There are two opportunities to watch the 71st Reenactment of General George Washington crossing the Delaware River: Sunday, Dec. 10, and Monday, Dec. 25, at Washington Crossing Historic Park, located at the intersection of Rts. 532 and 32 (River Road).
Washington’s daring crossing of the river on Christmas night in 1776 is a historic moment that continues to live on, as each year, thousands of patrons gather to watch the realistic reenactment. Throughout this annual event, children and adults of all ages can hear General Washington give his inspiring speech alongside passionate historic reenactors in traditional Continental military dress.
The first opportunity is on Dec. 10, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (the actual crossing is at 1 p.m.). Not only can the public see soldiers make the daring journey rowing across the Delaware River in replica Durham boats, but they can experience the Colonial Era for a day. Families can join in colonial demonstrations with reenactors, providing a full day of learning, fun and memories. Guests are invited to participate in activities with a period baker and blacksmith, as well as 18th-century sutlery, presentations on artillery, camp followers and musket firing, in addition to kids’ drills, toys, games and more.
Jason Q. Bohm, a Marine with more than 30 years of service who has commanded at every level from platoon commander to commanding general in peacetime and war, will narrate the event. He has written several articles for the Marine Corps Gazette and won various writing awards from the Marine Corps Association.
The park will also host children’s author Jenny Cote, who has a passion for making history fun for kids of all ages and speaks on creative writing to schools, universities and conferences around the world. She will share two of her novels, which contain historical fiction about the Crossing and the American Revolution.
The cost to attend the Dec. 10 Crossing is $9 for adults, $5 for children ages five to 11, free for children under five. Save with a special family package rate, which is $25 for two adults and two children. Guests can purchase tickets ahead of time at WashingtonCrossingPark.org/cross-with-us, where all proceeds will continue to support educational programs for the public about this powerful moment in American history.
The Christmas Day Crossing takes place from noon to 3 p.m. (actual Crossing is at 1 p.m.). While there is no cost to view the Christmas Day Crossing, in order to secure a good view, it’s recommended to arrive by 11:30 a.m.
River Crossings are contingent upon safe weather conditions for participants. However, even if conditions do not allow for crossing, guests can still participate in historic ceremonies, speeches and commemorative colonial-era activities.
Visit WashingtonCrossingPark.org for more information.
