Robert Morris and the Miracle of Logistics
By Colin Zimmerman, Military Historian, Friends of Washington Crossing Park All too often when we reflect on the Delaware River Crossing and surprise attack on Trenton, our minds naturally drift toward images of General George Washington and his tired, cold, and ragged Continental soldiers struggling with determination through bone-chilling wind, an ice-choked river, and a penetrating wetness produced by a nor-easter. While certainly this imagery demands center stage of the drama that unfolded, there are other figures and events which played a critical role in precipitating and propelling the operation. One of these essential individuals was Mr. Robert Morris, known Read More
Review of the “The Battle of Harlem Heights, 1776”
By Thomas Maddock II Historical Interpreter, Washington Crossing Historic Park In any long-term military conflict, there are many events that go unreported but have a very important impact on the eventual outcome. David Price’s fourth book, “The Battle of Harlem Heights, 1776,” gives us a thorough and informative account of this small but vital engagement. It took place on September 16, 1776 and was one of several encounters with the British and Hessians fought during the New York campaign. The Continental Army and its militia support units had been thoroughly defeated earlier at the Battle of Long Island and were Read More
Staff Spotlight: Katherine Heugatter
Two coincidences led Katherine Heugatter to Washington Crossing Historic Park. “I had recently moved to the area and was driving on River Road when I saw a ton of cars and wondered what was happening,” she says. “It turned out to be the First Crossing reenactment. Around the same time, a man in my yoga class said he had to work on Christmas Day because he was the Volunteer Coordinator at the park.” Both coincidences caught Katherine’s attention since she had spent most of her career working in museums and holds degrees in history and museum studies. She soon Read More
Staff Spotlight: Mike Kuzar
While deployed in Iraq with the Pennsylvania National Guard, Park Manager Mike Kuzar reflected on special aspects of his home state. “I realized how much I missed the natural beauty of Pennsylvania, going on hikes, bike rides, and walking my dog through its parks,” he says. “We’re lucky to have a state park within 25 miles of every resident in Pennsylvania.” Following his military service, Mike enrolled in a park management program at Slippery Rock University. This led him to gain valuable exposure to varied park locations across the U.S. through internships and summer work experiences. After college, he Read More
Staff Spotlight: Colin Zimmerman
Colin Zimmerman is the Military Historian for the Friends of Washington Crossing Park, but before he started that job he was a familiar face around the park. “I worked here from 2016 to 2018 as an historical interpreter, and I’m thrilled to be back in this new role,” Zimmerman says. “History started out as an interest for me, then turned into a hobby, and eventually became a passion. To me, history is the most fascinating thing in the world and this park is a national treasure.” Zimmerman is currently completing his doctoral degree in American History, with a focus Read More
Military Historian Joins Friends’ Staff
Colin Zimmerman recently started a new job as a Military Historian for the Friends of Washington Crossing Park, but he’s a familiar face around the park. “I worked here from 2016 to 2018 as an historical interpreter, and I’m thrilled to be back in this newly created role,” Zimmerman says. “History started out as an interest for me, then turned into a hobby, and eventually became a passion. To me, history is the most fascinating thing in the world and this park is a national treasure.” Zimmerman is currently in the final year of completing his doctoral degree Read More
Restoration Project Celebrated with Ribbon Cutting
Fans of the park have been closely following the progress of the $8.7 million Capital Project to preserve 17 historic buildings and structures throughout the park. The year-and-a-half-long undertaking is now 99% complete and in mid-December the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the PA Department of General Services held a ribbon cutting to celebrate. The rehabilitation included the refurbishment of historically accurate roofs and new windows, plastering and painting exteriors, and internal plumbing and electrical work. The project also included renovating and reopening restrooms near the Washington Pavilion and Thompson-Neely House and repaving the road to Read More
John Cadwalader Challenge Coin Now Available
Washington Crossing Historic Park’s 2022 Challenge Coin is now available in the gift shop or in our online store. This year’s coin features Colonel John Cadwalader, a senior officer of the Philadelphia Association – a volunteer militia founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1747. Each year through 2026, the park will release a new challenge coin to commemorate the lead-up to the 250th anniversary of Washington’s crossing. Each coin features an important figure from the crossing on one side and a rendition of the famous Leutze painting on the other. Each year features a different person. Cost is $17.76 + shipping. Read More
