valley Forge National Historical Park, where George Washington lived during the Continental Army’s winter encampment of 1777-1778.

Tours depart every half hour from the refurbished 1920s Valley Forge Train Station platform, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through June 12, and until 6 p.m. beginning June 13.

Visitors can also sample additional summer programming throughout the park. Once Upon A Nation storytellers bring the Revolution to life at designated benches in four areas from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekends, and daily beginning June 13. Benches are located outside the Welcome Center, at the National Memorial Arch, Washington’s Headquarters and Varnum’s Quarters.

A new children’s program, “Valley Forge Secrets and Spies,” is now offered, for a fee, on Saturdays for 8- to 12-year-olds. Kids join Gen. Washington’s spy network to search for traitors. Tickets are available for this program and “Valley Forge After Hours” at the Welcome Center on Saturdays or online at www.historicphiladelphia.org.

Visitors can be an eyewitness to history as archaeologists, led by Temple University Professor David Orr, conduct a dig behind Washington’s Headquarters from June 2 through early August. The archaeologists will process their finds on site in a structure just a few steps away.

Soldier life demonstrations, ranger-led walking tours, gallery talks and Junior Ranger programs will be held at the park beginning June 13.

For more information about Valley Forge National Historical Park, visit www.nps.gov/vafo.

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French Creek State Park welcomes guest speaker and local naturalist Richard Bonnett on June 13 to kick off a summer series of guest speakers presenting on a wide variety of topics.

“What We Miss By The Side Of The Trail” is a showcase for the biggest, smallest, strangest and most fascinating characters of local flora and fauna. Many of these “characters” are easily missed while people are out enjoying the trails of the Hopewell Big Woods and French Creek State Park.
They will be introduced to the public in a slide show at the park’s amphitheater.

Rain location will be at the park office, with limited seating. For directions or more information, call Lisa Miller at 610-582-9680.

For more information on future programs at French Creek or other Pennsylvania State Parks, visit www.visitpaparks.com.