General George Washington’s crossing of the Delaware River reenacted today

Thousands of people are gathering today for the 71st annual reenactment of General George Washington’s crossing of the Delaware River on the night of December 25, 1776.

During the event, several hundred reenactors in Continental military dress listen to an inspiring speech by General Washington and then row across the river in replica Durham boats.

Spectators observe from the banks of the Delaware River in Titusville, New Jersey and Washington Crossing, Pennsylvania.

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 fundraising and the generous support of our donors and members, these volunteers maintain and sustain this significant historic site and welcome 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 many annual events, including a dress rehearsal and the Christmas Day Crossing, General Washington’s birthday celebration, sheep shearing at the Thompson-Neely House, Memorial Day and Independence Day commemorations, a fall harvest day, several fundraisers, and more.

In the fall of 2009, budget cuts to the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission forced the closure of Washington Crossing Historic Park to the public. Interpretive tours of the park’s historic buildings ceased.

Bowman’s Hill Tower was shuttered and the famous reenactment of George Washington’s Christmas Day Crossing of the Delaware River – held without interruption since the 1950s – was threatened with cancellation.

Into this situation stepped a group of Bucks County citizens determined to save the Crossing. Together with others, this group mobilized the community, organized a fundraiser and successfully held the 2009 crossing.