Our History
The story of the Valley Forge begins over 1,500 years ago with the Lenni Lenape, the first Indigenous stewards of what is now Valley Forge. These hunter-agriculturalists lived along rivers and streams until they were displaced during European colonization.
In the harsh winter of 1777–1778, General George Washington led 12,000 Continental soldiers into a six-month encampment at Valley Forge. There, a unified and disciplined army was forged—laying the foundation for America’s independence. Today, Valley Forge National Historical Park and the Valley Forge Park Alliance honor the sacrifices of soldiers, Indigenous peoples, enslaved individuals, women, and children who endured unimaginable hardship for liberty.
In 1877, Civil War nurse Anna Holstein and fellow citizens began preserving Valley Forge, focusing on Washington’s Headquarters. Their efforts led to the park’s designation as Pennsylvania’s first state park in 1893. On July 4, 1976, Valley Forge became a national park, and the Friends of Valley Forge—now the Valley Forge Park Alliance—was born to serve as its nonprofit partner and citizen advocate.
Who We Are Today
Renamed in 2017, the Valley Forge Park Alliance has continued the mission of the Friends group: to inspire appreciation for and citizen stewardship of Valley Forge Park.
Today, Valley Forge is a beloved destination and a natural refuge for millions. In 2023 alone, over 1.9 million visitors explored the Park’s 3,500 acres and 35 miles of trails—hiking, biking, birding, and reconnecting with history and nature. The park’s diverse ecosystems include forests, wetlands, meadows, streams, and a river, supporting a rich array of native wildlife.
BOARD MEMBERS AND OFFICERS
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Scott Sibley
Chair
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Andrew Kreider
Vice Chair
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Melissa Jacobs
Secretary
Editor-in-Chief, Main Line Tonight -
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Steve Ross
Treasurer
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Sarah Charles
Board Member
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Jason Hall
Director of Vaccines at Merck.
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Amy Johnson
Board Chair Emeritus
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Don Naimoli
Ops Mgr. and Fiduciary Services at Girard Partners, Ltd.
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Ernie Overholt
Chief Operation Officer of Hartford
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Philip Ritter
IMC Construction- Director
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Nicholas Robin
Vanguard, Risk Operations - Legal & Compliance
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Tracey Sisko
Principal, BizTech Consulting
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Fazel Syed
Owner, Level7Tennis
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Dr. Catherine Wilson
Associate Professor of Public Administration at Villanova University
STAFF
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Molly Duffy
Executive Director
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Allie Kochinsky
Development Coordinator
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Christy Dernlan
Development Director