Events at Washington Crossing State Park will celebrate George Washington’s birthday on Sunday, Feb. 21.
Sam Davis will portray General George Washington and discuss his life from his childhood through the Christmas Day 1776’s Battle of Trenton, at the Visitor Center Museum in the New Jersey side of the park at 12:30 and 2:30 p.m.
The Visitor Center’s auditorium can hold about 60 people on a first-come basis for the free event.
The museum will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. featuring the Swan Historical Foundation’s collection of 500-plus Colonial and Revolutionary War artifacts.
The Johnson Ferry House, also within the park, will host an activity in each room.
In the parlor, there’ll be 18th-century music, including Washington’s favorite hymn, played on the harp by Robin Ficke. The history of gingerbread, one of Washington’s favorite treats, will be presented as it is baked in the winter kitchen hearth by food historian Susan McLellan Plaisted.
In the parlor bedchamber, there’ll be wool spinning, and woodworking in the stone barn. You can try your hand at quill pen writing, horn book reading and colonial toys in the upstairs bed chambers. The general, played by Mr. Davis, will visit after 3 p.m.
Refreshments of 1740-era ginger snaps and hot and old punch will be available. Parking and admission is free, but a $5 donation is suggested to defray costs. For information, call 609-737-2515.
The museum and the Ferry House can be reached from I-95 by taking the Trenton/Lambertville exit (the first exit in New Jersey heading north and the last exit heading south). Travel north on Route 29 for 2.5 miles and turn right at the first traffic light. The park entrance will be on the left in a half-mile. Enter the park and follow the signs to the museum or house.
For information, call 609-737-0623.
