Newtown Yardley, PA Announcement
Newtown Celebrates America 250, Bringing Living History and Revolutionary War Reenactments to Historic Newtown
More than a dozen museums, historical organizations, and community partners will transform Historic Newtown into a living history experience honoring America's 250th Anniversary.
NEWTOWN, PA — On Saturday, August 8, 2026, 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 f r e e community celebration commemorating America's 250th Anniversary. Presented by the Newtown Historic Association and community partners, the event will transform Newtown's walkable historic district into a living history experience.
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.
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.
"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."
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: www.newtown2026.com
About the Newtown Historic Association
Founded in 1964, the Newtown Historic Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, celebrating, and sharing the historic significance of Newtown Borough and Township. Inspired by community efforts to protect Newtown's historic character and heritage, the Association operates the historic Half-Moon Inn (Court Inn) and the Callahan Research Center & Barnsley Room of Newtown History, which houses extensive collections of documents, photographs, maps, artifacts, and research materials related to Newtown and Bucks County history. Through educational programs, exhibits, walking tours, special events, and community partnerships, the Newtown Historic Association connects residents and visitors with the people, places, and stories that have shaped Newtown for more than three centuries. Learn more at www.newtownhistoric.org.
