The Society of the Descendants of Washington’s Army at Valley Forge: Preserving the Spirit of Perseverance

Among the many American lineage societies that honor the nation’s Revolutionary past, few are as evocative as the Society of the Descendants of Washington’s Army at Valley Forge (DVF). Dedicated to preserving the legacy of one of the most defining moments in American history—the winter encampment of 1777–1778—the Society ensures that the courage, endurance, and sacrifice of George Washington’s troops remain part of America’s living memory.

Formation of the Society

The Society of the Descendants of Washington’s Army at Valley Forge (DVF), founded March 25, 1976 in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, is a non-profit, non-political volunteer service organization for men, women, and children dedicated to preserving the memory of those men and women who entered the camp at Valley Forge any time between December 19, 1777 and June 19, 1778, during the American Revolution in order to rest for the winter.

The Valley Forge Encampment: A Defining Moment

The winter of 1777–1778 at Valley Forge marked a turning point in the American Revolution. Washington’s Continental Army—roughly 12,000 men—endured starvation, disease, and freezing conditions, yet held together through discipline and determination.

Despite harsh suffering, Valley Forge became the crucible in which the army was transformed. Under the training of Baron Friedrich von Steuben, the troops emerged a more unified, professional fighting force—ready to take the field against British regulars.

This transformation symbolized the very spirit of the Revolution: endurance, sacrifice, and faith in the cause of independence.

Mission and Purpose

The mission of the SDWAVF is to:

Honor the soldiers and officers who served with General George Washington at Valley Forge between December 19, 1777, and June 19, 1778.
Preserve and promote the history of the Valley Forge encampment and its significance in the struggle for American independence.
Encourage genealogical research among descendants of Revolutionary War soldiers.
Support educational initiatives that teach younger generations about the values embodied at Valley Forge.
Assist in the preservation of historic sites and monuments related to the Revolutionary War.

Membership

Membership in the society is open to lineal descendants of officers or enlisted men who served under General George Washington at Valley Forge. Applicants must provide documented genealogical proof of their ancestry, verified through muster rolls, pension records, or other official documents confirming service during the encampment period.

Activities and Contributions

The Society of the Descendants of Washington’s Army at Valley Forge has been instrumental in promoting education, remembrance, and preservation. Its activities include:

Annual meetings and commemorations at Valley Forge National Historical Park.
Participation in wreath-laying ceremonies and patriotic observances honoring the soldiers of the Continental Army.
Genealogical research initiatives, supporting members in documenting family ties to the encampment.
Educational scholarships and lectures, focusing on Revolutionary War history.
Partnerships with historical institutions, including the Valley Forge Park Alliance and the National Park Service.

Through these efforts, the society continues to honor the valor and endurance of those who weathered one of America’s darkest winters in the fight for liberty.

Legacy and Continuing Importance

The Society of the Descendants of Washington’s Army at Valley Forge stands as a living memorial to courage under adversity. More than two centuries later, the story of Valley Forge remains one of perseverance and transformation—a testament to the power of unity and conviction in the pursuit of freedom.

By preserving the personal histories of the soldiers who stood with Washington, the society ensures that their sacrifices are not forgotten, but instead celebrated as the foundation of the American character.

Conclusion

The Society of the Descendants of Washington’s Army at Valley Forge keeps alive the memory of the men who transformed hardship into hope. Through their dedication to genealogy, preservation, and patriotism, members of the society ensure that the lessons of Valley Forge—unity, endurance, and courage—remain vital to the American story.

As descendants gather each year on the historic fields where their ancestors stood, they reaffirm a simple but profound truth: that freedom endures only through the strength and perseverance of those who defend it.