Soldiers, Slaves And Freedom Seekers (NAPSA)—Every school child has probably heard of George Washington and Paul Revere, but African- American hero Ned Hector hasn’t madeit into most history books. Nowvisitors to the Valley Forge area will hear about Hector and other black heroes of the American Revolution and Civil War, through special events and tours. African-Americans’ proud history of service in our Armed Forces began with the American Revolution, when more than 5,000 soldiers of African descent fought in the Continental Army. Many shared the hardships of the winter encampmentat Valley Forge, when the Continental army was forged into a fighting force that went on to win the American Revolution. Some won their own freedom as well; others found themselves Valley Forge is rich in AfricanAmerican heritage with stories of extraordinary determination that changedthenation’s history. andtheir descendants relegated to slavery. At special events throughout the year, visitors will meet Ned Hector, who was a hero of the Battle of Brandywine and also fought at the Battle of Germantown. At Valley Forge, every Saturday through the summer months, they'll meet Hannah Till, George Washington’s cook, who was born into slavery and worked hard to buy her freedom. The compelling stories of sol- sites will hear stories of ordinary people with extraordinary determination who changed the nation’s history. The Valley Forge Convention and Visitors Bureau has developed tours to cater to visitors’ preferences. Self-guided African-American Heritage Discovery Tours let visitors travel at their own pace, stopping to shop or visit the region’s many gardens, museums and attractions. the Revolution through the Civil War are told at special events throughout the Valley Forge area, and on guided tours of the region. Visitors to Valley Forge National reunions, conferences, conventions, diers, slaves, and abolitionists from Historical Park, Brandywine Bat- tlefield, Johnson House Underground Railroad site and other African-American Freedom Trail Group Tours are ideal for family and religious reunions. and military Visit www.valleyforge.org/quest for information on self-guided and group tours, and special events throughout the year; or call toll free 1-866-VF-VISIT.
