Events

Between December 12–19, 1777, Gen. George Washington and his Continental Army encamped in the towering hills of Gulph Mills, Pennsylvania, fifteen miles from Philadelphia. Known as the threshold to Valley Forge, the Gulph Mills Encampment is often forgotten or minimized, falling between the more famous military engagements of the Philadelphia Campaign and the well-known experience of the army at Valley Forge. Yet, the Gulph Mills Encampment was a pivotal microcosm of the Revolutionary War and the issues that confronted the Continental Army, the Continental Congress, state governments and the American citizens who suddenly found themselves on the front lines of the war.  This encampment included military encounters with the British; little food, clothing, and shelter for the troops; the celebration of the new nation’s first Thanksgiving; and tough decisions by Washington, including the momentous one to make Valley Forge the army’s winter quarters. Drawing largely from writings and documents from soldiers, generals, local residents, the Continental Congress, the British Army, the Pennsylvania General Assembly and Benjamin Franklin and his colleagues who were in France seeking support from the French king, Louis XVI, historian Sheilah Vance discusses her new book highlighting the Gulph Mills Encampment and reveals the fascinating details of Washington’s and the Continental Army’s last stand before and as they moved into winter quarters at Valley Forge.

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About the Speaker

Sheilah Vance, Esq. grew up on Rebel Hill in Gulph Mills, Pennsylvania, and resides in Washington, D.C.  She has written and presented extensively about the Philadelphia Campaign in the Revolutionary War. She is the author of the article, “Valley Forge’s Threshold: The Encampment at Gulph Mills,” in the Journal of the American Revolution; the award-winning novel, Becoming Valley Forge; and the mini e-book, Six Days in December: General George Washington’s and the Continental Army’s Encampment on Rebel Hill and Gulph Mills, December 12–19, 1777. Vance is also the author of the novels Chasing the 400 and Land Mines and the inspirational book, Creativity for Christians, with Rev. Felica Howard.

Vance is an experienced attorney, practicing law in Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia.  She specializes in education law and has provided trusted counsel to educational institutions nationwide.  Currently, she serves as the Compliance Officer and Title IX Coordinator at the University of the District of Columbia, Office of General Counsel.  She is also Chair of the Board of Directors of Clery Center, a member of the Advisory Board of the Association of Title IX Administrators, and member of the Links, Inc. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Howard University and a Juris Doctorate from Georgetown University Law Center.  Before her legal career, Vance worked as a journalist, primarily covering education-related topics.  Her passion for history and education shines through her writing and legal work.  In summary, Sheilah Vance seamlessly combines her love for storytelling, legal expertise and commitment to education. Her impact extends across literature, legal practice and educational advocacy.