(NAPSA)—Valley Forge National Historical Park is celebrating the 225th anniversary of Washington’s winter here with a new exhibit on the encampment and manyspecial events planned to mark the historic events that took place here. “Determined to Persevere,” the new exhibit, is part of a $1 million renovation to the Welcome Center funded by Exelon Corp., which also added lounge areas, an expanded gift shop and refreshments. This historical exhibit gives visitors surprising insights into soldier life, relying on rare artifacts from the time and the wordsof the soldiers whowerehere. Visitors can see Washington’s marquee tent, axes used to build the huts, muskets, drinking cups made from cow horns, personalletters and diaries and Washington’s telescope. Another new feature is a six-foot relief model of the 3,600-acre park to help historical and recreational users plan their visit. Miles of multi-use trails, horse trails and the Valley Forge-to-Philadelphia bike trail are among the features, along with Washington’s Headquarters, and the National Memorial Arch. The estimated two million recreational users each year will also find it a welcomeresource. “I hope people will start their run at the Welcome Center and come back in at the end for a bit of refreshment and to learn more about the importance of this hallowed ground,” said Thomas M. Daly, president and CEO of the National Center for the American Revolution, the private partner to Valley Forge National Historical Visitors can learn what life was like for Revolutionary War soldiers in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. Park. The new exhibits are a prelude for the National Center, the first museum dedicated to telling the entire story of the American Revolution, which is expected to open at Valley Forge in 2005. Special events are planned throughout the year to give visitors a glimpse of Washington’s charac- ter, and the lives and dedication of his troops. The Welcome Center at Valley Forge National Historical Park, located at Route 23 and North Gulph Road, Valley Forge, is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.daily, free to the public. For hotel information, a free Visitors Guide to the park and nearby attractions, call 1888-VISIT-VF or log on to www. valleyforge.org/na.
