Fourth installment of ‘Patriot Tales’ comic book series released
UPPER MERION » For the fourth installment of its award-winning comic book “Patriot Tales,” Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board has gone completely digital.
“We usually also offer it digitally, in addition to print. This time, we decided to go contactless/no-touch,” said Director of Communications Rachel Riley.
The “Patriot Tales” series highlights the park’s history, and the Tourism’s history brand, “Patriot Trails,” with fictional stories of children traveling back in time to meet George Washington while embarking on an exciting adventure to discover the area’s rich history.
“We hope to eventually print it,” Riley said. “We’ll have to evaluate the ongoing situation and what people want. But we always did offer it as a pdf on our site. And what’s great about that is that people from all over the site can access it. We’ve had people contact us, educators, schoolteachers from as far as Buffalo, or our in the Midwest asking us for copies. So I think that’s the great thing about it … schoolteachers who’ve been online classes can use this in that way too.”
The story picks up where the previous book left off. In “Mom Rinker and the Heroes
Unseen,” readers will return to the time-traveling adventures of Lydia, James, and newcomer Alejandro as they’re introduced to Molly “Mom” Rinker.
As a spy for General George Washington, Rinker’s wit and wisdom was an asset to the American Revolution. Little else is reportedly known about the legendary luminary, but Lydia wants answers, and is willing to travel back to the year 1777 to get them.
“We tried to incorporate different elements into it, like elements of bullying to really speak to kids,” Riley said. “And this one has extra ties to history in our area. The folks who work on the artwork really put a lot of detailed effort into this one.”
History, humor, and more than a little heart infuse the issue from start to finish, Riley pointed out, with familiar sites like Norristown Farm Park and Fort Washington State Park dotting the landscape.
“This comic books makes history more family-friendly, and adds to the overall experience in Montco,” said Jared Spackman, Creative Designer for the Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board. “We’re so proud that kids are learning about the history here, and we’re happy to connect with children on another level.”
The free issue, as well as the first three volumes, can be downloaded on the Visit Valley Forge App, or at www.valleyforge.org/ revolution.
Last year’s award-winning summer TV campaign was also inspired by the comic book, Riley pointed out.
The free Visit Valley Forge mobile app is a hand-held guide to where to stay, play, eat, and shop in Montgomery County. The app features “searches for restaurants by cuisine, 80 hotels, outdoor activities, 50 golf courses, special offers and discounts, maps, and more.”