Patriots’ Path: Explore the Revolutionary War in Cumberland Valley, Pennsylvania invites visitors to follow the footsteps of soldiers, settlers, artisans, and citizen-leaders who transformed a frontier county into a revolutionary center of action. From military training grounds to iron furnaces, from political meeting halls to homesteads supplying the Continental Army, this trail reveals how Cumberland County’s geography, industry, and people played an indispensable role in America’s fight for independence. This is not a trail of single moments. It is a story of a community whose strength, ingenuity, and determination helped form a nation.
Patriots’ Path Launch Event
Follow the footsteps of soldiers, settlers, artisans, and citizen-leaders who transformed a frontier county into a revolutionary center of action as we officially launch Patriots’ Path: Explore the Revolutionary War in Cumberland County. There will be cake.
Be a part of the story of our community whose strength, ingenuity, and determination helped form a nation.
What: Official Launch of Patriots’ Path: Explore the Revolutionary War in Cumberland Valley
Hosted by: Army Heritage Foundation, Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau, and Cumberland Valley Historical Society
Date: Tuesday, June 30, 2026
Time: 11:00 am
Location: Todd Hall, Cumberland County Historical Society, 21 N Pitt St, Carlisle, PA 17013
This event is open to the public. There will be cake.
What is Patriots’ Path?
Patriot’s Path is a curated heritage trail connecting historic sites across Cumberland County and South Central Pennsylvania that illuminate the people, places, and industries that shaped the American Revolution. Rather than focusing only on famous battles or generals, Patriot’s Path highlights soldiers, civilians, communities, and everyday lives that contributed to the founding of the nation.
Speakers
Jillian Acevedo is a resident of Franklin County and has been with the Foundation for 5 years during which time she has served in various roles. Jillian has a bachelor’s degree in human services and is an Air Force veteran with 13 years of service.
Stacey Cornman is a resident of Cumberland Valley and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Dickinson College. She has over 20 years of experience in printing and publishing. As the Content Marketing Manager, she manages visitor guide distribution and fulfillment and oversees the Cumberland Valley Visitors Center. Stacey joined the Visitors Bureau in January 2011.
Jim Griffith was born and raised in the Carlisle area and continues to live locally with his wife, Karen, and their two children, one of whom is still in college. A historic building central to Jim’s family story has long been part of Carlisle’s civic life. The building was home to the Creigh family beginning in the late 1700s, including Colonel and Judge John Creigh, who administered the Pennsylvania loyalty oath to Carlisle residents in 1777 during the Revolutionary War. Jim’s personal connection to the building began in 2016 through his family’s involvement with Create A Palooza, a creative reuse business founded by his wife Karen. The building had also been photographed decades earlier by Jim’s great grandfather, John H. Griffith, an early twentieth century photographer and traveling moving picture man whose work helped document Carlisle before World War I. Jim is an Associate Director for a company that advises state health and human services agencies. He is an executive board member of the Technology Council of Pennsylvania and serves on the boards of the Carlisle Tool Library and the Charles Bruce Foundation. Jim also volunteers regularly with both the Cumberland County Historical Society and the Downtown Carlisle Association.
Matt March is a Pennsylvania native, growing up near Mount Holly Springs. After graduating from Boiling Springs High School, he attended the University of Pittsburgh. He received his BA in History with a minor in English Literature. While at Pitt, Matthew was a Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission intern in the State Museum of Pennsylvania’s education department. After graduation, Matthew became the Assistant Education Curator at the Cumberland County Historical Society. Since 2009, he has been the Education Director, annually augmenting the education of over 10,000 county students and citizens with local history programs. Currently, he resides in Mount Holly Springs with his daughter Miriam.
Amanda Neal has been with the Army Heritage Center Foundation in various roles over the past 15 years, before becoming the Executive Vice President Prior to joining the Foundation, she performed legal research for law firms in Baltimore and Harrisburg for almost a decade. She has a Bachelors in History and Political Science from the University of Pittsburgh and Masters in Organizational Development & Leadership (Historic Administration) from Shippensburg University. In addition, she completed historical internships with the National Park Service (Allegheny Portage Railroad) and the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center. She has published exhibit companion guides for the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center, an annotation and transcription of a Civil War diary, and an original research project for the Fulton County Historical Society. She also has 35 years of genealogical research experience.
To register for the event please fill out the form below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Patriot’s Path is a curated heritage trail connecting historic sites across Cumberland County and South Central Pennsylvania that illuminate the people, places, and industries that shaped the American Revolution. Rather than focusing only on famous battles or generals, Patriot’s Path highlights soldiers, civilians, communities, and everyday lives that contributed to the founding of the nation.
Patriot’s Path is designed for:
- History enthusiasts and heritage travelers
- Families and casual explorers
- Educators and students
- Veterans and military families
- Local residents looking to better understand their community
Whether you’re planning a weekend visit or exploring your own backyard, Patriot’s Path meets you where you are.
No. Patriots’ Path is a regional driving and walking experience made up of individual destinations spread across multiple towns and landscapes. Visitors can explore sites in any order, at their own pace, and tailor their experience based on interest, time, or mobility.
Not at all. There is no required starting point. Each destination stands on its own while also fitting into a broader historical narrative. Visitors are encouraged to explore one site—or many—depending on their schedule.
Most Patriots’ Path destinations are outdoor or publicly accessible locations, such as historical markers, landscapes, cemeteries, former industrial sites, and preserved buildings. Some sites may be near museums or historic structures with limited hours, which are noted on individual destination pages when applicable.
Yes. Many sites are family-friendly and well suited for multigenerational visitors. While some stories address the hardships of war, the trail emphasizes human stories, place-based learning, and discovery, making it accessible for curious learners of all ages.
There is no set length. Some visitors spend 30–60 minutes at a single site, while others plan full-day or multi-day explorations. Patriot’s Path is intentionally flexible—designed for repeat visits rather than a one-time experience.
No. Patriots’ Path destinations are free to visit, unless otherwise noted for independently operated museums or historic houses nearby. The trail is designed to be accessible to the public.
Yes. All destination descriptions and soldier stories are based on documented historical research, including military records, local archives, and reputable secondary sources. When interpretation is used, it is clearly grounded in historical context and best available evidence.
Patriots’ Path focuses on:
- Individual soldier stories, including lesser-known figures
- Civilian life, industry, and community impact
- Local landscapes, not just battlefields
- The Revolutionary War as a lived experience, not just a military campaign
It emphasizes connection—between past and present, soldiers and civilians, national history and local places.
No. Patriots’ Path is a volunteer-driven, community-led civilian heritage initiative that explores the origins of the American Army and the communities that supported it during the Revolutionary War. While military history is central, the trail also highlights farmers, blacksmiths, tavern keepers, physicians, and families whose lives were shaped by the conflict.
The Military Heritage Foundation, doing business as the Army Heritage Center Foundation (armyheritage.org), is a charitable organization separate from the U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center. As a private, nonprofit, non-Federal entity, AHCF is not affiliated with the Department of Defense and has no governmental status.
Yes. Patriots’ Path is an excellent resource for place-based education, inquiry learning, and primary-source exploration. Teachers are encouraged to use destination pages and soldier stories as supplements to classroom instruction.
The trail is a living project. New destinations, stories, and interpretive content are added regularly as research continues and partnerships grow.
Visitors can support Patriots’ Path by:
- Sharing their experience with others
- Visiting and respecting the sites
- Engaging with local historical organizations
- Supporting preservation and education efforts connected to the trail
Details on partnerships and support opportunities are available on the site.
Each destination page on Patriots’ Path provides historical context, visitor tips, and suggested connections to nearby sites—making it easy to plan an experience that fits your interests.
Sign up to become a Patriots’ Path Trailblazer and receive information about the Patriots’ Path.
Patriots’ Path is a volunteer-led and community-driven initiative. It is organized by your Cumberland Valley friends and neighbors at the following organizations:
Army Heritage Center Foundation
Cumberland County
Cumberland County Historical Society
Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau
Hampden Township Veterans Park
Northern York County Historical and Preservation Society
Friends of Peebles Homestead
Shippensburg History Center
Fashion Archives and Museum of Shippensburg University
West Shore Historical Society
For more information, contact info@armyheritage.org.
Media contact: Amanda Neal aneal@armyheritage.org
