Celebrate George Washington’s 287th Birthday
Bring the whole family to help us celebrate George Washington’s 287th birthday on Sunday, February 17, from 10 AM to 2 PM at Washington Crossing Historic Park. At 2 PM, we’ll sing “Happy Birthday” to General Washington and enjoy a cake from Newtown’s “The Caketeria” that he’ll cut with his sword. Kids are encouraged to bring homemade birthday cards to present to General Washington. Thanks to the support of The Philadelphia Contributionship, admission to the birthday party is free for the first time. “I never cease to be amazed at the excitement of the children, how they admire George Washington, and the creativity Read More
Park Interpreter’s Book Reframes Revolutionary War
Before Washington Crossing Historic Park historical interpreter David Price retired from his full-time position in the New Jersey state government several years ago, he’d occasionally stroll along the Assunpink Creek outside his Trenton office. From the small bridge that spans the narrow stream, he’d look down and marvel at the fact that it was once all that stood between two armies. The more Price read up on the Battle of Assunpink Creek, the more he came to consider it to be an unappreciated but pivotal turning point of the American Revolution. That idea became the thesis of his new book, Read More
Looking to the year ahead
George Washington and his troops once again successfully crossed the Delaware on December 9 during our First Crossing, continuing a long tradition enjoyed by generations. The annual reenactments commemorate the courage of Washington’s valiant troops and the sacrifices they made for the freedoms Americans enjoy today. Although high river levels prevented us from crossing on Christmas Day, the many visitors who attended enjoyed hearing General Washington’s speech and interacting with our many reenactors. We thank all of the reenactors and support staff who made this year’s two reenactments possible. These individuals are volunteers, some of whom have given decades of service to the reenactment. Without Read More
The Story of the Statue
You’ve probably driven past the corner of River Road and Route 532 in Washington Crossing and spotted an almost life-size sculpture depicting Washington’s crossing of the Delaware River. Have you ever wondered why it’s there? Contrary to what many believe, the statue is not owned or maintained by the park. Here’s the full story. In 1974, as the United States approached its bicentennial, a Chamber of Commerce official named Merle Edington in Bedford, Indiana, wanted to present the American people with a gift from the citizens of Bedford in celebration of our nation’s heritage. He envisioned depicting an important event Read More
Breaking Bread with a Historical Baker
No matter how early you arrive at Washington Crossing Historic Park for the First Crossing on December 9, you’ll probably start your day much later than historical baker Justin Cherry. That’s because Justin, a professional cook who runs Half Crown Bakehouse in Charleston, S.C., will be getting his baking started early in the morning. Before reenactors and the public arrive at 10 AM, he needs to get a fire going in his mobile clay oven, which was built last year based on descriptions of an oven in Georgia in the 1730s. Then it’s time to get the bread started. Colonial-Era Read More
Winter Weather Tests Reenactor Marjory Wienkop
With at least 25 years of crossings behind her, Marjory Wienkop will be among the longest-standing participants at the Christmas crossing reenactment at Washington Crossing Historic Park. She got her start as an artillery soldier, but for most of the years she’s participated, Marjory has portrayed a captain. When she reflects on her memories of the crossings, it’s populated with the countless people she’s met, fellow reenactors and guest dignitaries alike. Having led so many crews across the Delaware, the weather tends to shape her most vivid recollections. “A lot of my memories tend to revolve around the weather,” she Read More
Reenactor Ronald Rinaldi Stood at Washington’s Side—And in His Shoes
Ronald Rinaldi, PhD, remembers the 1977 crossing like it was yesterday. Then a 15-year-old reenactor, Ronald was participating in his second Christmas Day reenactment at Washington Crossing Historic Park (his first was the bicentennial). He sat by a campfire watching the other reenactors prepare to cross the Delaware River when he felt a tap on the shoulder. It was St. John Terrell, the reenactment’s founder. “Come with me,” he was told. Terrell, in his final crossing, wanted Ronald right next to him in the boat. It was a day Ronald will never forget. So much so that 30 years later, Read More
Students Produce Award-Winning Documentary on Ten Crucial Days
While you’re attending the First Crossing on December 9, be sure to stop into the Visitor Center to catch a screening of The 10-Day Stand that Defined a Free Country. This 10-minute film will be shown on the hour from 11 AM to 3 PM at the Visitor Center. John Weaver and Arjun Agarwal (pictured) produced The 10-Day Stand for National History Day in 2017 when they were eighth-graders at Lawrence Middle School in Lawrenceville, NJ. “Each year, I would have students conduct an in-depth research project modeled on the National History Day format,” says Priscilla Taylor, who taught Agarwal and Weaver through the school’s Read More