Washington’s Crossing Annual Crossing Reenactment Friday, December 25, 2020

CANCELLED due to COVID-19 For over 60 years, Washington Crossing Historic Park has recreated the daring Christmas night river crossing of 1776, leading to the victories of the 10 Crucial Days.  Several hundred reenactors in Continental military dress listen to an inspiring speech by General Washington and cross the river in replica Durham boats. Sadly, …

Proper Salutes in the British Army

In 1740, the “French salute”, or greeting another by kissing them on the cheek, started to become fashionable in London.  With the Seven Years War (AKA French and Indian War), the “French salute” quickly became controversial, being called unEnglish. Encouraged instead was the “old English” way of “pulling off a Hat. For the British, removing your …

Every Wonder Why We Call it a “Duffle” Bag?

If you make your tent out of ordinary “canvas” you are going to get wet in the rain.  Canvas is a stout cloth, probably named after cannabis (Latin: “hemp”), made by tightly weaving material, mostly cotton, wool, and linen. This definition has not been that precise forever since the word canvas has come to signify …

First Crossing at Washington’s Crossing Sunday, December 13, 2020

CANCELLED Due to COVID 19 Each December, thousands of people gather on the banks of the Delaware River to watch the reenactment of George Washington’s 1776 Christmas night river crossing.  Special Colonial-era activities and demonstrations in the Historic Village offer a full day of family fun and learning.  Admission is charged. Sadly, this event had …