Free Lecture Explores How Washington Survived The Valley Forge Winter

WASHINGTON CROSSING, PA — Washington Crossing Historic Park will hold a free lecture titled “Feeding Washington’s Army: Surviving the Valley Forge Winter of 1778” on Thursday, June 1 at 7 p.m. The lecture will be held in person at the park’s visitor center, 1112 River Road in Washington Crossing, Pa., and live streamed on Zoom.

The lecture will feature military historian and author Ricardo A. Herrera discussing his book with the same name as the lecture. In this major new history of the Continental Army’s Grand Forage of 1778, Herrera uncovers what daily life was like for soldiers during the darkest and coldest days of the American Revolution: the Valley Forge winter.

At Valley Forge, the army launched its largest and riskiest operation—not a bloody battle against British forces but a campaign to feed itself and prevent starvation or dispersal during the long encampment. Herrera brings to light the army’s herculean efforts to feed itself, support local and Continental governments, and challenge the British Army.

Highlighting the missteps and triumphs of both George Washington and his officers as well as ordinary soldiers, sailors, and militiamen, Feeding Washington’s Army moves far beyond oft-told, heroic, and mythical tales of Valley Forge and digs deeply into its daily reality, revealing how close the Continental Army came to succumbing to starvation and how strong and resourceful its soldiers and leaders actually were.

Books will be available for purchase and a book signing with the author will be held after the talk. This lecture is free, but registration is required. Click here to register.

Registration is required for both in-person and virtual attendance as space is limited. Those watching on Zoom will receive login information when they register. If you do not receive an email confirmation after you register, please call 215-493-4076. The event is hosted by the David Center for the American Revolution at the American Philosophical Society.