Friends of Washington Crossing Park (FWCP) has been awarded a $15,000 grant through America250PA’s Lecture250 Series to support their upcoming presentation, “The Writing of the Declaration and What It Meant in 1776”. The funding will help Washington Crossing Historic Park offer a free public lecture exploring the people, ideas, and events that shaped our Commonwealth and the nation.

Dr. Sneff’s new book, entitled “When the Declaration of Independence Was News”, will examine how the Declaration was disseminated, interpreted, and remembered in Pennsylvania and across the Atlantic world in 1776. Sneff, a consulting curator for national exhibitions commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, holds a Ph.D. in History from William & Mary and will be on a national book tour in advance of the 2026 anniversary. Sneff’s talk will explore the Declaration’s continued relevance in civic life today and will be followed by a living history component featuring historical reenactors, complementing the lecture with interactive interpretation and a moderated Q&A with the audience. Attendees will receive a complimentary commemorative 250 pin and have the opportunity to meet the author and participate in a book signing.

Funding from America250PA’s Lecture250 grant program supports the full 2026 lecture series, allowing FWCP to deliver high-quality, public-facing educational programming throughout the anniversary year. The Lecture250 Series will take place from April through October 2026 and will examine the forces that shaped Pennsylvania’s role in the American story—from the founding ideals of independence and equality to the development of industry, culture, community identity, and global connections.

For more information about the America250PA Lecture250 Series, please visit  https://america250pa.org/PPE:_Lecture250.

The event registration link will be coming soon!