The 9-foot-tall granite monument stands on Route 23, as a lasting tribute to those patriots who served during the Valley Forge encampment 1777-1778. Valley Forge National Historic Park contains many monuments within its boundaries. The bronze relief depicts three soldiers of African descent, one facing left, one facing right, and one in the middle facing straight ahead. Shrady’s image in bronze portrays Washington in a vulnerable pose of contemplation, shrouded in a cloak to protect him from the severe weather--a far cry from the proud pose of benediction which may be seen in Henry Kirke-Brown’s equestrian statue of the commander in Union Square, Manhattan. For more information, please contact Art & Antiquities at (212) 360-8163, Zip Code:11211 Community Board: The dedication of the Patriots of African Descent Monument culminated four days of commemorative activities which coincided with the centennial anniversary of Valley Forge as a historical park. 610-783-0120 ©2020 Washington Memorial Chapel, P.O. They include the markers at locations of specific brigades, statues of generals, the National Memorial Arch, and one of the few monuments to African America patriots on federal land. Monument Dedication - June 19, 1993. (Blockson, who grew up in Norristown, participated in a Boy Scout march to Valley Forge during the 1940s and was disappointed to find no historical markers about African Americans.) In African American culture June 19 is remembered as “Juneteenth,” a date commemorating the end of slavery. The Valley Forge Alumnae Chapter formed in 1991 to raise awareness of the service of African Americans in the American Revolution. Morris Cemetery. Founded at Howard University in 1913, Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. is the largest sorority for African American women in the world. $2.00 + $1.65 shipping . The date June 19 has special significance. The park commemorates the sacrifices and perseverance of … Site location: 1574 Valley Forge Rd. The men all wear military uniforms, each holding a musket. (Optional) Please tell us how we can make this page more helpful.If you need a response,please use the Contact the Commissionerform instead. Kaplan, Sidney and Kaplan, Emma Nogrady. Shrady depicts the Commander in Chief during the six month period from December 1777 to June 1778 when the Continental Army was encamped at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania between Philadelphia, where the British were stationed, and York, the temporary seat of the Continental Congress. CLICK HERE for directions. Sponsor - Valley Forge Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. I visited the monument on Saturday, April 6, 2013 @ 4:52 PM, EDT & 2 an altitude of 175 feet, ASL. American Visions (June-July 1993), 28-32. infotrac.galegroup.com. Triangle/Plaza. The dedication of the Patriots of African Descent monument on June 19, 1993, included a patriotic medley played on bagpipes; a prayer for the patriots, in memory of Richard Allen, by the Rev. We found 1 result for you in Valley Forge Clear all filters. Pompilio, Natalie. On the other side of the path is the Washington Monument. George Washington at Valley Forge was cast at Roman Bronze Works in Brooklyn. Website. Artist - Cal Massey “Cal Massey,” Philadelphia Inquirer, February 12, 1996. . The laurel leaves at the bottom of the work symbolize victory and honor.”, According to Thomas Fleming in Washington’s Secret War: The Hidden History of Valley Forge, the Valley Forge encampment included many African Americans. Fleming cites work by independent researcher George Quintal, who has used pension records and other sources to document at least five hundred African Americans at Valley Forge. It is presented by the President of the United States, in the name of Congress, to an individual who, while serving in the Armed Forces, “distinguished himself conspicuously by Gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.”. The north side of the pedestal lists the many roles that Wayne filled during his lifetime. King of Prussia, PA An important piece of American Revolutionary War history, Valley Forge National Historical Park is the site of the third winter encampment of the Continental Army. Valley Forge was the site of the 1777-78 winter encampment of the Continental Army. Massey, Cal. . 40° 6.249′ N, 75° 26.295′ W. Marker is in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, in Montgomery County. Buckley, Gail. It was sculpted by Henry Mervin Shrady (1871–1922), a life-long New Yorker, who was commissioned to make the statue after winning a design competition in 1901. His monument to the Negro Leagues, dedicated in 2003, stands at Belmont and Parkside Avenues in Philadelphia, where the Philadelphia Stars played many of their games. WHAT AND WHERE IS THE MEDAL OF HONOR GROVE. Letter written to commemorate The Patriots of African Descent Monument at Valley Forge National Historical Park. The passing of a loved one is a stressful time in anyone’s life, but Valley Forge Memorials can make the grieving process easier for you with our custom monuments and gravestones. The park honors and celebrates the ability of citizens to pull together and overcome adversity during extraordinary times. Though the winter took a terrible toll, with an estimated one fourth of the 10,000 soldiers perishing, the army left in the spring intact, largely due to Washington’s capacity as a leader. The date marks a General Order issued on June 19, 1865 in Galveston, Texas, by General Gordon Granger to inform enslaved people that they had been freed. Massey’s commercial artwork includes illustrations for My First Kwanzaa Book (Scholastic Paperbacks, 1999). The United States National Memorial Arch, located at the intersection of Outerline Drive and Gulph Road, was erected to commemorate the arrival of General George Washington and the Continental Army into Valley Forge. At Valley Forge it is remembered as the date in 1778 when Washington’s army marched out of its winter encampment. Celebrate Presidents’ Day In New York City Parks, Continental Army Plaza - The Asian Longhorned Beetle. 19406, Learn more about the history of African Americans in the Revolution. The monument faces due north and is 353 feet south of Valley Forge Road, in a field. Its five-point service program consists of economic development, educational development, international awareness and involvement, physical and mental health, and political awareness and involvement. The Black Regiment in the American Revolution (1978). Russell initiated meetings between suburban-based Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. members and Valley Forge National Historical Park in 1990 to propose a monument to African Americans in the Revolution. He subsequently created other major public monuments including the Grant Memorial at the foot of the Capital Grounds in Washington, D.C., and the Robert E. Lee equestrian statue in Charlottesville, Virginia. Since 1994, we have been designing, manufacturing, installing, and maintaining all kinds of products for grieving families. Also see . Valley Forge, Pennsylvania/PA Postcard, New Jersey Monument Amid Dogwood, 1950! The United States National Memorial Arch is probably the park's most recognizable symbol. Council Member: In addition to a concentration of soldiers at Valley Forge, Washington ordered nearly 2,000 soldiers to encamp at Wilmington, Delaware. Charles L. Blockson, founder of the Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection at Temple University, introduced Mr. Massey to sorority officials. View Map. He began drawing as a young boy and graduated from the Hussian School of Art in Philadelphia in 1950. The monument resides on the northern side of Eagle Rd at the Valley Forge Military Academy and College. 1400 North Outer Line Drive Below is information on the history of a few of the monuments of Valley Forge. Sign in to check out Check out as guest . NPS Photo Bill Moses. Sculptor - Phil Sumpter. Washington at Valley Forge was his first major public work. The United States National Memorial Arch, located in Valley Forge National Historical Park, Pennsylvania, is a monument built to celebrate the arrival of General George Washington and the Continental Army at Valley Forge. Phil Sumpter is a Philadelphia artist whose work includes many commemoratives of African American historical figures. Price: US $1.50. Pennsylvania's new Gold Star Families Memorial Monument honoring the families of servicemen and women who sacrificed their lives while serving in the military is now a reality. Valley Forge Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is an ongoing partner with Valley Forge National Historical Park. June 28, 2003. The 3,500-acres of monuments, meadows, and woodlands commemorate the sacrifices and perseverance of the Revolutionary War generation. Filter. Commanded by General George Washington, the encampment lasted exactly six … A wreath-laying ceremony is held annually by Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. to commemorate the dedication of the Patriots of African Descent Monument. New Jersey Monument Dogwood Valley Forge Pa Vintage Postcard Pennsylvania Linen. Condition: Used. The sculpture and pedestal underwent cleaning and conservation during a 1997 City renovation of the park. During the 1980s, in connection with the Statue of Liberty renovation project, he designed a bas-relief plaque depicting two women arriving on Ellis Island from the French West Indies. Experience Valley Forge National Historical Park on this private driving tour from Philadelphia. Wiggins, William. Washington at Valley Forge was his first major public work. The three soldiers depicted in the bronze relief look well-disciplined and proud. Blockson, Noelle. It was designed by Paul Philippe Cret, being a simplified version of the Arch of Titus in Rome (81 CE) which marked the … The spirit of Valley Forge was now a part of a seasoned army and the prospects for a final victory were considerably greater. Marker is on Valley Forge Road (Pennsylvania Route 23), on the right when traveling east. The Anthony Wayne Monument at Valley Forge is located in a grassy area surrounded by trees and facing Wayne’s home in Chester County. Valley Forge PA New Jersey Monument Dogwood Blossoms Vtg Curteich Linen Postcard. The Patriots of African Descent Monument is dedicated to the 500 African Americans who served under General Washington during the winter at Valley Forge in 1777, and to the 5,000 African Americans who died during the Revolutionary War. Research by: Carla Trujillo and Charlene Mires, Villanova University, The Patriots of African Descent Monument is a granite block with carved text and a bronze bas-relief. New Jersey Monument Valley Forge Pennsylvania PA 1920s. These depict the Washington’s Headquarters house in the late 19th century, the DAR unveiling of a monument in 1911, a road in Valley Forge before the establishment of the park, and President Ford signing the Valley Forge bill in 1976. Sights & Landmarks. George Washington at Valley Forge was cast at Roman Bronze Works in Brooklyn. Originally conceived of in 1908 as a pair of entrance gates to the park by Congressman Irving P. Wanger of Norristown--one to honor George Washington and one to honor Von Steuben, it was finally approved by Congress in 1910 as a singular monument to … Washington Memorial Chapel is located within Valley Forge National Historical Park, on Valley Forge Road (Route 23), about 1.25 miles west of the park's headquarters. Starvation, disease, malnutrition, and exposure killed more than 2,500 American soldiers by the end of February 1… Monuments Cemeteries. The monument project was guided by an Advisory Council of community leaders formed in March 1992 with Blockson as honorary chairperson. Delta Sigma Theta. During the Valley Forge encampment, hundreds of Black patriots served, suffered and trained throughout the harsh winter. Then enjoy time to walk around the park at leisure. The National Memorial Arch, the dominant feature of Valley Forge National Historical Park, was dedicated on June 19, 1917. The DEDICATED field refers to the most recent dedication, most often, butnot necessarily the original dedication date. “Lost Heroes of Wintry Camp Honored at Valley Forge as the Park Marks Its Centennial,” Philadelphia Inquirer, June 20, 1993. Continental Hospital Hut~Revolutionary War~military~Valley Forge PA~1920s. Valley Forge’s Washington Monument. Box 98, Valley Forge PA 19481 - The Patriots of African Descent monument was erected by the Michael Williams Stone and Bronze Memorial Marker Company. New Jersey Monument Valley Forge Pennsylvania PA 1920s. New Jersey Monument Valley Forge Pennsylvania PA 1920s. The Victorian interest in graves naturally led to the creation of Valley Forge ghost stories. Salem Poor and Peter Salem, heroes of Bunker Hill, were at … Monument Description. Location. He was one of thirteen artists chosen in 1996 to design a commemorative medal for the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. The beauty of the historic rolling hills of Valley Forge National Historical Park is enhanced by the stately presence and noble sound of the National Patriots Bell Tower, a gift of National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. The Luxembourg and Belgium flags flying next to the United States flag immediately struck me. Valley Forge was the site of the 1777-78 winter encampment of the Continental Army. … National Park Service website. Learn more about the history of African Americans in the Revolution. (610) 933-2613. The chapter sponsors an annual HIV/AIDS Walk in the park. Antonio Reynoso The Medal of Honor Grove at Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge Pennsylvania contains 52 acres … Fleming, Thomas. This website is the sole property and responsibility of the Valley Forge Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Valley Forge, PA 19482. The Washington Memorial Chapel and Waterman's Monument -- The chapel was visited earlier on the way to the Visitors Center. Standing 60 feet high, the arch has stood tall above Valley Forge since it was dedicated in 1917. Zion A.M.E. Church Chancel Choir. The events included a benefit for the Patriots of African Descent Memorial Fund; a youth production, “Invisible Heroes,” at Gwynedd Mercy College; a historians’ forum on eighteenth-century black patriotism, and a flag-raising ceremony at Washington Memorial Chapel. Sumpter also designed a sculpture of the Pittsburgh Pirates right fielder Roberto Clemente for the Roberto Clemente Middle School in North Philadelphia. The National Memorial Arch was originally one of two commemorative arches planned: one for General George Washington and the second, slated for construction elsewhere on the grounds, for General Von Steuben. The encampment was primarily situated along the high, flat ground east of Mount Joy and south of the Schuylkill River. Located at the approach to the Williamsburg Bridge, the statue was dedicated in 1906, and was presented to the City by Congressman James R. Howe and the Committee of Supervision and Construction. His work has included spiritual art (a black angel sold 10,000 copies through Essence magazine), paintings of African tribal women, and numerous medallions. They include Shadrack Battles, a 32-year-old “free man of color” who enlisted in the Tenth Virginia Regiment in December 1779, and Windsor Fry, another free black man who served with the First Rhode Island Regiment. Below is information on the history of the some of the monuments of Valley Forge. “Juneteenth: Tracking the Progress of an Emancipation Celebration.”. Please note, the NAME field includes a primary designation as well as alternate namingsoften in common or popular usage. Valley Forge National Historic Park. The First Rhode Island Regiment, in General James Varnum’s Brigade, included many African American and Native American soldiers. Valley Forge was the military camp 18 miles northwest of Philadelphia where the American Continental Army spent the winter of 1777–78 during the American Revolutionary War. A founding member of the chapter, Martha Russell, was inspired by the book Pennsylvania’s Black History, published in 1975 by Charles Blockson. Washington’s Secret War: The Hidden History of Valley Forge (New. Valley Forge National Historical Park. Lieber, David. > George Washington at Valley Forge. “About Delta Sigma Theta,” deltasigmatheta.xohost.com. The Patriots of African Descent monument was erected by the Michael Williams Stone and Bronze Memorial Marker Company. The Black Soldier: From the American Revolution to Vietnam (New York: William Morrow and Company, Inc., 1971). Details about New Jersey Monument Valley Forge Pennsylvania PA 1920s. $2.00 + $1.65 shipping . Dr. Richard L. Norris of Mother Bethel A.M.E. Church; and music by the Mt. Property Type: If the monument did not have a formal dedication, the yearlisted reflects the date of installation. Observance of Juneteenth grew during the civil rights era of the 1960s and has become a popular expression of African American cultural identity in recent years. Formation of the Valley Forge Alumnae Chapter followed in February 1991, fund raising for the monument began, and in February 1992 the chapter sponsored the African American Patriots Day at Valley Forge. It is anchored to a granite base designed by Lord and Hewlett. He designed the Patriots of African Descent Monument at Valley Forge, a commission by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority installed in 1993. 428 Nutt Rd. African Americans at Valley Forge also included slaves serving as substitutes for their masters; one of these was Samual Surphen in the New Jersey Brigade (Fleming, 142-43). Mr. Massey designed the monument and Phil Sumpter sculpted it. Drive around the park and see the regimental monuments and recreated huts used by the troops that camped there in the 1700s. On the back of the monument another reaffirms why the monument is there with the words: “In Honor of the PATRIOTS OF AFRICAN DESCENT who served, suffered, and sacrificed during the Valley Forge Encampment 1777-1778.” There is also a quote by Charles L. Blockson, the founder of the Blockson Collection of African American historical documents at Temple University: “Throughout these historic and hallowed campsites were courageous Black Patriots who participated in our nation’s bitter fight for independence.”, In a letter written for the commemorative booklet of the Patriots of African Descent Monument, artist Cal Massey wrote “The Spiritual Aspects of the work include the shape of the arch, the doves of peace in the background, and the peaceful landscape. The Valley Forge chapter of the DAR erected a second monument to the dead in 1911 below the hill surmounted by Wayne's Woods. Item Information. US National Memorial Arch. American Patriots: The Story of Blacks in the Military from the Revolution to Desert Storm (New York: Random House, 2001). Park ID: B168 Timeline and e-mail correspondence with Carla Trujillo, April 3, 2007. More than 5,000 Black soldiers fought in America’s war for independence. A group of Valley Forge High School students and faculty members have worked for more than a year on a project to fund and design a school memorial to 15 alumni who died during the war in … Continental Army Hut~Revolutionary War~military~ Valley Forge PA ~1920s postcard. His works include a monument of Judy Johnson, a Negro League baseball player enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame, which stands at the Daniel S. Frawley Stadium in Wilmington, Delaware. 178 reviews #3 of 4 Sights & Landmarks in Valley Forge "It has carvings inside the arch and you can get an excellent photo of the American flag flying through the arch." Monuments & Statues. The site is certainly unique. Acreage: Valley Forge National Historic Park contains many monuments within its' boundaries. Salem Poor of Massachusetts, who purchased his freedom, came to Valley Forge after distinguished service at Bunker Hill and Saratoga. Valley Forge’s Washington Monument. Crane, Elaine and David, Jay, ed. $1.50 + $1.65 shipping . “They Dared to Succeed,” Philadelphia Inquirer, January 20, 1984. Jordan, Gerald B. The Black Presence in the Era of the American Revolution (The University of Massachusetts Press, 1989). “Remembering a Hero of Underground Railroad – A Memorial Sculpture of William Still is Planned.” Philadelphia Inquirer. > Monuments Valley Forge PA—Gold Star Families Memorial Monument. 1993. National Memorial Arch. Massey’s painting of the Patriots of African Descent was issued as a limited-edition print in 1992-1993. He subsequently created other major public monuments including the Grant Memorial at the foot of the Capital Grounds in Washington, D.C., and the Robert E. Lee equestrian statue in Charlottesville, Virginia. The program included the raising of an American flag, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the National Anthem. 10. View all monuments in NYC Parks, as well as temporary public art installations on our NYC Public Art Map and Guide. Puckerein, Gary Alexander. Salisbury, Stephen. $4.99 + $1.70 shipping . Cal Massey is a well-known African American artist who grew up in Morton, Delaware County, and later lived in Moorestown, New Jersey. They include markers at locations of specific brigades, statues of generals, the National Memorial Arch, and one of the few monuments to African American patriots on federal land. In 2003 Sumpter unveiled a model for a proposed monument to Underground Railroad activist William Still. It is installed on the site where the country's first black army regiment, the Second Rhode Island, were encamped. Sort by: Traveler Ranked. Take a look at our gallery of beautifully crafted memorial stones to see the work we’ve performed in the past. The bronze statue, supported by a large rectangular base of pink granite, features General Wayne on horseback, emphasizing his role in the military. Phoenixville, … Official Website of the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, Find A Park > Continental Army Plaza Map. This striking equestrian sculpture of George Washington (1732–1799), Commander in Chief and first President of the United States (1789–97) serves as the centerpiece of Brooklyn’s Continental Army Plaza. 0.53 $6.00 0 bids + $0.83 shipping . 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