ffvfhistory

2007 National Awards Luncheon

Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge was founded in 1949 out of an idea by Don Belding. The roots of the Foundation can be traced back to 1777 when the campus served as part of General George Washington’s encampment.

E.F. Hutton donated to the Foundation the 105-acre tract of land adjacent to Valley Forge National Historic Park . This site, where the Foundation’s campus now stands, is located about 25 miles west of Philadelphia

Dr. Kenneth Wells was the First President of the Foundation and was President for many years thereafter because he was a fantastic organizer. General Dwight D. Eisenhower was Chairman of the Board and later Honorary Chairman of the Board until his death. Together these great patriotic men and their friends worked tirelessly for years to create the great national organization to which we are all dedicated.

Today the campus includes three dormitories, dining, educational and administrative facilities, a non-denominational chapel and recreational areas.

From 1949 to 1965 the Foundation was known for its awards programs honoring Americans from all walks of life, organizations and institutions who set examples in responsible citizenship, free enterprise education and long-term civic accomplishment.

Freedoms Foundation is entirely supported by private gifts from volunteer chapters nationwide and by corporations, foundations, civic organizations and individuals throughout America.