Sights And Sounds Of The Revolution Unfold Saturday As Newtown Celebrates America 250

NEWTOWN, PA — On Saturday, Historic Newtown will come alive with Revolutionary War reenactments, Civil War and African American history presentations, living historians, historic site activations, family activities, demonstrations, and interactive experiences during Newtown Celebrates America 250, a free community celebration commemorating America's 250th Anniversary.

Presented by the Newtown Historic Association and community partners, the event will transform Newtown's historic district into a living history experience.

"Newtown has been part of America's story since before there was a United States," said Glenn Blakely, event chair. "Newtown Celebrates America 250 brings together the people, places, and organizations that preserve that history and invites visitors to spend a day discovering the stories that shaped our community and our country."

The day begins with a Revolutionary War encampment, military drills for children, colonial crafts, and performances by the Washington Crossing Fife & Drum Corps before culminating in the Battle at the Bird-in-Hand, featuring approximately 50 Revolutionary War reenactors representing American and British forces bringing Newtown's Revolutionary-era history to life.

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The Washington Crossing Fife and Drum Corps will be performing on State St. between Penn St. and Centre Ave. from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. (Friends of Washington Crossing)

For a complete schedule of events, click here.

Visitors will get to see "Old Washy" in action and visit the Newtown Fire House Museum at the Newtown Fire Rescue Station 45, 14 Liberty St. The "Old Washy" demonstration is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Museum hours will be 12 to 3:30 p.m.

The Washington Crossing Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, will be in front of the historic Bird-in-Hand building on State Street, where children can make colonial-themed crafts. Also look for DAR ladies wearing colonial clothing in town.

Tea will be served with Dr. Lettie Smith at Friends Village Paxson Hall, 50 South Congress Street, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Enjoy refreshments with Dr. Lettie Smith (portrayed by Ann D’Silva), famous Newtown doctor and first resident of Paxson Hall.

Experience Harriet Tubman’s extraordinary journey through a dynamic first-person living-history presentation performed by Shirley Lee Corsey at Macedonia Baptist Church, 218 North State Street, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Designed as a rolling open-house experience, guests may enter and exit freely while engaging with powerful 10–15-minute vignettes highlighting Tubman’s courage, Underground Railroad leadership, Civil War service, and enduring legacy of freedom, justice, and resilience. (Photo by Cindy Fatsis)

Visitors are encouraged to remain after the battle for a special patriotic ceremony featuring a 21-gun salute by Revolutionary War reenactors, followed by Mayor Tara Grunde-McLaughlin leading the crowd in singing "Happy Birthday" to America as the borough honors the nation's 250th Anniversary.

Throughout the afternoon, visitors can explore historic churches, museums, meeting houses, and community landmarks while meeting living historians, viewing special exhibits, and participating in educational programs highlighting Revolutionary War, Civil War, African American, early Pennsylvania, and local history. Most activities are located within a few blocks of one another, allowing visitors to park once and spend the day exploring Historic Newtown on foot.

Featured experiences will include a public demonstration of "Old Washy," Newtown's restored 200-year-old hand-pumped fire engine; first-person historical interpretation portraying Harriet Tubman; Hessian soldiers discussing their experiences during the Revolutionary War; William Penn interpretation; exhibits exploring the Doan Gang, early banking, and Newtown's colonial history; historic site tours; family activities; and a Great American Cookout in the Boone Garden, where complimentary hot dogs, chips, water, and ice cream will be available thanks to the generosity of Penn Community Bank and the Newtown Rotary Club.

More than a dozen organizations are collaborating to bring the event to life, including the Newtown Historic Association, Friends of Washington Crossing Park, Pennsbury Manor, Washington Crossing Chapter, NSDAR, Newtown Fire Association Museum, Newtown Friends Meeting, Gather Place Museum, Newtown Library Company, Newtown Theatre, local churches, and additional community partners.

All-American Cookout will take place in the Boone Garden at 105 Court Street, across from the Half-Moon Inn. The public is invited to enjoy free hot dogs, chips, ice cream and beverages (one per person), courtesy of generous funding from Penn Community Bank and The Newtown Rotary Club. Along with great food, families will find plenty to do. Ongoing children’s and family activities include: Corn hole, Colonial hat making and decorating, American Flag give away, America 250 Children’s Coloring Contest. Lunch will be available from 12 to 2 p.m. with activities scheduled from 12 to 4 p.m.

For a complete schedule of events, click here.

Between 12 and 4 p.m., visitors can learn more about the founding of The First National Bank of Newtown through a video presentation and display. Clint Flack from the Mercer Museum will also be at the bank to discuss Newtown history and the Doan Gang.

St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 100 Washington Avenue, will be the site of a Historic Service and British Encampment. At 9 a.m., the public is welcome to a morning prayer from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer, which would have been in use in the Anglican churches in the Thirteen Colonies at the time of the Revolution. From 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., a British Encampment will take place on the church grounds. Talk to British soldiers and learn more about their presence in the colonies and the Revolutionary War.

The public is invited to meet William Penn, Pennsylvania’s founder, who purchased 5,000 acres from the Leni Lenape Indians in 1683 and named the land “my New Town.” He will be at the Newtown Borough Hall from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Step back in time at the historic Newtown Library Company. 114 East Centre Avenue, for a fun afternoon celebrating Newtown’s incredible history. Children can enjoy colonial-themed activities including coloring pages, make-your-own colonial hats, patriotic flag crafts, and ongoing cornhole games, while families relax with sweet treats in the beautiful Curry Reading Circle garden, generously provided by Penn Community Bank and the Newtown Dessert Club. Visitors can also explore self-guided tours, browse the informational booklets filled with fascinating historical facts, and hear from a local historian sharing the amazing story of the library — founded in 1760 and still serving the community today. A Library History Presentation is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. with children's activities and storytime from 1:30 to 2 p.m. From 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., the library will offer self guided tours, children's crafts, cornhole, and sweet treats

As a Bucks250PA Nonprofit Affiliate event, Newtown Celebrates America 250 is part of the broader Semiquincentennial celebration taking place throughout Bucks County and Pennsylvania. The event also received support through the Bucks250PA Mini-Grant Program, which funds community-focused projects commemorating the United States' 250th Anniversary and encourages local organizations to share the stories that shaped our nation.

Funding support for marketing and promotional efforts was provided in part through the Bucks County Tourism Grant Program, administered by Visit Bucks County, helping attract residents and visitors to experience Historic Newtown during America's Semiquincentennial celebration.

The event is made possible through the support of community partners, including First National Bank & Trust Company of Newtown, which will host historical exhibits, special presentations, and programming exploring the borough's banking and Revolutionary-era history.

Visitors can turn a day trip into a Bucks County getaway by exploring Newtown's independent shops, dining at locally owned restaurants, and extending their stay while discovering nearby destinations like Washington Crossing and Yardley. Newtown Celebrates America 250 offers an ideal opportunity to experience the history, arts, and outdoor recreation that make Bucks County a year-round destination.

Additional details, participating organizations, event schedules, maps, and visitor information are available at: newtown2026.com