Founding Forward

Founding Forward is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity that provides immersive multi-day civic education programs for students, teachers, and citizens.

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The students are back! We’re thrilled to kick off another Spirit of America program this week on our Valley Forge campus in the beautiful fall weather. #Students #SpiritofAmerica

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Horace Trumbauer, a Union League member since 1905, was selected to design the 15th Street and Middle sections of the League House, which opened in 1910 and 1911, respectively. These blueprints and drawings below, held in Founding Forward’s collection, depict those additions.

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Our Good Citizen Day debut in Dallas this past weekend was a tremendous success! Held at historic Old Parkland, the program recognized and celebrated students from the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex who demonstrated exemplary citizenship.

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136 years ago today, Dwight D. Eisenhower was born in Denison, Texas. President Eisenhower served as a co-founder of Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge (a predecessor organization of Founding Forward) and laid the cornerstone of our Martha Washington Building.

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Our CEO Joseph Fay spoke to students today at the West Point Society of Philadelphia's Leadership and Ethics Conference, held at Saint Joseph’s University's Mandeville Hall, on good citizenship and the responsibility that comes with it.

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Today, our Good Citizenship Awardees returned to the Union League with their families for the Good Citizen Expo! They got the chance to take tours of the League House, explore future opportunities available to them, and learn more about Founding Forward's programs.

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Yesterday evening, our scholarship finalists joined us at the Union League of Philadelphia to attend our Library Hour speaker program “George Washington and his World,” presented by historian Denver Brunsman. Visit our website for the full list of student programs!

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We've kicked off our panel at @foundingforward's Constitution Day event at the Union League of Philadelphia.

Panelists are discussing The Civitas Collection 250, the Declaration of Independence, and what the Declaration asks of us today.

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This morning, on the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, our staff gathered at the Flag Plaza on our Valley Forge campus for a ceremony of remembrance. We remember the lives lost and honor the first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice. Never forget.

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198 years ago today, Joshua Chamberlain was born in Brewer, Maine. Chamberlain exemplified Founding Forward’s values throughout his lifetime. Through our Joshua Chamberlain League, teachers can apply first for summer teacher seminars and help fund future teacher programs.

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From all of us here at Founding Forward, we wish you a happy and healthy Labor Day Weekend.

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250 years ago today on Long Island, NY, British forces outflanked George Washington’s American defenders, inflicting a major defeat in the American Revolution's largest battle. Two days later, Washington secretly evacuated his army to Manhattan, keeping the Revolution alive.

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In recognition of how Americans through the centuries have celebrated anniversaries of our nation's founding, we’re posting items in Founding Forward’s archival collections: an 1876 centennial ribbon, a 1926 sesquicentennial exposition booklet, and a 1976 bicentennial plate.

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This summer, educators were able to learn in the places where history happened, become inspired, and return to their classroom with new content and ideas. Our three-day fall teacher seminars are currently accepting applications. Sign up today before spots are filled!

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On National Airborne Day, we recognize First Sergeant Leonard A. Funk Jr., who received the Medal of Honor when he single-handedly freed American prisoners from over 80 German captors in combat around Holzheim, Belgium in January 1945. Photo courtesy of @CMOH_Society.

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We were thrilled to welcome Mr. Steve Arrivello—a dedicated supporter, donor, and volunteer of Founding Forward—and his colleague Norge to our campus this morning! Together, they are undertaking an ambitious annual tradition: biking to all of the League’s Pennsylvania properties.

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Over $700,000 has been raised to support Founding Forward at our annual golf outing! We want to thank our presenting sponsor, M&T Bank, our sponsors, foursomes, and volunteers, and Mr. Paul Becker for his leadership on our Golf Committee as well as the Committee members.

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Our Service Learning in Public Policy (SLiPP) program held its culminating banquet today on our Valley Forge campus. We are proud to celebrate these exceptional high school students, and we wish them all the best in their future endeavors!

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Service Learning in Public Policy (SLiPP) is underway! Today, students left our Valley Forge campus pursuing specific areas of study. Students studying media and communications visited Montgomery County's communications department and met with Phoenixville Mayor Peter Urscheler.

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In the culminating event of their Debate and Leadership Institute experience, over 60 students from across the nation gathered at the Union League of Philadelphia today to engage in an exciting competitive tournament, covering many topics in their wide-ranging discussion.