Entrepreneur H.F. "Gerry" Lenfest, the man behind the proposals to build the American Revolution Center at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, US has announced that the project is to receive a $13m (£9.1m, 10.2m euro) funding boost.

Of the US$13m, a total of US$8m (£5.6m, 6.3m euro) will be provided by the Redevelopment Capital Assistance Program (RCAP) of the state of Pennsylvania, while Lenfest will provide the remaining US$5m (£3.5m, 3.9m euro).

The funds will support the first phase of a museum and education center devoted to the American Revolution and its legacy. It is hoped that the project will encourage heritage tourism and spur economic development to the region.

Located on the banks of the Schuylkill River, across from General George Washington's headquarters, The American Revolution Center will be the first centre dedicated to exploring, interpreting and commemorating the timeless story of the American Revolution.

The museum will display a collection of objects, manuscripts, and artifacts from the American Revolution, and the education centre will provide interactive learning opportunities for teachers, students and the general public and will host programs, lectures, and symposia.

According to Lenfest, the US$13m grant will be used to create a Trailhead Building and interactive educational resources on The American Revolution.

Lenfest also announced that Bruce Cole, former chair of the National Endowment for the Humanities, has been appointed as president and CEO of the American Revolution Center project.