Pennsylvania Society of Sons of the Revolution

05/31/2026

Sgt. James Lamb of the 1st Pennsylvania Regiment carried this Old and New Testament Bible at Valley Forge during the winter of 1777-1778. Brandywine Battlefield Park now preserves this Bible.

A native of Lancaster and Cumberland counties, Lamb served with Capt. Grier's Company A, First Pennsylvania Regiment, commanded by General "Mad" Anthony Wayne. The regiment witnessed some of the most key campaigns of the Revolutionary War, including Benedict Arnold's siege of Quebec, Ticonderoga, Valley Forge, Monmouth and Brandywine.

The loss at Brandywine and Washington's inability to defend Philadelphia resulted in the retreat and encampment at Valley Forge during the harsh winter of 1777 and 1778. , ,

05/26/2026

Memorial Day Message from President C. Michael Whelan:

As we gather with family and friends on this Memorial Day, let us pause in solemn remembrance of the brave Americans who have given their lives in service to our nation. As members of a hereditary society honoring the legacy of those who served in the Revolutionary War, we are especially mindful that the freedoms we cherish were secured through sacrifices made for the very founding of our Republic.

Today, we honor not only our patriot ancestors, but all Americans across generations who have answered the call to defend liberty. May we remember their courage, their devotion, and their enduring example with gratitude and reverence. It is especially important in this 250th year of our independence that we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy today.

My best wishes to you and your family for a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day holiday.

C. Michael Whelan
39th President
Pennsylvania Society of
Sons of The Revolution

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we pause to honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation. From the patriots of the American Revolution to those who have defended liberty across generations, we remember their courage, sacrifice, and devotion to the cause of freedom.

May we never take lightly the blessings secured by those who gave their “last full measure of devotion.” As descendants and stewards of our Revolutionary heritage, we remain committed to preserving the memory of those who served and sacrificed for the United States of America.

We wish all a meaningful and reflective Memorial Day. 🇺🇸🙏🇺🇸

05/24/2026

05/22/2026

We are saddened to share the passing of William Murray Gordon. Murray was a proud military veteran, President of our society from 2015-2018, and a member of the society’s Color Guard. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends. He will be missed and remembered.

Born March 4, 1953, in Bryn Mawr, PA. Murray passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, May 17, 2026, after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. After his recent diagnosis, he endured several rounds of treatment and made the decision to use Palliative and Hospice care to follow his own

05/21/2026

Battle of Barren Hill, Pennsylvania
On this day in 1778, British forces from Philadelphia attempt to trap 2,200 Continentals defending Valley Forge led by Marquis de Lafayette. Lafayette, through skillful maneuvering, avoids the entrapment and the destruction of his forces. The encounter takes place at Barren Hill, now known as Lafayette Hill, just northwest of Philadelphia.
Washington had dispatched Lafayette and his men two days before to spy on the British in Philadelphia. The British learned of Lafayette's mission and intended to surprise, surround and capture the encampment with a force of 7,000 to 8,000 men. Lafayette, in turn, learned of the British plan late on May 19.
Lafayette assigned 500 men and approximately 50 Oneida Indians armed with cannon to face the British onslaught and stand their ground by the local church, while the rest of Lafayette's forces fled west over the Schuylkill River to safety. Before the Oneida warriors followed the Continental Army across the Schuylkill, they are believed to have bravely given chase to the British as they marched back to Philadelphia.
Lafayette, a Frenchman, had personally recruited the Oneida to join the Patriot cause by using the Indians' preference for the French over the English; the Oneida arrived at Valley Forge on May 13. Lafayette promised the Oneida that they would serve under French instead of colonial Patriot commanders and that they would be given assistance in building a fort at their Mohawk Valley, New York, settlement.
These fresh Indian recruits were paired with Lafayette's best Patriot fighters, fresh from training under European officers at Valley Forge. The Indians' actions during the successful retreat at Barren Hill prevented disaster and allowed the Continental Army to emerge from Valley Forge as a disciplined military in June.

05/10/2026

Founding Forward welcomed members of the Pennsylvania Society of Sons of the Revolution (PSSR) and its Color Guard to the Valley Forge campus today. Visiting was Quartermaster of the Color Guard of the PSSR and its Color Guard Austin Lamac, Exec. Director of the PSSR Schuyler C. Wickes, and Immediate Past President of the PSSR Richard Pagano. The PSSR and its Color Guard made a generous donation and will serve as the Presenting Sponsors of the Naturalization Ceremony hosted by Founding Forward and the Chester County Bar Association on June 26th at the Founding Forward campus.

Their generosity will allow us to co-host an event where nearly 50 individuals will take the Oath of Allegiance and become citizens. To learn more, visit https://foundingforward.org/event/naturalization-ceremony/.

05/10/2026

Happy Mother’s Day! Our society always keeps mind of the great sacrifice of our Patriot ancestors, but every Patriot left behind mothers, wives, and children, while some mothers and wives were camp followers.

The painting below, “Spirit of ‘76” by Tompkins H. Matteson (1813-1884), captures the moment a young man leaves his family for his patriotic service during the Revolution. Today we honor those supportive and brave women, and all of the mothers in our lives who do so much.

05/06/2026

Happy French Alliance Day! 🇺🇸🇫🇷

📜 On this day 248 years ago Captain Charles Willson Peale wrote in his diary on May 6, 1778.

“The Troops was paraded and marchd to hear a Short discourse adapted to the Occation – after wards they grounded their arms, and then a signal Cannon was fired and each division Marched to the Ground allotted for them which in the Whole formed two lines – at another Cannon being fired as a signal, thirteen Cannon was discharged, and then a Running fire beginning at the Right & going to the left of the front Line & from the left to the right of the 2d line and 3 huzzas for the King of France, the 13 Cannon fired & the Running fire huzzas for the friendly European Powers, & 13 Cannon Running fire & huzzas for the States of America”

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This series of posts 'From the Journals of Valley Forge' features daily excerpts from the historical record on the anniversary of the day it was written 248 years ago. Primary sources include letters, journal entries, military orders, and other writings made by the soldiers, civilians, women, and men who were there.

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