Valley Forge Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution believes that it has justified its existence and earned the right to grow and develop and use its influence to foster patriotism, a love of country, a deeper regard and respect for its institutions, encourage education, and use its best efforts to aid in the great work of Americanization.

On Monday, December 17, 1894, nine women assembled in the parlor of the residence of Miss Jane Hayman, 50 East Chestnut Street. Officers were elected and Valley Forge Chapter came into being as an integral part of the Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution with a membership of thirteen.

-- History of Valley Forge Chapter, 100th Anniversary, 1994

Valley Forge Chapter takes its name from the site of the brutal winter encampment of Washington's troops. We are both honored and humbled by our name. All of us benefit daily from the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of the brave souls who have gone before us.

The sad reality of living in the shadow of Valley Forge, its bucolic rolling hills now teaming with deer, is that it is often just a way to get around traffic heading to and from neighboring King of Prussia and the Philadelphia area in general. During the course of our busy lives it is all too easy to take such a majestic and historic place for granted. The monuments become wallpaper. The soldier's huts blur as we impatiently make our way along Route 23. History fades in importance pressed against work deadlines and demands of daily life.

Adults may think we are too busy to acknowledge the importance of the park; thankfully our children are not too busy. It was in large part due to a letter writing campaign by school children from all across the US that an 80-acre parcel of privately owned land within the boundries of the park will not be populated with luxury homes. This tract of land is now owned by the Valley Forge National Historical Park.

Read more about the history of Valley Forge National Park and how it came to be on the National Historical Park web site. It reminds us just how fragile our historic places were and are. We thank the DAR, SAR, and other organizations and individuals that worked to set aside this area so that is could become the national historic park it is today.