Jamborees At Valley Forge
World of Scouting Museum
Valley Forge, PA
"Strengthen Liberty" June 27 - July 6, 1950
In 1935, as the Boy Scouts of America entered its 25th year, plans were made to hold its first Jamboree in Washington, D.C., but an outbreak of polio sidelined the event. As a result, the first National Jamboree was held in the nation's Capital two years later in 1937. Twenty-five thousand Scouts were encamped around the Tidal Basin and the Washington Monument. The event received national media coverage and was attended by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
World War II caused Jamboree celebrations to be delayed again. As a result, the next Jamboree was postponed for several more years. Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, once the site of hardship for the struggling Continental Army during the American Revolution, became the site of encampment for the 2nd National Jamboree in 1950. The site was chosen again for BSA Jamboress in 1957 and 1964.
Introduction
"Onward For God And My Country" July 12-18, 1957
"Strengthening America's Heritage" July 17-23, 1964
The World of Scouting Museum's collection includes many objects related to the three BSA National Jamborees held at Valley Forge, PA. To look at some of these objects, click on an image below or scroll through each gallery.
