<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=4PCSGw_1GtPYYsM00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4PCSGw_1GtPYYsM00" width="1400" height="933" ><figcaption>Photos by Brian Wagner of B Wags Photography</figcaption></figure>On Christmas Night 1776, Gen. George Washington led approximately 2,400 troops across the Delaware River through sleet and snow to launch a surprise attack at Trenton the following morning. Two hundred and fifty years later, visitors are invited to gather where that extraordinary mission began. Friends of Washington Crossing Park will commemorate the 250th anniversary of Washington’s famous crossing with two reenactments at Washington Crossing Historic Park in Bucks County, Pa., on Sunday, Dec. 13, and Friday, Dec. 25.Advance registration is required for both events in 2026, including the free Christmas Crossing. With significantly higher attendance anticipated for the 250th anniversary, attendance will be capped, and visitors are encouraged to reserve their places early. Tickets will be available at the door only if the event has not sold out.First Crossing Reenactment on Sunday, Dec. 13<img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=27u6eq_1GtPYYsM00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=27u6eq_1GtPYYsM00" width="700" height="1050" >The First Crossing Reenactment takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with the river crossing scheduled for approximately 1 p.m. Throughout the Historic Village, visitors can watch mounted militia portrayed by the 4th Light Dragoons, smell and taste bread baked using 18th-century methods by Justin Cherry of Half Crown Bakehouse, and see blacksmith Daniel Lapidow at work. Children can participate in military drills, while families can explore a followers’ encampment and enjoy fife and drum performances, artillery firings, and musket demonstrations. Food vendors will also be on site.<img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1Af2Pk_1GtPYYsM00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1Af2Pk_1GtPYYsM00" width="1400" height="933" >Additional programming includes officers’ quarters in Frye House, a flying hospital and nurses’ station in Hibbs House, and laundry and sutlery demonstrations. Visitors can learn about the contributions of Black soldiers and Pacific Islanders to the American Revolution and the role of the Marblehead mariners in Washington’s crossing. At the Visitor Center, guests can explore a printing press, join a ladies’ tea or “Coffee with a Colonial,” and attend a book signing with David Price. Auditorium programs include a lecture and Q&amp;A with historian Larry Kidder, presentations on Emanuel Leutze’s Washington Crossing the Delaware, and screenings of the park’s new introductory film.Friends of Washington Crossing Park is honored to welcome Sergeant Major of the Army Michael R. Weimer as narrator for the First Crossing. Weimer became the 17th Sergeant Major of the Army in August 2023 after more than 30 years of military service. A Green Beret who previously served as Command Sergeant Major of U.S. Army Special Operations Command, his military honors include six Bronze Star Medals, three with valor devices, and two Purple Hearts.Admission is free for children under age 5, $6 for children ages 5–11, and $10 for adults. A family rate of $30 covers two children under 18 and two adults. Proceeds from the First Crossing help keep the Christmas Crossing free for the public and support the park’s educational programming. Registration is required.Christmas Crossing Reenactment on Friday, Dec. 25<img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=26v1eU_1GtPYYsM00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=26v1eU_1GtPYYsM00" width="1400" height="933" >The 74th Annual Christmas Crossing Reenactment takes place from noon to 3 p.m., with the river crossing scheduled for approximately 1 p.m. Several hundred reenactors in Continental military dress will gather along the Delaware River, hear Gen. George Washington address the troops, and prepare to board replica Durham boats for the journey into New Jersey.Admission remains free, but advance registration is required for this anniversary year. Visitors should reserve their places early, as attendance is capped.Follow the Campaign Beyond the CrossingWashington’s Crossing began the Ten Crucial Days campaign, during which victories at Trenton and Princeton renewed hope for American independence. Visitors who want to follow the campaign beyond the riverbank can join the Traversing the Ten Crucial Days Bus Tour, led by historical interpreters Roger Williams and Larry Kidder. Beginning and ending at Washington Crossing, Pa. the tour traces the military engagements at Trenton, Princeton, and the communities between them, exploring how terrain, weather, and the experiences of local residents shaped the campaign.Public tours are scheduled for Dec. 18, 2026, and Jan. 2, 15, and 30, 2027. The cost is $165 per person and includes bus transportation, a boxed lunch, and donations to participating historic organizations. Separate advance registration is required.<img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1qzulr_1GtPYYsM00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1qzulr_1GtPYYsM00" width="1400" height="787" >Community Support for a Historic AnniversaryThe December reenactments cap a year of Semiquincentennial programming and improvements at Washington Crossing Historic Park. Through its 250th Anniversary Fund, Friends of Washington Crossing Park has supported preservation projects, educational programming, and new visitor experiences that help share the story of the Crossing with future generations. The Friends is grateful to the donors, members, and partners whose support helps make this work possible.Among these initiatives is the Durham Boat Project, a collaboration with the Independence Seaport Museum to construct a full-scale, 40-foot replica of the vessels used by Washington’s army. Visitors attending either the First Crossing Reenactment or the Christmas Crossing Reenactment will be able to climb aboard the new boat and explore the story of the Crossing through a hands-on experience. A temporary accessible ramp will provide wheelchair access during both events, ahead of the permanent ramp’s installation in 2027.Plan Your VisitWashington Crossing Historic Park is located at 1112 River Road, Washington Crossing, Pa. 18977, at the intersection of Routes 532 and 32. Visitors should review the event webpage before traveling for parking, traffic, transportation, recommended arrival times, and weather updates. Registered participants will receive event updates through the online ticketing platform.River crossings are contingent upon safe weather and river conditions. If park organizers know the boats cannot cross, an update will be posted on the event webpage by 8 a.m. on the event date. Conditions may remain uncertain into the morning, and organizers will continue evaluating whether a safe crossing is possible. If the boats cannot cross, ceremonies, speeches, living history demonstrations, and other commemorative programming will still take place.<img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0YTfnj_1GtPYYsM00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0YTfnj_1GtPYYsM00" width="1400" height="933" >Individuals with disabilities who need assistance or accommodations should contact the Visitor Center at 215-493-4076 or info@washingtoncrossingpark.org. Members of the Friends of Washington Crossing Park receive access to a heated members-only tent with refreshments at both events. Members at the $500 level and above also receive VIP viewing area access and VIP parking. Details about member benefits and access will be emailed directly to members before the events.For registration, complete event details, and updates, visit WashingtonCrossingPark.org/cross-with-us.About Friends of Washington Crossing Park: The Friends of Washington Crossing Park shares the powerful story of Gen. George Washington’s daring crossing of the Delaware River on Christmas Night 1776 and interprets its ongoing impact on world history for both today’s citizens and future generations. Through the fundraising and the generous support of our donors and members, we are able to maintain and sustain this significant historic site and welcome thousands of schoolchildren, families, individuals and groups every year. In partnership with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Friends offer guided interpretive tours and educational programming in the park. The group also holds a number of annual events, several fundraisers and more. Visit washingtoncrossingpark.org to learn more.</div></body>

Block Source: jerseysbest.com

Misinformation

Clickbait

Old or repetitive news

Explicit content

Location not relevant

On Christmas Night 1776, Gen. George Washington led approximately 2,400 troops across the Delaware River through sleet and snow to launch a surprise attack at Trenton the following morning. Two hundred and fifty years later, visitors are invited to gather where that extraordinary mission began. Friends of Washington Crossing Park will commemorate the 250th anniversary of Washington’s famous crossing with two reenactments at Washington Crossing Historic Park in Bucks County, Pa., on Sunday, Dec. 13, and Friday, Dec. 25.

Thousands expected for 250th anniversary Washington Crossing reenactments

NewsBreak

On Christmas Night 1776, Gen. George Washington led approximately 2,400 troops across the Delaware River through sleet and snow to launch a surprise attack

Thousands expected for 250th anniversary Washington Crossing reenactments

Comments