Valley Forge plan would create a 2-tier park

It appears to be a done deal that the American Revolution Center at Valley Forge will build its museum separate from the visitor center at Valley Forge National Historical Park, on a different tract but within the park boundaries ("Valley Forge plan gets ovation, reservation," July 21).

It will compete with Colonial Williamsburg on a regional scale - a dream come true for some, tourist dollars spent here instead of in Williamsburg, Va. None of the other original 13 colonies has much to offer in telling the story of the American Revolution. Williamsburg has finally progressed from the colonial period to include the Revolutionary City program, which describes life during that war through trained guides and interactive storytellers.

Considering the cost of gasoline, now and to come, you could say that the time has arrived for Valley Forge to host tourists interested in that time period. They will probably save money by visiting here instead of there.

However, a two-tier park would be created. There would be a very much upgraded and premiere site, the American Revolution Center, and then separately Valley Forge Park, under the direction of the National Park Service and the Friends of Valley Forge (who maintain the park through volunteerism, donations and small-use fees).

One hopes that interest and financial input through donations and possibly more federal support will become available for Valley Forge so that it will also grow along with the new museum site and eventually function as one entity equal on both sides of the Schuylkill.

John S. Kabli
Founder
Colonial & Revolutionary War
Preservation Ltd.
Exton

The simplest, cheapest way to come up with a fair system for financing health care in the United States: get rid of taxpayer-subsidized health care for senators and congressmen. They'll figure something out soon enough, I suspect.

Naomi Miller
Philadelphia