America250PA Awards Grant To The Friends Of Washington Crossing

UPPER MAKEFIELD, PA — In its first round of Semiquincentennial grants, Amercia250PA has awarded $20,000 to the Friends of Washington Crossing Park for its 2025 and 2026 reenactment of Washington Crossing the Delaware.

The funding will enable Washington Crossing Historic Park to enhance the 2025 and 2026 Delaware River crossing reenactment, including expanded living history programming to ensure a world-class interpretive experience during the nation's 250th birthday in 2026.

The grant will provide resources for reenactor compensation and training, historical interpreters, upgraded sound systems, improved visitor amenities, period-accurate clothing and equipment, and enhanced event marketing.

“We are thrilled to contribute to Pennsylvania’s celebration of the 250th anniversary of our country by enhancing our signature event in both 2025 and 2026," said Jennifer Martin, executive director of the Friends of Washington Crossing Park, of the grant. "This enhancement will help us engage more of our community in this once-in-a-lifetime celebration."

She added, "With this grant, we’ll elevate the visitor experience and bring a more immersive, historically accurate story to life. By enhancing our programming, we can ensure the significance of Washington’s crossing continues to resonate with future generations”.

"America250PA hopes to engage Pennsylvanians, from all of our 67 counties, to participate in creating a statewide celebration and bringing the Commonwealth's history into the conversation,"

said Cassandra Coleman, Executive Director of America250PA. "We strive to connect neighbors through the stories of our past, fostering pride in our shared journey and hope for our future."

She added, "By embracing inclusivity and encouraging dialogue, we can strengthen the bonds that unite us. The E.P.I.C. framework — Educate, Preserve, Innovate, and Celebrate — serves as the guiding vision to honor Pennsylvania’s role in America’s story as we bring the Semiquincentennial to life.”

The mission of the Friends of Washington Crossing Park is to share the powerful story of General George Washington’s daring crossing of the Delaware River on Christmas Night 1776 and to interpret its ongoing impact on world history for both today’s citizens and future generations.

Through fundraising and the generous support of donors and members, the group maintains and sustains the historic site and welcomes 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.

The Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial (America250PA) was established by the General Assembly and Governor in 2018 to plan, encourage, develop and coordinate the commemoration of the 250th Anniversary of the founding of the United States,