News and Events

  Colin Zimmerman recently started a new job as a Military Historian for the Friends of Washington Crossing Park, but he’s a familiar face around the park.   “I worked here from 2016 to 2018 as an historical interpreter, and I’m thrilled to be back in this newly created role,” Zimmerman says. “History started out as an interest for me, then turned into a hobby, and eventually became a passion. To me, history is the most fascinating thing in the world and this park is a national treasure.”       Zimmerman is currently in the final year of completing his doctoral degree Read More

  Fans of the park have been closely following the progress of the $8.7 million Capital Project to preserve 17 historic buildings and structures throughout the park. The year-and-a-half-long undertaking is now 99% complete and in mid-December the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the PA Department of General Services held a ribbon cutting to celebrate. The rehabilitation included the refurbishment of historically accurate roofs and new windows, plastering and painting exteriors, and internal plumbing and electrical work. The project also included renovating and reopening restrooms near the Washington Pavilion and Thompson-Neely House and repaving the road to Read More

Washington Crossing Historic Park’s 2022 Challenge Coin is now available in the gift shop or in our online store. This year’s coin features Colonel John Cadwalader, a senior officer of the Philadelphia Association – a volunteer militia founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1747. Each year through 2026, the park will release a new challenge coin to commemorate the lead-up to the 250th anniversary of Washington’s crossing. Each coin features an important figure from the crossing on one side and a rendition of the famous Leutze painting on the other. Each year features a different person. Cost is $17.76 + shipping. Read More

  Washington Crossing Historic Park’s gift shop is chock full of items that commemorate both the events that took place here in 1776 as well as Colonial America more broadly. From serious to lighthearted, there is something for everyone. Here are a few of the gift shop’s most popular items, all of which are available for purchase at WashingtonCrossingPark.org/shop.      Stuffed Felt Ornaments  Add a Colonial touch to your Christmas tree with one or all of these stuffed felt ornaments. Imported from England (how ironic!), these ornaments depict George Washington, Martha Washington, a Colonial fifer, a Colonial drummer, and Nelson Read More

  Everyone knows about George Washington’s crossing of the Delaware River and subsequent victory in Trenton, but less well known is the Battle of Harlem Heights, which took place in September 1776 on upper Manhattan Island.  Now, new light is now being shone on this important battle thanks to David Price, a historical interpreter at Washington Crossing Historic Park. Price’s new book, The Battle of Harlem Heights, 1776, will be released in December and will be available in the park’s gift shop or for pre-order online.   “The Battle of Harlem Heights is an underappreciated milestone in American military history,” Price Read More

Ankita Achanta’s father began driving her to violin lessons when she was three years old. Her teacher lived near Washington Crossing Historic Park and young Ankita took notice of the unique names on the street signs they passed. They piqued her curiosity. “I saw General Mercer Avenue, General Knox Road and others, and I wondered who these people were,” says Ankita, who is now a senior at George School in Newtown. “When I was in fourth grade there was a book writing competition through the Southampton Library, so I decided to investigate this curiosity of mine and write a book Read More

  Living in Washington Crossing means having history right in your backyard. Gift Shop Volunteer Marilyn Konicky shares how volunteering at the park has helped her connect with the past. “I’ve lived in Washington Crossing for 25 years and when I retired in 2019, I knew I wanted to be involved in volunteering, particularly at the park. I’ve always enjoyed history and as I’ve gotten older, I’ve become even more interested in the history of our country. I joined the Washington Crossing Daughters of the American Revolution in 2015 and learned so much about the huge encampment in Washington Crossing. Read More

  In her position as Executive Director, Jennifer Martin oversees a variety of areas, including daily operations, program development, fundraising, policies and procedures, volunteer management and human resources. “My favorite thing about my job is providing the community with opportunities to experience our history in a fun and engaging way. When people are able to connect with the park, it encourages park stewardship and ensures that our story is shared for years to come”. Martin has been an integral part of the Friends since 2013, formerly working as Assistant Director of Education and Public Programs. Prior to joining the Friends, Read More