2 Chances To Watch Washington Cross The Delaware In Bucks

UPPER MAKEFIELD, PA — The public will have a chance to witness a key turning point in the American Revolution when the Friends of Washington Crossing reenact Washington's famous crossing of the Delaware River this month.

There will be two opportunities to watch the Crossing unfold: the First Crossing on Sunday, December 14, and the Christmas Day Crossing on Thursday, December 25.

Both events will feature hundreds of reenactors in full Continental Army dress, bringing the 18th century to life with military drills, fife and drum music, and the dramatic river crossing in replica Durham boats.

Funding for the event is being provided by America250PA’s Semiquincentennial Grant Program.

The First Crossing takes place on Sunday, December 14, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with the actual crossing for taking place at 1 p.m. Tickets are $9 for adults, $5 for children ages 5 to 11, free for children under 5, and $25 for families (two adults and two children).

The First Crossing is a full-day event that will offer visitors a wide range of immersive 18th-century experiences beyond the historical reenactment, including watching militia on horseback, meeting Gen. Washington and his guard as they tour the village, watching reenactors row across the Delaware, experiencing live cannon fire, exploring an encampment, tasting period bread being baked at the Half Crown Bakehouse, watching blacksmiths demonstrate their crafts and joining the officers' wives for tea and conversation.

Narrating the pagantry will be Tom Hand, the founder of Americana Corner and the author of two books on the American Revolution: "An American Triumph: America's Founding Era Through The Lives of Ben Franklin, George Washington, and John Adams" and "America Victorious: Lesser- Known Campaigns and Commanders That Helped Win American Independence.

Washington uses a spyglass to view the New Jersey side of the Delaware. (Jeff Wermer/Patch)

Washington discusses strategy with his officers. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

A graduate of the United States Military Academy West Point and a member of the Board of Trustees for the American Battlefield Trust, Hand is dedicated to preserving and sharing America’s founding story through education and public history initiatives.

He will be signing copies of his book between 10 and 11 a.m. and again from 11:30 a.m. to noon. In between the two signings, he will be making a presentation.

Members of the Friends of Washington Crossing Park will receive access to a heated members-only tent, with refreshments provided by OnePoint BFG Wealth Partners. Tickets can be purchased in advance at WashingtonCrossingPark.org/cross-with-us. Proceeds from Sunday's event support educational programming and ensure that the Christmas Crossing remains free.

The Christmas Crossing takes place on Thursday, Dec. 25, from 12 to 3 p.m. with the actual crossing at 1 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

The traditional Christmas Crossing commemorates Washington’s bold move across the Delaware on the night of December 25, 1776. Visitors are encouraged to arrive by 11:30 a.m. to secure the best view of the riverbank ceremony, which includes military processions, fife and drum performances, and an inspiring speech from General Washington himself.

Admission is free on Christmas Day thanks to proceeds from the First Crossing and contributions from many generous donors.

McCaffrey’s Food Market will provide refreshments in a heated tent for Members of the Friends. Parking is free and clearly marked. Individuals with disabilities who need assistance or accommodations should contact the Visitor Center at 215-493-4076.

River crossings are contingent upon safe river conditions. In the event of unsafe weather, which does not allow for the crossing to occur, ceremonies, speeches and living history demonstrations will still take place.

The Crossing is part of the Ten Crucial Days, a pivotal campaign from December 25, 1776, through January 3, 1777, during which Washington’s army achieved three critical victories at Trenton and Princeton that changed the course of the Revolutionary War.

For a complete list of partner events, including the Old Barracks Museum’s Patriots Week in Trenton (Dec. 26 to 31) and the Princeton Battlefield Society’s reenactment (January 4), visit
www.WashingtonCrossingPark.org .

.