Events on Pennsylvania side of Delaware
Historic crafts demonstrators and more than 100 re-enactors will bring history alive at the annual Christmas crossing dress rehearsal Dec. 9 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Washington Crossing Historic Park, Pennsylvania.
Uniformed re-enactors will row across the Delaware River in replica Durham boats in preparation for the Christmas crossing Dec. 25.
Ronald P. Rinaldi II will portray Gen. George Washington, who inspired his troops with the words penned by Thomas Paine, “These are the times that try men’s souls.”
Mr. Rinaldi has participated in the Christmas crossing since 1976. This is his first year as the general.
Visitors can learn details of the crossing of the ice-choked Delaware River Christmas night in 1776, which preceded the victories at Trenton and Princeton and signaled a turning point in the Revolution for American independence.
Other activities will include tours of select buildings and visits with a tavern keeper, open-hearth cook and the Blue Hen Bakers, who will demonstrate outdoor baking in a historic bake oven weighing more than 1,600 pounds. Historic crafts demonstrations and more are scheduled for the day.
Admission is $6 for adults and $3 for children 6-17.
For more information, call 215-493-4076 or visit www.ushistory.org/washingtoncrossing.
The Visitor Center is on Route 32.
River crossings are contingent upon conditions that are safe for participants. However, commemoration activities will occur at the park, despite the weather and river conditions.
For more information, visit www.phmc.state.pa.us.
Individuals with disabilities may contact the park office in advance to discuss their needs.