The National Park Service recently awarded $61,995 to the Friends of Washington Crossing Park as part of the Historic Preservation Fund’s African American Civil Rights grant program.

The Friends’ grant will support in-depth research by a dedicated research fellow on African Americans who participated in and supported the Continental Army’s crossing of the Delaware River on December 25, 1776. 

This research will examine the “Ten Crucial Days” campaign, which includes the subsequent battles of Trenton and Princeton; soldiers and camp followers of the Bucks County winter encampment; and free and enslaved people living and working nearby. Once completed, the fellow’s research will be incorporated into a variety of interpretive programming at the park.

“The park’s visitors, including thousands of school students, will benefit from this project,” said Jennifer Martin, Executive Director of the Friends of Washington Crossing Park.

“Sharing previously untold stories of underrepresented people is a priority as the 250^th anniversary of the American Revolution approaches in 2026. Sharing these stories helps us connect with new audiences and encourage repeat visitation.” 

Learn more at the Friends of Washington Crossing Park.

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