The Crossing Reenactment

Witness the Crossing that saved the Revolution

Each December, thousands of people gather on the banks of the Delaware River to watch the reenactment of George Washington’s daring 1776 Christmas night river crossing. During the event, several hundred reenactors in Continental military dress listen to an inspiring speech by General Washington and then row across the river in replica Durham boats.

The public has two opportunities to view the reenactment at Washington Crossing Historic Park.

First Crossing: Sunday, December 11, 2022

TIME: 11 AM to 3 PM (actual crossing at 1 PM)
COST: $8 for adults, $4 for children ages 5-11, free for children younger than 5. Family rate (2 adults and 2 children) is $20.
DETAILS: In addition to the crossing reenactment, special colonial-era activities and demonstrations in the Historic Village will offer a full day of family fun and learning. Justin Cherry of Half Crown Bakehouse will be returning to this year’s event with freshly baked bread for purchase. Author and professor at Penn State University Abington Friederike Baer, Ph.D. will discuss and sign her new book, Hessians: German Soldiers in the American Revolutionary War in the Visitor Center Auditorium at 11:30, there is no charge to attend this program.

Following the First Crossing, a 3:30 p.m. wreath-laying ceremony will be held at the base of the Washington monument in front of the visitor center. Participating hereditary organizations include the Daughters of the American Revolution, Sons of the America Revolution, The Society of the Cincinnati, and the Pennsylvania Society of Sons of the Revolution. The public is invited to attend this free event.

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Special thank you to Amwell Ridge Wealth Management for providing the refreshments for our members tent during this event


Meet the Narrator

Adrienne M. Harrison, Ph.D.

Adrienne M. Harrison has spent twenty years as a military leader and private sector executive. A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, she held a variety of leadership positions as a multifunctional logistics officer across three combat tours in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Adrienne played an integral role in the Army’s change management process aimed at completely transforming the way logistics and life support operations are conducted on the battlefield to meet the challenges posed by the complexities of the War on Terror. She subsequently served as an assistant professor of American history at West Point. Her military decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, two Bronze Stars, and the Combat Action Badge.

Adrienne holds MA and Ph.D. degrees from Rutgers University. She has lectured extensively on the colonial period, the American Revolution, and George Washington’s presidential administration. She is the author of A Powerful Mind: The Self-Education of George Washington (University of Nebraska Press). Additionally, she has authored book chapters and articles and appeared as a featured expert in documentaries aired on the History Channel, C-SPAN, and Fox News. After concluding her Army service, she entered the corporate world and held several executive roles, most recently acting as chief of staff at East Coast Warehouse and Distribution Corporation.

Adrienne resides with her family in Hawthorne, New Jersey, and is the chief operating officer and a senior historian of Battlefield Leadership, LLC.

 

Christmas Day Crossing: Sunday, December 25, 2022

TIME: Noon to 3 PM (actual crossing at 1 PM)
COST: Free

Additional Details

  • Reenactors may register online from September 1 through November 15. All participating reenactors should review our clothing guidelines.
  • Washington Crossing Historic Park is located at the intersection of Routes 532 and 32 (River Road) in Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania.
  • Directions to the park can be found here. Parking will be clearly marked.
  • Individuals with disabilities who need special assistance or accommodations to attend should call the Visitor Center at 215-493-4076.
  • River crossings are contingent upon safe conditions for participants. However, even if conditions do not allow for crossing, ceremonies, speeches and commemorative activities still occur.
  • For more Ten Crucial Days related activities, the Trenton Downtown Association hosts several events during its annual Patriots Week festivities, Dec 26th – 31st. In addition, Princeton Battlefield Society will be hosting their annual “Experience the Battle of Princeton Event“, January 8th, 9:30am – 1:00pm
  • Drones are not permitted at these events.

Special thank you to Exact Solar Energy Company for providing the refreshments for our members tent during this event


Crossing Video

A special crossing video was filmed at Washington Crossing Historic Park in 2020. Thank you to the numerous members and donors whose support made this video possible.