2010 - Philadelphia/Valley Forge, Pennsylvania
NCVA 2010 REUNION TOUR PROGRAM
Wednesday, 19 May 2010
#1 A DAY ON THE DELAWARE Wednesday, 19 May 2010, 0900 -- 1700 Registration: $80.00 Enjoy a delightful day on Philadelphia's Waterfront. We first stop at the Independence Seaport Museum. Here you will enjoy a tour exploring America's maritime heritage -- It's the story of a great urban port ... of the rivers that shaped our industries and communities... of the men and women who worked and played along our waterways. A unique experience awaits you at the museum, the Mid‑Atlantic region's premier waterfront educational and cultural center. Explore the exciting worlds of commerce and trade, naval defense and shipbuilding. Perhaps you might try your hand at navigating the Delaware River, welding a ship's hull or rowing the Schuylkill. It is a great experience! Then follow your guide on a short walk outside to visit the USS Olympia (C‑6), Admiral Dewey's flagship and the USS Becuna (SS‑319), both permanently docked on Penn's Landing. Hear about the famous battle of Manila Bay in which the Olympia (oldest steel warship afloat in the world) took part and the travel and experiences of the submarine Becuna during WWII (converted to a Guppy 1A in 1951) and Cold War patrols.
Then ferry across the Delaware for a tour of the battleship USS New Jersey (BB‑62). Built entirely at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, the New Jersey was launched in December 1942. During its 28 years of service, the ship was awarded 16 battle stars and 13 additional citations, medals and ribbons. It is one of the most decorated battleships in U.S. Naval history. Box lunches will be served aboard the New Jersey.
A short distance away is the Adventure Aquarium, a most interesting facility. Enjoy the 706,000 gallon tank holding some 2,000 fish including sharks of the North Atlantic, outdoor exhibits of seals, the penguin area, the Touch Tank where you can touch a shark, sting ray and other fish, and a West African exhibit featuring hippopotamuses. Overall the aquarium contains a world‑class collection of over 5,000 fish.
The cost of this tour includes admission to three sites, ferry pass and box lunch.
#2 VALLEY FORGE NATIONAL PARK Wednesday, 19 May 2010, 1330 -- 1630 Registration: $22.00 This tour will take you through some 3,500 acres of the beautiful rolling hills of this very historic site occupied by the Continental soldiers during the winter of 1777-78. At the Muhlenberg Brigade area you will have the opportunity to visit authentically reconstructed huts, referred by Lafayette as being "scarcely gayer than the dungeons of Europe", earthen fortifications known as redoubts and a working example of a field bake oven. Imagine what it must have been like to "winter" here as did some 12,000 soldiers and hundreds of women and children.
Continuing on, you will pass the National Memorial Arch, houses that were occupied by the officers, and the Valley Creek from which the Forge took its name. You then make your way to the home of Isaac Potts, the 18th century structure which served as Washington's Headquarters. Tour this house and imagine the lifestyle of General and Mrs. Washington during their stay at the Forge. Not the level of comfort you might expect.
A short distance away is the Grand Parade where this "rag-tag" band of soldiers was trained under Baron von Steuben and transformed into the American Army. Hear how he was able to accomplish this "miracle". No tour of Valley Forge is complete without a visit to the beautiful Washington Memorial Chapel, built in the early 1900's to honor Washington and his men.
#3 PENNSYLVANIA DUTCH COUNTRY -- LANCASTER COUNTY Wednesday, 19 May 2010, 0900 -- 1700 Registration: $68.00 This day in Lancaster County will concentrate on one of the most conservative of the Plain People -- The Old Order Amish. You begin with a visit to the Amish Farm & House for an introduction to their most unusual lifestyle. These people, who have inhabited this area for more that 250 years, live today much like their forefathers who came here in the early 1700's to escape religious persecution. Your guide will relate fascinating information regarding their lifestyle, their church services, clothing, language, transportation, weddings and more.
Then board the coach for a tour of the Back Country driving through their beautifully "silent" farmlands to experience first-hand the lifestyle of these Plain People from cradle to the grave. You pass by one-room school houses, grossdadis, cemeteries, a carriage maker, and working farms where mules and horses pull the machinery in the fields. You will stop at a roadside stand where delicious homemade jellies, relishes, breads and cookies are sold. Then we visit an Old Order Amish home which houses a quilt shop. Marvel at the exquisite handwork as you have the opportunity to "chat" with family members.
Hope you brought a big appetite! Lunch is at one of the family-style restaurants. Enjoy as much as you want of a variety of foods such as fried chicken, ham, meat loaf, mashed potatoes, vegetables, and a variety of desserts including pies, pudding and ice cream. It is all perfectly delicious! But you are not in Paradise yet!
However, this afternoon you will be going to Paradise- aboard the Strasburg Railroad. Relax and enjoy the beautiful farmlands as you travel aboard authentically restored wooden coaches pulled by steam engines for this nine-mile journey. Experience the simple pleasures of the turn-of-the-century travel aboard American's oldest short-line to this wonderfully name town, and back. A great way to end your day among the Plain People in a county where time seems to stand still!
The cost of this tour includes lunch.
Thursday, 20 May 2010
#4 HISTORIC & CULTURAL PHILADELPHIA Thursday, 20 May 2010, 0900 -- 1700 Registration: $65.00 History comes alive as you walk in the footsteps of our Founding Fathers along brick walkways and cobblestone streets in Penn's "Green Countrie Towne", Philadelphia. This city, which served as the capital of the colony of Pennsylvania, the capital of Colonial America, and the Federal capital from 1790-1800, has a history that is unrivaled in America. In an area known as "America's Most Historic Square Mile" you visit or pass such sites as Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed; The Liberty Bell, American's most cherished artifact now housed in a new Pavilion with interesting displays regarding the bell's history; Elfreth's Alley, the oldest continuously occupied residential street in America; Betsy Ross House, the home of the Quaker seamstress who legend maintains made our first flag and whose home is an excellent example of 18th century working class residents; and Christ Church, Anglican church founded in 1695 where many of the founding fathers worshiped.
Lunch is at the City Tavern. Enjoy "spirits and fare" 18th century style at this authentically reconstructed tavern described by John Adams as "the most genteel tavern in all of America". The City Tavern was a gathering place for many of the delegates to the Continental Congresses and the Constitutional Convention for refreshment, food and continued debate. Is this perhaps the true birthplace of the U. S. Constitution? Three course luncheon will be served (salad, turkey pot pie (a signature dish) and dessert).
One of the highlights of the day will be a visit to the new National Constitution Center. "We, the people" is the preamble of the document establishing a system of government which has enabled the U.S. to flourish into the most successful republic in history. Washington called it a "miracle" and it remains such. This interactive facility is dedicated to help people better understand the Constitution and its impact on our lives as well as prepare us to be better citizens. What better location than the city of its birth!
Your tour will also include a driving overview of downtown Philadelphia including the Penn's Landing area along the Delaware waterfront, the charming 18th century neighborhood of Society Hill to see its many mansions, churches, cemeteries and gardens, City Hall, which is the largest municipal building in the U.S. and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, referred to as the "Champs Elysees of America".
The tour includes admissions and lunch.
#5 PHILADELPHIA MUSEUM OF ART and READING TERMINAL MARKET Thursday, 20 May 2010, 0900 -- 1400 Registration: $44.00 Founded in 1876, this museum is unique among American museums in its integrated collections of paintings, sculpture, prints and drawings, as well as a wide range of historic furniture and glasswork from all over the world.
You will be led by a docent on a tour of the museum housed in a majestic temple-like structure at the end of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The current museum, which opened in 1926, houses one of the most significant collections in the United States. Works by Rubens, Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Renoir, Duchamps, Picasso, Andrew Wyeth and many more are represented. Another unique feature of the museum are the period rooms that include a Chinese Throne room, Japanese Tea House, the ballroom from Philadelphia's Powel House, a medieval cloister and more.
The museum is home to the famous Rocky statute.
A tour and cooking demonstration of the Reading Terminal Market will follow. Markets have been a part of Philadelphia's history since the city's development by William Penn in the late 17th century. This market is the Best, Freshest and Liveliest Public Market since 1893. This is a "must see" historical jewel and a great place to eat. This unbelievable food emporium houses 80 merchants and has an incredible variety of foods to eat. Lunch is on your own.
#6 LONGWOOD GARDENS Thursday, 20 May 2010, 0900 -- 1330 Registration: $35.00 You will visit the world renowned Longwood Gardens, one of the many legacies of the DuPont family who were one of the many industrialists to settle along the Brandywine. Designed by Pierre S. DuPont, the gardens, which showcase over 11,000 varieties of plant life, show his love of horticulture, music and fountains in the Italian Water Garden, an Open Air Theater, the 600-foot long Flower Garden Walk, Topiary Garden and the spectacular Conservatory. This glass-enclosed structure covering some 4 acres of space "boasts" twenty different garden rooms featuring orchids, tea roes, tropical plants, the silver Garden and beautiful seasonal plantings. Also available to visit is the Pierce House, Pierre DuPont's country home, now a museum with displays about the development of the Garden and a fascinating video. Don't miss one of the daily fountain shows in front of the Conservatory or on the Theater stage. A must for any visit to Longwood! If you would like to have lunch, the Terrace Restaurant and Cafeteria in Longwood Gardens is open for you to choose from a variety of salads, soups, sandwiches or a hot entrée.
Friday, 21 May 2010
Special Note:
All day tours on Friday, 21 May will return to the hotel no later than 1630. This should allow sufficient time for those who will be going on the Dinner Cruise.
#7 SPIRIT OF PHILADELPHIA DINNER CRUISE Friday, 21 May 2010, 1730 -- 2300 Registration: $88.00 Enjoy a relaxing three-hour sail down the Delaware to the former Philadelphia Navy Yard passing under the Benjamin Franklin Bridge (suspension bridge that outdates the Golden Gate Bridge). You will pass the Battleship New Jersey, the Camden and Philadelphia Waterfronts, the USS Olympia (Admiral Dewey's flagship) and more. A delicious buffet will be served and you will enjoy lively entertainment.
#8 A DAY ON THE DELAWARE Friday, 21 May 2010, 0900 -- 1700 Registration: $80.00 Enjoy a delightful day on Philadelphia's Waterfront. We first stop at the Independence Seaport Museum. Here you will enjoy a tour exploring America's maritime heritage -- It's the story of a great urban port ... of the rivers that shaped our industries and communities... of the men and women who worked and played along our waterways. A unique experience awaits you at the museum, the Mid‑Atlantic region's premier waterfront educational and cultural center. Explore the exciting worlds of commerce and trade, naval defense and shipbuilding. Perhaps you might try your hand at navigating the Delaware River, welding a ship's hull or rowing the Schuylkill. It is a great experience! Then follow your guide on a short walk outside to visit the USS Olympia (C‑6), Admiral Dewey's flagship and the USS Becuna (SS‑319), both permanently docked on Penn's Landing. Hear about the famous battle of Manila Bay in which the Olympia (oldest steel warship afloat in the world) took part and the travel and experiences of the submarine Becuna during WWII (converted to a Guppy 1A in 1951) and Cold War patrols.
Then ferry across the Delaware for a tour of the battleship USS New Jersey (BB‑62). Built entirely at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, the New Jersey was launched in December 1942. During its 28 years of service, the ship was awarded 16 battle stars and 13 additional citations, medals and ribbons. It is one of the most decorated battleships in U.S. Naval history. Box lunches will be served aboard the New Jersey.
A short distance away is the Adventure Aquarium, a most interesting facility. Enjoy the 706,000 gallon tank holding some 2,000 fish including sharks of the North Atlantic, outdoor exhibits of seals, the penguin area, the Touch Tank where you can touch a shark, sting ray and other fish, and a West African exhibit featuring hippopotamuses. Overall the aquarium contains a world‑class collection of over 5,000 fish.
The cost of this tour includes admission to three sites, ferry pass and box lunch.
#9 HISTORIC & CULTURAL PHILADELPHIA Friday, 21 May 2010, 0900 -- 1700 Registration: $65.00 History comes alive as you walk in the footsteps of our Founding Fathers along brick walkways and cobblestone streets in Penn's "Green Countrie Towne", Philadelphia. This city, which served as the capital of the colony of Pennsylvania, the capital of Colonial America, and the Federal capital from 1790-1800, has a history that is unrivaled in America. In an area known as "America's Most Historic Square Mile" you visit or pass such sites as Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed; The Liberty Bell, American's most cherished artifact now housed in a new Pavilion with interesting displays regarding the bell's history; Elfreth's Alley, the oldest continuously occupied residential street in America; Betsy Ross House, the home of the Quaker seamstress who legend maintains made our first flag and whose home is an excellent example of 18th century working class residents; and Christ Church, Anglican church founded in 1695 where many of the founding fathers worshiped.
Lunch is at the City Tavern. Enjoy "spirits and fare" 18th century style at this authentically reconstructed tavern described by John Adams as "the most genteel tavern in all of America". The City Tavern was a gathering place for many of the delegates to the Continental Congresses and the Constitutional Convention for refreshment, food and continued debate. Is this perhaps the true birthplace of the U. S. Constitution? Three course luncheon will be served (salad, turkey pot pie (a signature dish) and dessert).
One of the highlights of the day will be a visit to the new National Constitution Center. "We, the people" is the preamble of the document establishing a system of government which has enabled the U.S. to flourish into the most successful republic in history. Washington called it a "miracle" and it remains such. This interactive facility is dedicated to help people better understand the Constitution and its impact on our lives as well as prepare us to be better citizens. What better location than the city of its birth!
Your tour will also include a driving overview of downtown Philadelphia including the Penn's Landing area along the Delaware waterfront, the charming 18th century neighborhood of Society Hill to see its many mansions, churches, cemeteries and gardens, City Hall, which is the largest municipal building in the U.S. and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, referred to as the "Champs Elysees of America".
The tour includes admissions and lunch.
#10 BUCKS COUNTY AND PEDDLERS VILLAGE Friday, 21 May 2010, 0900 -- 1700 Registration: $59.00 You will enjoy an eclectic day in Bucks County. Your first stop is Byers' Choice, Ltd, the home of the famous Victorian Carolers, American's beloved hand- crafter of Christmas collectibles. As you browse through this facility, you can see many of the figurines on display as well as the opportunity to observe artisans creating new editions.
Then onto Green Hills Farm, the Pearl Buck Estate - a National Historical Landmark. Pearl Buck is the only American woman to receive both the Pulitzer and Nobel prizes. Tour the charming 19th century Pennsylvania farmhouse where her presence lingers on as you explore how she melded the two worlds in her life, China and America. The stone house and barn are on the Register of National Historic Sites and Landmarks. You will have time for shopping in their International Gift Shop. Following your tour you will enjoy a delicious Chinese luncheon on site.
Your tour then takes you to Peddlers Village, a charming shopping area which has over 75 one of a kind shops to explore. Seasonal festivals add to the experience.
The cost includes admissions and lunch.
Saturday, 22 May 2010
#11 VALLEY FORGE NATIONAL PARK Saturday, 22 May 2010, 0900 -- 1200 Registration: $22.00 This tour will take you through some 3,500 acres of the beautiful rolling hills of this very historic site occupied by the Continental soldiers during the winter of 1777-78. At the Muhlenberg Brigade area you will have the opportunity to visit authentically reconstructed huts, referred by Lafayette as being "scarcely gayer than the dungeons of Europe", earthen fortifications known as redoubts and a working example of a field bake oven. Imagine what it must have been like to "winter" here as did some 12,000 soldiers and hundreds of women and children.
Continuing on, you will pass the National Memorial Arch, houses that were occupied by the officers, and the Valley Creek from which the Forge took its name. You then make your way to the home of Isaac Potts, the 18th century structure which served as Washington's Headquarters. Tour this house and imagine the lifestyle of General and Mrs. Washington during their stay at the Forge. Not the level of comfort you might expect.
A short distance away is the Grand Parade where this "rag-tag" band of soldiers was trained under Baron von Steuben and transformed into the American Army. Hear how he was able to accomplish this "miracle". No tour of Valley Forge is complete without a visit to the beautiful Washington Memorial Chapel, built in the early 1900's to honor Washington and his men.
#12 PHILADELPHIA MUSEUM OF ART and READING TERMINAL MARKET Saturday, 22 May 2010, 0900 -- 1400 Registration: $44.00 Founded in 1876, this museum is unique among American museums in its integrated collections of paintings, sculpture, prints and drawings, as well as a wide range of historic furniture and glasswork from all over the world.
You will be led by a docent on a tour of the museum housed in a majestic temple-like structure at the end of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The current museum, which opened in 1926, houses one of the most significant collections in the United States. Works by Rubens, Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Renoir, Duchamps, Picasso, Andrew Wyeth and many more are represented. Another unique feature of the museum are the period rooms that include a Chinese Throne room, Japanese Tea House, the ballroom from Philadelphia's Powel House, a medieval cloister and more.
The museum is home to the famous Rocky statute.
A tour and cooking demonstration of the Reading Terminal Market will follow. Markets have been a part of Philadelphia's history since the city's development by William Penn in the late 17th century. This market is the Best, Freshest and Liveliest Public Market since 1893. This is a "must see" historical jewel and a great place to eat. This unbelievable food emporium houses 80 merchants and has an incredible variety of foods to eat. Lunch is on your own.
#13 LONGWOOD GARDENS & QVC STUDIO TOUR Saturday, 20 May 2010, 0900 -- 1500 Registration: $43.00 This morning you will tour the highlight of this region, Longwood Gardens, the world renowned garden designed by Pierre S. DuPont. Your visit takes you through a mixture of American and European landscape and garden styles with 11,000 different varieties of plants. Here DuPont expressed his love of horticulture, music, and fountains in the Italian Water Garden, an Open-Air Theatre, 600-foot long Flower Garden Walk, Topiary Garden and the spectacular glass-enclosed Conservatory with twenty different garden rooms featuring orchids, topical plants, the silver garden, water lily ponds and seasonal plantings. Of course, you will have time to see one of the daily fountain shows at the Gardens - a "must" for any visit to Longwood. Lunch will be on your own in the Cafeteria of the Terrace Restaurant in the gardens where you may choose from a variety of salads, soups, sandwiches, hot entrées and desserts.
This afternoon you will visit the QVC Studio. This innovative shopping network is now offering very entertaining and informative tours of their studio. You'll hear statistics that will boggle your mind! Follow the path every product makes from sourcing, testing, being brought to "life" on air and finally delivered to millions of customers all across America. The highlight of the tour is the Observation Deck which overlooks the 20,000 square foot broadcast area. Here visitors can watch the "live" show in progress and perhaps, catch a glimpse of their favorite host. And yes, there is a Tour Gift Shop and you will have time to browse and shop.
ADVANCED REGISTRATION DEADLINE: 19 April 2010
All tours depart from the Radisson Hotel Valley Forge main entrance.
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to scheduled departure time.
Tour Registraion Form
(updated: 29Dec09 13:19 EST )
- Please direct all tour questions to:
- American Heritage Landmark Tours
(610) 647-4030 or emailLast Modified: Tuesday, 23-Mar-2010 14:08:21 EDT
