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
Gift Suggestions for the Colonial Lover in Your Life
Washington Crossing Historic Park’s gift shop is chock full of items that commemorate both the events that took place here in 1776 as well as Colonial America more broadly. From serious to lighthearted, there is something for everyone. Here are a few of the gift shop’s most popular items, all of which are available for purchase at WashingtonCrossingPark.org/shop. Stuffed Felt Ornaments Add a Colonial touch to your Christmas tree with one or all of these stuffed felt ornaments. Imported from England (how ironic!), these ornaments depict George Washington, Martha Washington, a Colonial fifer, a Colonial drummer, and Nelson Read More
December Lecture Spotlights Lesser-Known Crossing Participants
George Washington, John Glover, Henry Knox, James Monroe – are all well-known participants in the 1776 Christmas night crossing of the Delaware River. But who were the other 2,396 people who comprised Washington’s army at the time? Washington Crossing Historic Park curator Kimberly McCarty will introduce guests to a handful of these lesser-known figures during her December 4 lecture, titled “Who Was Here?” The 7 p.m. lecture is free and will be offered in-person and on Zoom. Registration for both in-person and virtual attendance is required on the DCNR website (click here to register). McCarty’s lecture will explore the lives Read More
High School Fifer Expands Musical Horizons
While high school senior Calvin Deifer was already a multi-instrument musician, joining the Washington Crossing Historic Park Fife and Drums Corps presented a new challenge. He shares how his experience as a volunteer has expanded his musical skills and created a connection with the community. “I’ve always had an interest in history and music, so I decided to bring the two together by joining a historical music group. My mom showed me a flier for the Washington Crossing Historic Park Fife and Drum Corps about a year ago and I thought that would be a great way to expand Read More
Park Historical Interpreter Shines Light on Lesser-Known Rev War Battle
Everyone knows about George Washington’s crossing of the Delaware River and subsequent victory in Trenton, but less well known is the Battle of Harlem Heights, which took place in September 1776 on upper Manhattan Island. Now, new light is now being shone on this important battle thanks to David Price, a historical interpreter at Washington Crossing Historic Park. Price’s new book, The Battle of Harlem Heights, 1776, will be released in December and will be available in the park’s gift shop or for pre-order online. “The Battle of Harlem Heights is an underappreciated milestone in American military history,” Price Read More
Washington Crossing Streets Inspire Student to Write a Book About Their Namesakes
Ankita Achanta’s father began driving her to violin lessons when she was three years old. Her teacher lived near Washington Crossing Historic Park and young Ankita took notice of the unique names on the street signs they passed. They piqued her curiosity. “I saw General Mercer Avenue, General Knox Road and others, and I wondered who these people were,” says Ankita, who is now a senior at George School in Newtown. “When I was in fourth grade there was a book writing competition through the Southampton Library, so I decided to investigate this curiosity of mine and write a book Read More
How George Washington Became a Leader
Written by Thomas Maddock, a historical interpreter at Washington Crossing Historic Park. Leadership is a complex topic because there are so many variables to becoming a leader. My definition of a leader is: “a person who others choose to follow.” Why we choose to follow involves many issues. Paramount among these qualities are: ambition, vision, courage, conviction, belief in one’s self, perseverance, honesty, dedication, and a deep belief in the cause. George Washington’s many accomplishments were very important to the birth of our nation, but the interesting part is the obstacles he had to overcome. He was born into an Read More
Connecting With History as a Park Volunteer
Living in Washington Crossing means having history right in your backyard. Gift Shop Volunteer Marilyn Konicky shares how volunteering at the park has helped her connect with the past. “I’ve lived in Washington Crossing for 25 years and when I retired in 2019, I knew I wanted to be involved in volunteering, particularly at the park. I’ve always enjoyed history and as I’ve gotten older, I’ve become even more interested in the history of our country. I joined the Washington Crossing Daughters of the American Revolution in 2015 and learned so much about the huge encampment in Washington Crossing. Read More
