Friends Launch Appeal In Support Of Crossing Reenactment

UPPER MAKEFIELD, PA — The Friends of Washington Crossing have announced its annual Crossing Appeal to fund the annual Crossing of the Delaware River and to enhanced programming leading up to America's 250th anniversary in 2026.

"The Friends’ Board and I ask that you thoughtfully consider making a tax-deductible gift to help us continue to commemorate and present this important event in American history," said John Godzieba, the president of the Friends organization and George Washington reenactor.

"This year, thanks to generous contributions from the Gene and Marlene Epstein Humanitarian Fund and the Friends of Washington Crossing Park Board of Directors, all contributions made in December up to $20,000 will receive a dollar for dollar match."

Money rasied, said Godzieba, will support the staging of the Crossing. Donations will also support the park's preparation for the nation's 250th birthday.

"America’s 250th birthday will be here before we know it and with your support we can ensure that it will be an unforgettable celebration," said Godzieba.

The past year brought exciting news to the park.

In May,the park was awarded two major federal grants from the U.S. National Park Service. The first was to hire a researcher to identify the important contributions by people of color during the American Revolution. The second was to complete total interior restoration of McConkey's Ferry Inn, where Washington held his Council of War the night before the crossing event.

George Washington (portrayed by John Godzieba) discusses last minute preparations for the Crossing on the banks of the Delaware River.

"This funding will go a long way towards preparing us to welcome the influx of visitors that have already begun coming to the park in anticipation of the Semiquincentennial anniversary," said Godzieba.

With the public's continued support, Godzieba said the Friends have been able to:

• Host 10,000 students for its Colonial Days Field Trips.
• Receive visitors from all over the country for its annual Ten Crucial Days Bus Tour.
• Hire a new full time military historian, Colin Zimmerman.
• Re-launch guided Fall Lantern Tours, which sold out in just two days.
• Produce a record-breaking Rebels & Redcoats Car Show with more cars and visitors than ever.
• Welcome a new sheep, Inky, to the Thompson-Neely Farmstead.
• Reestablish the spring Hibbs House Kitchen Garden.
• Revive the ‘76 Seconds of History video series in partnership with the Americana Corner Grant Program.
• Add a Juneteenth Celebration to educate visitors about the important contribution of Black soldiers during the American Revolution.
• Invest in its membership program by offering new members only programs and events, such as our September Ten Crucial Days Bus Tour and November Lantern Tour.
• Present our annual lecture series featuring award winning scholars and well known historians, such as Carrie Fellows, in partnership with the David Center for the American Revolution and the Mercer Museum.

Several upgrades have also been planned for this year's crossing event, including new demonstrations of 18th century military life and a newly established partnership with “On the Army’s Strength," which will allow the Friends to showcase the important contributions of women who served as camp followers during the American Revolution.

For more information and to contribute to the appeal, click here.