Nancy K. Loane

Soon after I moved to Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, I visited Washington’s Headquarters at Valley Forge National Historical Park and casually asked the ranger on duty this question: “Did Martha sleep here?” To my surprise, she had. And so began an odyssey – now a passion – to research, write, and speak about the women at the 1777-78 Valley Forge encampment. I love all things Valley Forge - I’m a former seasonal park ranger there, currently volunteer at the park, on the board of the Friends, and an honorary lifetime member of the Descendants of Washington’s Army at Valley Forge. I’ve written several articles about the women at camp and have presented over 150 lectures in 7 states on the topic. Following the Drum, lauded for being both exceptionally well-researched and easy to read, has been nominated for two book awards. It is the first book ever written on the women at the Valley Forge encampment.