Newtown Yardley, PA Non-Profit Organizations Press Releases

Friends of Washington Crossing Park Awarded $20,000 Semiquin Grant

PENNSYLVANIA – Friends of Washington Crossing Park was awarded a $20,000 grant from America250PA’s first Semiquincentennial Grant Round for Washington Crossing Historic Park’s 2025 Reenactment of Washington Crossing the Delaware. This funding enables Washington Crossing Historic Park to enhance the 2025 Delaware River crossing reenactment. As FWCP prepares for increased visitation leading up to the 250th anniversary of American independence, these funds will support expanded living history programming, ensuring a world-class interpretive experience. The grant will provide resources for reenactor compensation and training, historical interpreters, upgraded sound systems, improved visitor amenities, period-accurate clothing and equipment, and enhanced event marketing. When asked about the impact of funding, Jennifer Martin, Executive Director of Friends of Washington Crossing Park said, “We are thrilled to contribute to Pennsylvania’s celebration of the 250th anniversary of our country by enhancing our signature event in both 2025 and 2026! This enhancement will help us engage more of our community in this once-in-a-lifetime celebration. With this grant, we’ll elevate the visitor experience and bring a more immersive, historically accurate story to life. By enhancing our programming, we can ensure the significance of Washington’s crossing continues to resonate with future generations”.

"America250PA hopes to engage Pennsylvanians, from all of our 67 counties, to participate in creating a statewide celebration and bringing the Commonwealth's history into the conversation. We strive to connect neighbors through the stories of our past, fostering pride in our shared journey and hope for our future. By embracing inclusivity and encouraging dialogue, we can strengthen the bonds that unite us.  The E.P.I.C. framework—Educate, Preserve, Innovate, and Celebrate—serves as the guiding vision to honor Pennsylvania’s role in America’s story as we bring the Semiquincentennial to life.” said Cassandra Coleman, Executive Director of America250PA.

For more information about the Semiquincentennial Grants, please visit https://www.america250pa.org/Semiquin_Grants.

If you have any additional questions, please reach out to Emily Harris at Emily@EHarrisMKTG.com.

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About The Friends of Washington Crossing Park

The Friends of Washington Crossing 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. Through the fundraising and the generous support of our donors and members, we are able to maintain and sustain this significant historic site and welcome thousands of schoolchildren, families, individuals and groups every year.  In partnership with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Friends offer guided interpretive tours and educational programming in the park. The group also holds a number of annual events, several fundraisers and more.

For more information, visit www.washingtoncrossingpark.org.

About America250PA
The Pennsylvania Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial (America250PA) was established by the General Assembly and Governor in 2018 to plan, encourage, develop and coordinate the commemoration of the 250th Anniversary of the founding of the United States, Pennsylvania's integral role in that event, and the impact of its people on the nation's past, present, and future. The Commission is made up of current and past Pennsylvania leaders, celebrating the rich history and diversity of the state.

America250PA hopes to engage all citizens of the Commonwealth, from each of its 67 counties, to participate in creating a statewide celebration and bringing the Commonwealth's history into the conversation. That shared history gives us the foundation to better understand the origins and diverse viewpoints on the challenges affecting both our Commonwealth and our nation. The Commission's ability to communicate its vision, engage various audiences, and encourage inclusive and cohesive participation is key to a successful America250PA. The visionary framework – especially our E.P.I.C. theme of Educate, Preserve, Innovate, and Celebrate, contains the essential messaging to bring the Semiquincentennial to life across the Commonwealth.

For more information, visit www.america250pa.org.