Titusville, NJ — THIRD Annual “Washington’s Landing in New Jersey” Event at Washington Crossing State Park on December 8

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 1, 2025

Titusville, NJ – Fourth Annual “Washington’s Landing in New Jersey” Event at Washington Crossing State Park on December 14

Images of Washington crossing the Delaware on Christmas night in 1776 are deeply ingrained in the American imagination — so much so that Pennsylvania’s annual reenactments draw thousands of spectators. But what many don’t realize is that after that daring Crossing, New Jersey witnessed more Revolutionary War battles and skirmishes than any other colony.

On December 14, from 11 am to 3:30 pm, NJ State Park historians, the Washington Crossing Park Association, and the First Rhode Island Regiment invite you to Washington Crossing State Park in Titusville, NJ. Come welcome Washington’s troops and discover what unfolded after 2,400 soldiers, 18 cannons, and more than 50 horses made landfall on New Jersey soil.

New Jersey’s “Washington’s Landing in New Jersey” event is distinct from — yet coordinated with — the “First Crossing” presented by the Friends of Washington Crossing Historic Park in Pennsylvania, which will feature hundreds of reenactors and colonial craftspeople as they prepare for their Crossing rehearsal.

Our encampment will be held at the NJ Park's "Washington’s Grove," along the banks of the Delaware. Visitors will step back in time as they join Washington and his troops around campfires, sip hot cider, and interact with skilled reenactors who bring to life the rich history of Mercer County. NJ historians will provide a live narration of the Crossing rehearsal, while fun, hands-on activities — like making tri-corner hats and taking photos on reproduction boats (costumes included!) — will engage our younger visitors. The event will feature dramatic cannon fire, musket drills, and a special wreath-laying ceremony by BSA Troop 1776 of Titusville, NJ. This year, we’ll also honor the event’s founder, Algernon Ward, with a brief memorial presentation.

The encampment will be anchored by members of the First Rhode Island Regiment, who portray Black soldiers, sailors, artillerists, marines and musicians. They will be supported by members from John Lamb's Artillery, Motts Artillery, and the 17th Regiment of Infantry. Ronald Rinaldi will portray General Nathaneal Greene, who helped lead the troops in their history-changing march to Trenton. All will be supported by music from the New Jersey Fifes and Drums.

Just beyond the encampment will be a Haybale Theater, where historian Marjory Wienkop will speak on the life of a surgeon with Washington’s army. Swan Historical Foundation trustee and curator of Philadelphia’s Museum of the American Revolution, Matthew Skic, will discuss the Park’s new museum. DEP historian Will Krakower will present a talk on the March to Trenton.

Visitors will be welcomed at the nearby Nelson House for free hot cider. L’Annexe de Mamie Collette will be on site, selling coffee and fresh pastries. Food trucks, Relish the Dog and Nomad Pizza, will keep visitors fortified throughout the day!

Entrance is free, although a suggested donation of $10 per car is requested to help cover costs. Shuttles will run throughout the day. Donations do not include entry to the Pennsylvania Park’s activities so we encourage visitors to “Cross the Delaware” on the Washington Crossing Bridge (closed to vehicular traffic) to take part in Pennsylvania’s program.

“Washington’s Landing in New Jersey” was made possible with assistance from the Discover NJ License Plate Fund, and a generous donation from Lorna Hainesworth. It is further supported by sponsorships from the Swan Historical Foundation, Capital Health, NJM Insurance, the Sons of the Revolution in the State of NJ, Gold Coast Productions, the Bank of Princeton, and the Society of the Cincinnati in the State of NJ, as well as Tim & Elene West, and John & Elizabeth Daniel.

Please visit www.wcpa-nj.com/landing for more information and parking directions.