Each April, in celebration of National Volunteer Month, we recognize the incredible individuals who make Washington Crossing Historic Park such a special place. This park is powered by community—and in 2025 alone, our volunteers contributed more than 9,713 hours helping us prepare for the 250th and bring history to life for thousands of visitors.
From administrative support to hands-on work in our gardens and farm, gift shop, and visitor services, volunteers are at the heart of nearly everything we do. They serve as tour guides, field trip interpreters, and members of our Fife & Drum Corps and reenactor groups, while also supporting outreach and fundraising efforts like Attic Treasures and our 15th Anniversary Gala.
Each year, a few volunteers go above and beyond in their commitment to our mission, and we are proud to recognize them with our Volunteer Awards. These honors will be presented at our annual Volunteer Picnic in September.
Please join us in celebrating and congratulating our 2026 award recipients!
Volunteer of the Year – Jim Reynolds
This award is typically given to the volunteer with the highest amount of hours and a few years of volunteering.
Jim Reynolds has become an invaluable part of the park’s volunteer community through his work at the Thompson-Neely Farmstead and beyond. In addition to supporting education programs like our hands-on Colonial Days field trip programming, Jim dedicated more than 100 hours this year to restoration work at the Mahlon Taylor House. Known for his versatility and willingness to jump in wherever needed, Jim brings both skill and commitment to every project.
Since first being recognized as Rising Star in 2024, Jim has continued to expand his impact across the park, contributing his expertise in woodworking, masonry, and general restoration to a wide range of projects. His dedication to sharing history extends beyond our site, as he also supports educational programming at Historic Trappe.
His continued dedication reflects the lasting impact of his contributions and the spirit of community that powers the park.
Reflecting on his time volunteering, Jim shared, “I always feel like I get more than I give from volunteering. The people I’ve worked with have been an absolute pleasure.”
Junior Volunteer of the Year – Tatum Lovely
This award is typically given to someone under the age of 18 who has given significant contribution to the park in hours, program assistance, or years of service.
Tatum Lovely is a 16-year-old homeschooled high school junior who is also dual-enrolled at Bucks County Community College. She has quickly become a valued member of the park and reenactor communities. Bringing creativity and enthusiasm to her work, Tatum has supported a range of initiatives including program development, event preparation, and school programs.
She has contributed behind the scenes by assisting with education projects, preparing for major events like the Independence Day Celebration, and helping recognize fellow volunteers. Her work evaluating programs such as the “Camp in a Box” education kit and developing new visitor resources reflects both thoughtfulness and professionallism.
Tatum’s favorite moments have been working directly with visitors- especially interpreting Colonial Toys & Games, where she enjoys seeing children connect with history through play. With a passion for 18th-century reenacting that she enjoys with her family as well, she hopes to continue studying public history.
I believe it’s crucial for young people to understand and help preserve our local history, which is what first drew me to being involved at Washington Crossing. I love studying the 18th century in classes (like my favorite, AP U.S. History), but the park offers a chance to experience it more tangibly and share that experience with other students.
Some of the most meaningful work happens behind the scenes, though my favorite moments have been with visitors. Presenting stations on topics like Camp Followers and Colonial Toys & Games, sometimes even in the snow at the First Crossing, and seeing students laugh and connect with American colonial history feels so important and fun to me. I’ve had the privilege of sharing history with over 3,000 students so far.
I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given to be involved, and for what I’ve learned in return, personally and academically. My cup-and-ball technique has certainly improved, too!
Rising Star – Don Tosh
This award is typically given to a new volunteer who has given significant dedication in their first or second year.
Don Tosh has quickly become a valued member of the park community since beginning his volunteer service in early 2025. A dedicated tour guide with many years of experience at Gettysburg Battlefield, Don brings a deep knowledge of history and a palpable enthusiasm that connects visitors more deeply with our site.
He regularly supports both tour guiding and Visitor Services on Saturdays by assisting guests, answering questions, and helping to ensure a welcoming and enjoyable experience for the thousands of visitors who come to the park each year. His work in creating a positive first impression extends to some of our special events as well, by leading some of our popular Lantern Tours and greeting attendees at the Christmas Crossing.
Always willing to assist where needed, Don has become a reliable presence across park operations. His expertise, enthusiasm, and commitment to sharing history make him an exceptional guide and a standout Rising Star.
It’s an honor and a privilege to spend time at such a historically important site as Washington Crossing Historic Park and share the story of the crucial event that happened here with people not only from this country, but from around the world. Two hundred and fifty years after the crossing, the story is still being told!
Outstanding Leadership – Debra Mayes
The Outstanding Leadership award is given to someone who has shown particular dedication and leadership at an event, program, or project.
Debra Mayes is a dedicated member of the Washington Crossing Fife & Drum Corps who brings both musical talent and leadership to the program. An accomplished musician with many years of experience playing the flute, Debra quickly picked up the fife and became an essential part of the corps and its outreach efforts.
She supports the park through both on-site events and outreach performances, helping to share the story of the American Revolution through music. Behind the scenes, Debra works closely with the Fife & Drum Director to transcribe music and, alongside her husband, records and edits rehearsal sessions- providing valuable tools that help the corps refine and strengthen their performance.
In 2025, Debra also contributed extensive behind-the-scenes support, including compiling a comprehensive source list for corps materials. Her leadership within the corps strengthens the program and helps bring this powerful tradition to life for our visitors.
Outstanding Long-Term Service – Ron Rinaldi
The Outstanding Long-Term Service award is presented to a person, couple, or organization who has been with the park for at least seven years.
Ron Rinaldi is a dedicated reenactor and a familiar presence at Washington Crossing Historic Park, having participated in the Crossing reenactment for an extraordinary 50 consecutive years. A regular at park events, Ron’s long-standing commitment reflects a deep passion for sharing the story of the American Revolution with visitors and the broader community.
Over the years, Ron has taken on many roles, including portraying General George Washington. Today, he continues to represent that legacy through outreach efforts, bringing history to life beyond the site and connecting new audiences to this pivotal moment in our nation’s story.
For Ron, this work is also deeply personal. His son is now a member of a reenactor company, and together they represent the continuation of a family tradition rooted in service, storytelling, and historical interpretation. Through his dedication, Ron is helping to steward the next generation, ensuring that his passion for living history continues to inspire others for years to come.
St. John Terrell’s invitation to join him on Christmas 1976 as a soldier, when he was interviewed by my mother Ann Rinaldi in February 1976, was how I started. Then during the summers of 1977, 1978, and 1979 I volunteered as a docent at the park, dressed as a soldier and interacting with park visitors as they walked through the park discussing at length the crossing and the Revolutionary War. I learned my history during those summers.
And that’s how it started. I also worked at the Old Barracks during those years and then at Valley Forge in the summers of 1982 and 1983. So, as a tour guide/docent I learned the art of the craft at the park in those early years.
Of course 50 years later, I look back at how I portrayed a soldier for many years, General Washington, and now General Greene over those 50 Christmases. My first son, Ronnie, was a drummer at the annual crossing from 2004-2017. My second son, James, currently reenacts with me as a soldier, having started at the crossing in 2011. We both belong to a reenactment group, Outwater’s Militia. My daughter, Nicole, also got dressed for a couple of years and now wants to join the rowing crew.
The Christmas Crossing at the park is a family tradition which is important to me in so many ways. I feel I was able in 1976, and still am able today, to carry on St. John Terrell’s wish to involve the younger generation in our history. My mother and father also took part in reenacting the crossing for many years, and now my children have experienced the history of our country.