Volunteers Celebrated At Washington Crossing Historic Park

WASHINGTON CROSSING, PA — In celebration of National Volunteer Month, the Friends of Washington Crossing Historic Park are saying thank you to the individuals and organizations who helped fulfill the organization's mission of sharing the powerful story of Gen. George Washington’s daring crossing of the Delaware River in 1776.

"Volunteers are vital to the day-to-day operations of Washington Crossing Historic Park. From special event support to tours, education and reenactments, volunteers help the park provide thousands of visitors each year with a special experience," the Friends wrote in a press release.

Volunteer of the Year

The Friends presented its "Volunteer of the Year" award to Mary Jane Beck. Beck is an integral part of the park’s volunteer program and her contributions are many.

Throughout 2019, she ran the Toys and Games Station for schoolchildren participating in

the park’s Colonial Days school programs. A self-taught fifer, she was one of the earliest
members of the park’s Fife and Drum Corps and joins the Corps at most of the park’s major
events.

Beck contributed nearly 120 volunteer hours in 2022.

Rising Star: Bill Fox.

Rising Star

The Friends recognized Bill Fox as its "Rising Star." He began volunteering at the park in early 2020, just before the pandemic lockdown. When restrictions were lifted, he was one of the first volunteers to come back.

For the past two years, he has led tours in the park every Thursday afternoon and is one of the first to volunteer for the park’s public programs.

In 2022, he learned how to run various stations so he could help at the park’s Colonial Days school program. Fox contributed nearly 100 volunteer hours in 2022.

Junior Volunteer Of The Year: Brandon Fey.

Junior Volunteer Of The Year

According to the Friends, high-schooler Brandon Fey first reached out to the park in 2021 in hopes of finding volunteer opportunities for the Historic Preservation Society of Holy Ghost Prep.

Beginning with 2021’s First Crossing, Fey brought the Historic Preservation Society to many of the park’s public programs. Throughout the summer of 2022, he worked at front desk inside the Visitor Center.

Fey contributed nearly 40 volunteer hours in 2022 and the Holy Ghost Prep Historic Preservation Society contributed 48.

Outstanding Leadership: Joanna McClintock.

Outstanding Leadership

Joanna McClintock is being recognized for her "outstanding leadership" for the way she has stepped up to help maintain the park’s historic gardens.

For the past five years, her dedication and passion for gardening and hard work has set the tone amongst garden staff and volunteers, as does her vivacious and positive attitude.

Historical Horticulturist Anna Davis says it is an honor to work alongside McClintock. “She weeds, plans, and works rain or shine and always has a smile on her face … she’s irreplaceable.”

McClintock contributed nearly 70 volunteer hours in 2022.

Outstanding Long-Term Service: Washington Crossing Chapter, DAR

Outstanding Long-Term Service

Over the past nine years, the park’s partnership with the Washington Crossing Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) has produced multiple successful programs. Those programs have earned the group recognition from the Friends for "Outstanding Long-Term Service." The programs have included:

• The annual Christmas tree decoration in the Visitor Center
• The Constitution Compendium placed on the park’s website
• The placement of holiday wreaths at the soldiers’ graves
• Support for the park’s annual Memorial Day event
• Support for the flagpole replacement at the soldiers’ graves
• Installation of a bench at the soldiers’ graves
• Marking James Moore’s gravesite
• Support in obtaining a grant from the national DAR
• Support hosting naturalization ceremonies at the park
• Compiling a list of those who participated in the 1776 crossing
• Hosting a ceremony for the Pennsylvania State Society DAR to place an America 250! PatriotsMarker, recognizing the park as a significant site of the American Revolution.

For information about volunteering at Washington Crossing Historic Park, visit
WashingtonCrossingPark.com/about/volunteers.