Ross has been a valued member of the educational programs team at Washington Crossing Historic Park since 2016 and currently serves as our Director of Education. A passionate educator and historian, he brings a deep understanding of program development, interpretation, and hands-on learning to everything he does.
Prior to stepping into his current role, Ross served as Farmstead Manager at the Thompson-Neely Farm, where he played a key role in shaping many of the park’s signature programs. Such as our Colonial Days field trips, where he introduced new trades demonstrations such as 18th-century woodworking, natural dyeing, textiles, and maple sugaring. He also created and continues to oversee our popular Farmstead Friday’s series and serves as the lead interpretive guide for the Thompson-Neely Farmstead and Grist Mill. Ross also works closely with our Historical Horticulturist to develop and expand the park’s interpretive gardens, which he is particular passionate about having been first hired as a seasonal garden assistant.
As Director of Education, he leads the creation and enhancement of the park’s educational programming. He works closely with the Interpretive Programs Specialist, Volunteer and Educational Programs Coordinator, Historical Horticulturist, and Civilian Programs Coordinator to guide the team in aligning curriculum, enhancing field trips, expanding outreach, training volunteers, and overseeing both indoor and outdoor learning spaces—from the soldiers’ huts and officers’ quarters to the farmstead and historic gardens.
Ross is a graduate of The College of New Jersey, where he studied philosophy and environmental ethics and explored coursework in photography, biology, and botany. A lifelong lover of history, animals, gardening, and nature, Ross quickly discovered that Washington Crossing Historic Park was the perfect place to bring all his interests together. When asked about the aspect of his role he enjoys most, Ross shared, “I love sharing historic trades and traditions with park visitors. From baking bread on the hearth, to crafting hardware in the forge, to spinning thread from our sheep’s wool, these essential skills from the past really bring history alive. Seeing the curiosity and delight of visitors experiencing living history is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.”
In his free time, Ross enjoys biking, hiking, and playing hockey.