15th Anniversary Event

In 2009, budget cuts to the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission forced the closure of
Washington Crossing Historic Park to the public. Interpretive tours of historic buildings ceased.
Bowman’s Hill Tower was shuttered. And the reenactment of the Christmas Day Crossing, held without
interruption since the 1950s, was threatened with cancellation.

Fifteen years ago, a dedicated group of Bucks Country citizens refused to stand by and allow the
unthinkable to happen – a loss of access to this national treasure in our backyard. The Friends of Washington Crossing Park (FWCP) was formed as community patriots stepped forward to fill the void with needed financial support that continues today. The result -- almost 1,000,000 annual visitors to the Park, including 10,000 reenactment attendees, as well as 10,000 students participating in Colonial Days field trips and guided tours each year – sharing invaluable context for the crucial history that unfolded here.

December 25, 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of a pivotal moment in our nation’s founding: George Washington’s daring crossing of the Delaware River. This courageous act, and the military victories that followed, turned the tide of the American Revolution and changed the course of American history forever. 

The 250th anniversary of Washington’s Crossing, a once-in-a-lifetime milestone, provides the perfect opportunity to build on FWCP’s good work to date and to invest in improvements that will increase visitor engagement, making their time at this singular site more memorable. To seize this opportunity, FWCP is seeking the support of the community to bring the Park’s history to life in dynamic and meaningful ways. 

With your support, we can preserve the amazing story of our country and our shared heritage for generations to come.

The Friends of Washington Crossing Park shares the powerful story of General 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.

Celebrating 15 Years of The Friends
Join us in support of our educational mission. On Thursday, December 5 from 6 PM to 10 PM at 1601 State Road, Bensalem, PA 19020.Event Tickets Include:

• 21 Butlered hors d’oeuvres
• 3 Appetizer stations
• Seated dinner with salad and entrée
• Open bar with top shelf liquor
• Specialty cocktails
• Assorted desserts
• Music from the colonial era
• First person historical presentations
• Musket demonstrations
• Living history