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Valley Forge Tourism Board previews America 250 plans, cites $2.5B county tourism impact
Summary
Tessa Robinson of the Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board told Lower Salford supervisors the countywide 'Retreat to Valley Forge' America 250 campaign will highlight Valley Forge National Historical Park, live Declaration readings and a Houses of Declaration initiative; the board cited a $2.5 billion annual tourism economic impact and growing digital reach.
Tessa Robinson, a communications specialist with the Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board, presented the board’s role and its plans for America 250 at the Lower Salford Township Board of Supervisors work session on June 2, 2026. Robinson said the nonprofit, membership‑based organization is funded in part by a 4% hotel tax and aims to increase overnight stays in Montgomery County.
Robinson outlined the board’s marketing and member services: three annual print and digital publications (a visitors guide, arts guide and regional ‘Crave Monco’ guide), a co‑op advertising and membership program for roughly 500 business members, and a website that has surpassed 3 million annual pageviews this year. She said the board’s social channels reach about 300,000 followers across platforms and have produced tens of millions of video views in 2026.
The presentation centered on America 250 programming. Robinson previewed the board’s countywide campaign, 'Retreat to Valley Forge,' which spotlights Valley Forge National Historical Park as a heritage destination during the country’s 250th anniversary. She also described the 'Houses of Declaration' initiative—live readings of the Declaration of Independence scheduled for July 3–5 at about 20 participating venues at the time of the presentation—and invited additional venues to join. Robinson noted the park’s concurrent 50th anniversary programming and contributions the tourism board has made to visitor experience projects, including a recent $100,000 gift to the national park.
Robinson said the board supports community initiatives that benefit residents as well as visitors, citing a fall 'Freedom from Hunger' food drive run in coordination with the county anti‑hunger network; last year’s effort raised more than $100,000 and this year’s goal is 250,000 pounds of food.
Lower Salford supervisors thanked Robinson and asked staff to share follow‑up contact information for interested local venues and partners. Robinson closed by offering to provide materials and to accept follow‑up requests for participation in the countywide events.
The presentation was informational; no formal actions or funding decisions were taken by the board at this meeting.
