“I desire you would Remember the Ladies, and be more generous and favourable to them than your ancestors…” The Importance of Unheard Voices During the American Revolution
The vivid memories of my childhood, filled with grass-stained petticoats and the adventurous construction of hay bale forts, are treasures I will cherish for the rest of my life. I will never forget the rich, earthy scent of camp, mingled with the smoke from the fire, a fragrance woven into the very fabric of my being. In between the endless kitchen campfires, the dining fly was filled with the sighs and complaints of my mother and adopted aunts, each expressing the same frustration; while the men enjoyed their lively games of war, the women were left to toil over Read More
Honoring Unsung Revolutionary Civilians: Samantha Allison Leads New Educational Programs
In preparation for the park’s 250th anniversary in 2026, the Friends of Washington Crossing Park is excited to welcome Samantha Allison as its Civilian Programs Coordinator. In this role, she will develop and oversee educational programs that highlight the essential contributions of non-combatants during the American Revolution. Through her work, Samantha will bring to life the diverse stories of civilians who supported the fight for independence beyond the battlefield, helping visitors connect more deeply with their experiences. Samantha Allison is an independent researcher and historical interpreter with over 30 years of experience in reenacting. She is dedicated to uncovering Read More
Revitalization of Our Beloved Cannon in Preparation for the Crossing
We are thrilled to share the incredible dedication and teamwork that went into restoring a cherished park artifact—one of our cannons. Thanks to the combined efforts of our amazing staff, and volunteers, the cannon is now ready to stand tall for this year’s reenactment of the First Crossing on December 8, 2024! This labor of love began with the dismantling of the cannon, with each piece carefully taken apart. From there, the team moved to cleaning and sanding the weathered surfaces, removing years of wear, and preparing it for a fresh coat of historically accurate paint. New hardware was installed Read More
The Genius of Emanuel Leutze
Washington Crossing the Delaware by Emanuel Gottlieb Leutze (pronounced “loit-seh,” 1816-1868) is America’s best-known historical painting and one of the best-known works of art in history. Here are some facts about the painter and his artistry that may be of interest to you: — Leutze was born in Germany but came to America with his family in 1825. They settled in Philadelphia, but after his father’s death in 1831 the youth had to work to support his mother and sister, which he did by selling his portraiture. Recognizing Leutze’s talent, several wealthy benefactors elected to subsidize his artistic education by Read More
The Interns Who Shaped Summer 2024
This summer, Washington Crossing Historic Park (WCHP) had the privilege of welcoming three dedicated interns who contributed significantly to our interpretive and educational efforts. These interns immersed themselves in a variety of tasks, from assisting with program implementation and conducting research to working on projects behind-the-scenes. Read on to learn more about Mark, Tyler, Lorenzo, and Ashton’s unique contributions to the park. Mark D’Angelo Mark D’Angelo joined us from Delaware Valley University with an insatiable curiosity for all things history. Balancing his internship with summer courses at DelVal, Mark demonstrated a remarkable commitment to expanding his historical knowledge and Read More
Staff Spotlight: Michelle Flanagan
Michelle Flanagan’s appreciation for history began with her family. Her son attended an elementary school that is believed to be the only educational institution that stands on grounds where a historic battle was fought during the Revolutionary War. Every year the staff and students dress in colonial attire and pay tribute to the heroes who fought and died for our freedom. One winter day, her family was taking a drive when they suddenly stumbled upon George Washington’s Birthday Celebration at Washington Crossing Historic Park. She said, “I had no clue it was happening and so much was going on! Read More
History and Beauty at London Purchase Farm
Click the image below to view the full gallery. One would be hard pressed to find a property that exceeds London Purchase Farm in beauty and history! Certainly there are other beautiful historic properties, but London Purchase Farm’s direct connection with the Revolutionary War and the fateful crossing of the Delaware River in the winter of 1776, makes this property unique. London Purchase Farm recently served as the backdrop for a photo shoot as George Washington, Henry Knox and Alexander Hamilton visited the property. As the junior officer, Alexander Hamilton was appropriately the one to knock on the door. A Read More
Albigence Waldo: Surgeon, Soldier, Diarist, Poet
Originally published on Journal of the American Revolution and JAR Podcast Dispatches E259. Albigence Waldo was a man of various talents but, in a Revolutionary context, is best known for the diary he kept before and during the Valley Forge encampment in the winter of 1777-1778. This article reflects the value of that work while also seeking to convey an appreciation of his life and accomplishments, as well as placing his commentary on camp life within the context of the impressions reported by those who were there. Before Valley Forge Albigence Waldo was born on February 27, 1750, in Pomfret, Connecticut, the Read More
