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http://www.archpedia.com/Projects-Robert-Stern_01.html
The American Revolution Center at Valley Forge will connect the history and legacy of the birth of the American republic to the concerns of the Twenty-First century. A Board of Scholars founded by Pulitzer Prize-winning author David McCullough has defined the interpretive themes. In a state-of-the-art facility designed by the eminent architect Robert A.M. Stern, the Center will showcase the largest collection of Revolutionary artifacts, information and experiences ever assembled. At least as important, the Center will be situated on the hallowed ground of Valley Forge. The story of the American Revolution, with Valley Forge as its paradigm, provides a timeless example of what people can achieve when they unite in a common cause. The men and women of 1776 found such a cause in the world transforming words of the Declaration of Independence-the universal right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Located on the same ground where George Washington and his troops endured the harsh winter of 1777-78, The American Revolution Center will be a constant reminder of the sacrifices courageous men and women made to give contemporary Americans the rights and freedoms they enjoy today. The central theme of the Center will be the startling diversity of the 1776 Americans who struggled to win these inestimable rights-white, black and Native American soldiers; caring, sometimes daring women; Irish, German, Jewish, Polish and French volunteers-all sharing the vision of a land of liberty and equality.
A recent National Assessment of Education Progress report card revealed that 57% of the nation's twelfth graders lack a basic knowledge of the American Revolution. In a turbulent world, the need to imprint and protect the nation's fundamental values grows more crucial with every passing day. A democratic society needs citizens with a broad understanding of the people, events, ideas and ideals that have shaped the nation. One of the reasons for this shocking state of affairs is our failure to tell the defining epic of our history, the American Revolution, in a comprehensive way, using all the resources of modern technology. There is no museum of the American Revolution, equipped with the broadening intensifying potential of film, sound and skilled design. The American Revolution Center at Valley Forge will remedy this potentially tragic spiritual and intellectual situation.
The mission of the American Revolution Center at Valley Forge is to educate, inform and inspire the people of the United States and the international community about the soulstirring events that took place during the American Revolution. To achieve this goal, the Center will bring to vivid life the men and women of diverse races and creeds who participated in these events and explore the ideas and ideals that motivated them. This legacy of these crucial years in the history of the nation will thus achieve a new birth in the hearts and minds of contemporary Americans.
The 3600-acre VFNHP is the largest open space in Southeastern Pennsylvania. VFNHP came to the National Park System in 1976. In 2000, the Park was placed on the National Trust for Historic Preservation's list of 11 Most Endangered Places. In 2002, it was placed on the National Parks Conservation Association's (NPCA) list of 10 Most Endangered National Parks.
Designed to showcase the landscape, the 106,000 square foot building is 60 percent underground, so that only the sculptural roof will be seen from the hallowed ground where the Continental Army encamped. Facilities will include a 350-seat theater; a 175-seat auditorium; casual cafeteria and a fine dining restaurant; large retail store; terrace; and 5,000 square feet of temporary exhibit space in addition to the permanent exhibits.
A state-of-the-art educational exhibitry that will utilize the combined collection to tell the entire story of the American Revolution. A resource center for teachers and scholars providing access to the rare and previously unavailable manuscript and document collection. Visitor orientation to provide all visitors with the menu of options available for touring the Park . Curatorial laboratory and storage facilities to preserve and protect the collection. Classrooms for students and community groups, an auditorium for public presentations, an exhibition gallery, food service and a gift shop.
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