Freedoms Foundation of Valley Forge and The Union League Legacy Foundation Merge to Preserve Democratic Principles and Educate Citizens
Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge and The Union League Legacy Foundation today unveiled their merger to form Founding Forward, a national 501(c)3 non-profit charity dedicated to creating an informed and engaged citizenry through education about the principles, rights, and responsibilities enshrined in the Declaration of Independence and Constitution of the United States.
The merging of these organizations represents a strategic union aimed at bolstering each of their effectiveness during a critical period for the nation’s future. This new national nonprofit is set to continue its legacies with enhanced resources, wider reach, and greater influence without altering the current structure of chapters, programs, scholarships, awards, historic assets, or other activities.
“Founding Forward stands at the forefront of educating America’s current and future leaders about the core principles that define our nation,” said John Meko, President of Founding Forward. “Our mission is more than just teaching history; it’s about equipping the current and next generation with the knowledge and tools to ensure our government remains responsive and evolves to meet the people’s needs. By fostering a deep understanding of our founding and integrating comprehensive civic education, we are committed to shaping well-informed, actively engaged leaders who are ready to contribute to a more perfect union.”
To fulfill its mission, Founding Forward fosters an immersive civic education experience for students, teachers, and citizens through an array of in-person programs, historic resources and collections, scholarships, awards, speaker programs, and other learning opportunities. Through its programs, Founding Forward aspires to educate, inspire, encourage dialogue, and defend self-government. Based in Philadelphia and Valley Forge, Founding Forward is committed to using the places where history happened.
With a shared commitment to fostering an understanding of American democratic principles and history, Founding Forward will continue to offer and expand upon the existing range of educational programs, scholarships, awards, volunteer chapters, and historic assets previously managed by Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge (established in 1949) and The Union League Legacy Foundation (established in 1947).
“A robust civic education is the bedrock of healthy self-government, empowering individuals to participate actively and responsibly in our Republic,” said David Harmer, National Director of Founding Forward. “Through our innovative programs and dedication to bringing history to life by taking people to the very sites where it was made, Founding Forward is not just answering the call for more informed citizenship, we’re leading the charge. By immersing participants in the foundational stories of our nation, we’re fostering a deeper connection to America’s founding ideals, ensuring that they are not only preserved but also renewed and strengthened for future generations.”
Founding Forward acknowledges that the journey of creating “the new birth of freedom” is an ongoing process, requiring its citizens’ virtue and active participation. This new nonprofit signifies a renewed commitment to preserving the foundation upon which American society and government stand, educating future generations of leaders on our history and their responsibility to carry it forward.