Protest Against American Revolution Center at Valley Forge National Historical Park Planned for May 15
Will Gen. George Washington return to his Valley Forge headquarters next week? A protest against the American Revolution Center, with "period re-enactors," is planned for May 15. Photo by Hendricks NY via flickr.
Don't be surprised if George Washington returns to Valley Forge next week. A grassroots group is planning a rally for May 15 to protest plans to develop a portion of 78 acres of rolling land pressed on three sides by Valley Forge National Historical Park. Part of the protest will feature "re-enactors in period costumes."
According to a release announcing the event, "local residents will rally to show their opposition to and increase awareness of the American Revolution Center’s plans to build an over-sized commercial complex within Valley Forge."
"Valley Forge National Historical Park’s historic landscape is imminently threatened by an ill-considered development proposal on private land in the park," adds the release. "The American Revolution Center proposes building a commercialized museum complex, including a hotel and conference center, which will have a detrimental impact on the park. Valley Forge is not only an important part of Lower Providence Township, but also a national icon that must be protected."
As the release indicates, some folks believe the American Revolution Center's planned development is grandiose and will jeopardize the setting and possibly impact historically significant land that was utilized by General George Washington's troops.
The rally is scheduled to run from noon to 1 p.m. at the Montgomery County Courthouse in Norristown, Pennsylvania. For more information, check out this site.
Comments
Ryan Balas (not verified)
God. Another protest to protect our esteemed blah blah blah blah. I am an evironmentalist. I walk to shop, donate to causes, pick up litter in the parks, etc.
But, I don't see anything wrong with building something to enhance the visitors experience and bring in a little money to help support the area those people are screaming and protesting about keeping the same.
People need to be educated when visiting our National Parks and such. They don't get it in the schools anymore and unless they are history buffs - most of the people show up - see an empty field and leave - stopping at McDonald's on the way out of town. I gave tours and worked with two National Monuments and a group with Yosemite - if you don't offer the beautiful welcome center and have an introductory video (download it to your IPOD) - you lose them.
And, if you say - you don't care - your a moron. If you can't get the average person to care - you are eventually going to lose it - either to budget cuts and disrepair or a sale or trade of the land you are trying to protect.
The structure can be built "green". Because it is east coast, it will be easier to sink some items and put them underground so as not to spoil the view. There could be underground parking so that there is no sea of asphalt. If there is a parking garage - it could be terraced and landscaped with a walking park on the roof with trees and flowers.
I hate to quote Mr. Gingrich but he said that we defeated our enemies and took care of ourselves in less than five years with World War II, it took 27 years for them to get everything they needed to build an extra runway at Atlanta's airport. I agree something is wrong.
Don't protest - ask to be involved in the planning session. Protest to get involved but, save your energy to protesting Darth Vader and his boss who still have 8 months left to destroy this country.
Anonymous (not verified)
Jerry Lenfest is the owner of this property, not the National Park Service. The proposed ARC museum is absolutely beautiful and is giving over 100 acres of open space while only developing on 19.5 acres. What other developer would give you that? This land will be resold to a housing developer for top dollar if the ARC project is thwarted. The artifacts of the ARC collection are fabulous and deserve to be represented in a museum. Isn't it a shame that our country has no museum to honor and educate about the revolutionary war?
Those who protest it are simply residents who live near the site and don't want the museum in their backyard. Unfortunately, they do not own this land, nor does the National Park Service. I for one, am thrilled so see such a beautiful attraction proposed for this land site and encourage everyone to really do their homework on this project. The members of the ARC have gone above and beyond what they needed to do to give us a museum that not only educates, but is environmentally friendly and keeps a majority of the land as-is. They should be commended for doing so.
Glenn F. Williams (not verified)
I am a professional historian with a personal research interest/ focus in the American Revolution era, and I believe the American Revolution Center is a needed resource. It will enhance the public's understanding of what it took to become a free and independent nation. It will enhance the visitors' experience and appreciation for, and will not harm or encroach upon, the priceless cultural resource that is Valley Forge National Historical Park. In fact, it will put the events of the Valley Forge winter into proper context. Children in school get precious little about the history of our great nation in class these days, and even less about our War for Independence. History education often falls victim to "self-esteem" raising activities and other social concerns, or gets hijacked by the "blame America first" factions in popular culture and media all too often enough. A better and deeper appreciation of our national heritage would of itself raise the self-esteem of every American, young and old alike. If we are going to leave the job of instructing our next generation of citizens that freedom isn't free, or patriotism isn't a passé concept, to the parents of America, then we must give them the resources to do so. SUPPORT - DON'T PROTEST - THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION CENTER!
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