'Celebrate America' Grant Awarded To Friends Of Washington Crossing

WASHINGTON CROSSING, PA ? The Friends of Washington Crossing Park have been awarded a $25,000 Celebrate America! Public Impact Project grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH).

Funding will support expanded living history programming throughout 2026, in celebration of the 250th anniversary of George Washington?s daring crossing of the Delaware River and ensuring that visitors experience the pivotal Revolutionary War story through a wide range of perspectives.

Program enhancements will include immersive, first-person interpretation at the Thompson-Neely House and the Lower Park Village during free monthly living history programs, Washington?s Birthday celebration, Independence Day celebration, the Evening Encampment, and the annual crossing reenactments. These research-based portrayals will bring greater depth and authenticity to the visitor experience during the once-in-a-lifetime commemoration year.

NEH funding will specifically support historical interpreters, authentic clothing and equipment, and training to ensure accurate portrayals, while also allowing FWCP to continue working with experienced history consultants who will help refine and expand interpretive content. The educational resources, training, and material culture supported by the grant will also enhance FWCP?s Colonial Days field trip programs, which serve more than 10,000 students and their chaperones annually.

?The 250th anniversary of Washington?s crossing is a milestone that invites all of us to reflect on the courage, sacrifice, and determination that shaped our nation?s founding,? said Jennifer Martin, Executive Director of Friends of Washington Crossing Park. ?In preparing the Park for this important anniversary, we are utilizing it as a community center. By bringing people together and witnessing history come alive, they can feel connected to the stories that shaped our young nation. Thanks to the support of the National Endowment for the Humanities, we can expand our living history programs, elevate new voices and perspectives, and celebrate with as many visitors as possible by sharing the powerful story of Washington?s daring crossing of the Delaware.?

Living history programs funded by the grant will take place throughout 2026, with monthly programs from April to September, expanded fall programming, and culminating in the nationally recognized Christmas Day crossing reenactment.

"The Friends of Washington Crossing Park are deeply grateful to NEH for investing in this project and for recognizing the importance of sharing this pivotal story with a new generation," said Martin. "As they look ahead to 2026, the Friends remain committed to enhancing the visitor experience and ensuring that the park shines as a place of inspiration, reflection, and learning during America?s 250th anniversary."

Visit www.washingtoncrossingpark.org to learn more.