Interpretive Specialist Hired By Friends of Washington Crossing Park

WASHINGTON CROSSING, PA — The Friends of Washington Crossing Park have been awarded a $51,000 grant from the Philadelphia Funder Collaborative for the Semiquincentennial.

With the funding, the Friends organization has hired a new staff member - Alex Robb - as a full-time interpretive programs specialist to assist with the design and implementation of new educational programs that will highlight the park’s unique military history as the organization prepares for the upcoming Semiquincentennial celebration in 2026.

Robb has always been interested in history, which isn't surprising since his mom is a history teacher and his grandfather used to take him to reenactments and historical sites.

In 2021, Robb graduated from The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) with a bachelor’s degree in history and education. He has been a historical reenactor for the past six years, participating in programs at Washington Crossing Historic Park on a volunteer basis.

In addition to the annual crossing reenactments, Robb has helped with the site’s annual Memorial Day Program and field trip programs. He also works with his local historical society in Hamilton Township, New Jersey as a trustee.

Much of Robb’s new role will focus on designing and expanding interpretive programs for both the general public and school students. Each year the park hosts just under 10,000 school-aged children from more than 150 local schools.

“Something I’d love to work on is bringing our programs to schools," said Robb. "There are a lot of schools that struggle with budgets and getting kids out of the classroom, so I would love to be able to bring the park to schools. I would also love to come up with programs for different age ranges and incorporate what teachers are trying to get out of their lessons.”

What makes Alex the most excited about this job is being able to share knowledge with people. “I have a degree in education and taught for a little while in a K-12 system, so I really like talking with people of all ages from different backgrounds about their interest in the Revolution. Whether it’s The Crossing or not, I like regularly making those types of connections when people are excited or surprised by what they’re learning. Reenacting isn’t just firing a musket, it’s engaging with the public by hearing their questions, sharing experiences, and seeing their reactions," said Alex.

The Pew Charitable Trusts, Connelly Foundation, William Penn Foundation, and Neubauer Family Foundation formed the Philadelphia Funder Collaborative for the Semiquincentennial. They made grants available to Philadelphia-area nonprofits for planning and programs in 2026, which is when the United States will observe its 250th birthday.

All grants made by the Funder Collaborative are paid from a Donor Advised Fund established at the National Philanthropic Trust. Christopher Levenick of the Connelly Foundation, as administrator of the Philadelphia Funder Collaborative for the Semiquincentennial, stated, “It is our pleasure and our privilege to support planning for the 250th anniversary of Washington’s Crossing.”

The grant is the latest in a series of monetary awards secured by the Friends. The Friends previously won grants from the National Park Service for the rehabilitation of the McConkey Ferry Inn and one from the Bucks County Tourism Grant Program to market and enhance programming surrounding the Crossing reenactments.

In partnership with the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the non-profit Friends of Washington Crossing Park offers guided interpretive tours, educational programming, and annual events at Washington Crossing Historic Park.

The 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. 2026 also marks the historic 250th anniversary of Washington’s Crossing and FWCP continues to prepare for the upcoming Semiquincentennial celebration.