Fall Foliage Hike at Goat Hill Preserve
Oct
26
10:00 AM10:00

Fall Foliage Hike at Goat Hill Preserve

  • Goat Hill Overlook Trailhead (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Peak foliage in central New Jersey hits at around the end of October! Come for one of the best autumn views in the State of New Jersey.

Join park staff at the Goat Hill Preserve in Lambertville for a fall hike starting from the main parking lot of the preserve, at the end of George Washington Road, at 10 am.

This outing will walk about a mile and a half on somewhat uneven trails. Fun for all ages!

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Captain Daniel Bray: From Waterman to Militia
Nov
9
1:30 PM13:30

Captain Daniel Bray: From Waterman to Militia

  • First Presbyterian Church of Titusville (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

THE LIFE AND TIMES OF CAPTAIN DANIEL BRAY: FROM WATERMAN TO MILITIA

Daniel Bray was first a Scottish farmer from Baptisttown, NJ who became an experienced Waterman on the Delaware River, rising to Captain of his own Durham boat in 1769 at age 19. Later he joined the 2nd Regiment Hunterdon County NJ Militia, rising to captain in 1775. He earned his position in history when General George Washington charged him with obtaining the boats needed to cross the Delaware River on Christmas Night in 1776. Later he was promoted to general of the militia, and fought in the War of 1812.

Enjoy a first-person interpretation about Daniel Bray — from his boyhood as a farmer, to building Durham boats ,to becoming a waterman on the river, to marriage, to getting the boats for George Washington — then back to farming and finally the War of 1812. There is some audience participation, two costume changes, and a short play. The talk is supported by slides, a River Shanty, and a recited ballad.  

The narrator Daniel Nurmi McAuliffe has been a reenactor for 32 years with the 5th PA Regiment, crossing the Delaware numerous times. In 2016 he was asked to portray Captain Daniel Bray to replace his deceased mentor, Dick Bray, a direct descendant.

Come hear how this Scotsman learned how to “Git On Wit It!” in his life.

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Senior Trail Stewards Work Day
Nov
19
8:45 AM08:45

Senior Trail Stewards Work Day

  • Washington Crossing State Park Nature Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Clear trails with the Senior Trail Stewards! Tools are provided, although you're encouraged to bring gloves or loppers if you like. Please dress in layers, wear a hat, work gloves, work or hiking boots, a long-sleeved shirt, and long pants. We work in the rain & snow, but not in a downpour, so consider rain gear! Please also bring plenty of water and a snack.

If you've never volunteered with us before, please arrive at 8:30 at the Nature Center to fill out Volunteer Application Forms. Anyone who volunteers for two sessions will receive one of our AWESOME t-shirts! The Stewards meet for lunch afterwards, courtesy of the WCPA.

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Trail Stewards Work Day
Nov
22
8:45 AM08:45

Trail Stewards Work Day

  • Washington Crossing State Park Nature Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Clear trails with the Trail Stewards! Tools are provided, although you're encouraged to bring gloves or loppers if you like. Please dress in layers, wear a hat, work gloves, work or hiking boots, a long-sleeved shirt, and long pants. We will work in the rain & snow, but not in a downpour, so consider rain gear! Please also bring plenty of water and a snack.

If you've never volunteered with us before, please arrive at 8:30 at the Nature Center to fill out Volunteer Application Forms. Anyone who volunteers for two sessions will receive one of our AWESOME t-shirts! The Stewards meet for lunch afterwards, courtesy of the WCPA.

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Owls of the Crossing
Nov
23
5:00 PM17:00

Owls of the Crossing

  • Washington Crossing State Park Nature Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join the park naturalist in the park after hours in search of owls! This outing will take place right at dusk and explore areas of the park known for owl activity. Please dress for the weather and bring a flashlight!

This outing will last approximately one hour and involve walking about one mile. Perfect for all ages and interest levels. Registration is required at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/owls-of-the-crossing-tickets-1832066874339 and spaces are limited. 

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4th Annual "Washington's Landing in New Jersey"
Dec
14
11:00 AM11:00

4th Annual "Washington's Landing in New Jersey"

  • Washington Crossing State Park (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

On December 14, from 11 am to 3:30 pm, please join NJ State Park historians, the Washington Crossing Park Association, the First Rhode Island Regiment, and other NJ-based reenactor groups who will give the public an opportunity to experience both the Crossing and the March to Trenton through the eyes of the men and women who lived it.

The title of this event is “Washington’s Landing in New Jersey,” which occurs on the same day as the Pennsylvania Park’s rehearsal crossing of the Delaware. Reenactors who cross with Washington will be met by our General Nathaneal Greene, who will invite them to an encampment in the Lower Park. Near the encampment will be a Haybale Theater where historians will speak on the contributions of New Jersey soldiers and families. Visitors will also be welcomed at the nearby Nelson House, where volunteers from the Garden Club of Trenton will serve free hot cider and donuts in front of a roaring fire. A food truck will be on hand! Free to enter, but a $10/carload donation is requested.

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The Christmas Day Crossing
Dec
25
12:00 PM12:00

The Christmas Day Crossing

  • Washington Crossing State Park Visitors Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Celebrate the “Christmas Day Crossing Reenactment,” arranged by the Washington Crossing Historic Park of PA, as we commemorate the 249th anniversary of General George Washington’s famous Christmas night crossing of the Delaware. A history narration, hot cider and donuts will be on hand at The Nelson House. An annual tradition not to be missed. Come early and bring your camera! ADA accessible. Free on both sides of the river. Please call 609-737-0623 for more information.

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Early American Artillery & Miniature Cannon Firing Demonstration
Oct
19
1:30 PM13:30

Early American Artillery & Miniature Cannon Firing Demonstration

  • Washington Crossing State Park Visitors Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Come and meet historian Stan Saperstein and hear about early American artillery from pre-Revolution to 1840. See the actual procedure for loading and firing of three miniature hand built cannons plus some surprise additions.

Artillery played a very important role in the Revolution. Hear about tactics and how cannons were used in different situations, especially in the Ten Crucial Days Campaign that saved the Revolution!

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Ongoing Forest Restoration Along Continental Lane
Oct
18
8:45 AM08:45

Ongoing Forest Restoration Along Continental Lane

  • Washington Crossing State Park (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join the Washington Crossing Park Association (WCPA) Conservation Crew for a forest restoration project along the historic Continental Lane trail. Participants will briefly learn about how invasive species are impacting New Jersey's forests. Then we'll get to work removing invasive plants to support the restoration of this important ecosystem!

📍 Location: Meet us at the small parking lot on the left, just past the State Park’s main entrance.

No experience necessary. Dress for the weather. Bring work gloves and loppers or a shovel if you have them. We will provide extra gloves and tools.

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Trail Stewards Work Day
Oct
18
8:45 AM08:45

Trail Stewards Work Day

  • Washington Crossing State Park Nature Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Clear trails with the Trail Stewards! Tools are provided, although you're encouraged to bring gloves or loppers if you like. Please dress in layers, wear a hat, work gloves, work or hiking boots, a long-sleeved shirt, and long pants. We will work in the rain & snow, but not in a downpour, so consider rain gear! Please also bring plenty of water and a snack.

If you've never volunteered with us before, please arrive at 8:30 at the Nature Center to fill out Volunteer Application Forms. Anyone who volunteers for two sessions will receive one of our AWESOME t-shirts! The Stewards meet for lunch afterwards, courtesy of the WCPA.

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Bats in the Park! 
Oct
17
5:45 PM17:45

Bats in the Park! 

  • Washington Crossing State Park Nature Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Bats are one of the most misunderstood creatures on the planet. Capable of eating over 1,000 insects a night, bats are environmental equalizers to the bug population. Mosquitoes, gnats, and other flying annoyances are all on the menu once the sun starts to set. Join park staff at the Nature Center at 5:45 pm for a walk and talk on the bats of New Jersey. 

This outing will last approximately one hour and involve walking about one mile. Perfect for all ages and interest levels. Registration is required at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bats-in-the-park-tickets-1808167881809 and spaces are limited. 

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Raptors on the River
Oct
11
11:00 AM11:00

Raptors on the River

Autumn is the time for birds of prey such as eagles, hawks, falcons, owls, and harriers to migrate! In our region, the Delaware River is used by many migrating birds in order to travel north or south during fall and spring. 

This outing will meet in the Washington's Grove parking lot on River Drive in Titusville, NJ, next to the Washington Crossing Bridge. George Washington's historic Landing area will be used to survey for raptors. 

The outing will include less than a mile of walking on even surfaces down the D & R Canal trail at Washington Crossing State Park. 

Bring binoculars or a camera if you have them. FREE!

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LUNCH & LEARN: Nature Programs at Washington Crossing, with the Pennington Library
Oct
10
12:00 PM12:00

LUNCH & LEARN: Nature Programs at Washington Crossing, with the Pennington Library

Join us for a lunchtime webinar on October 10th as Joe Moore unveils the exciting vision for Washington Crossing State Park, NJ, outlining new programs and projects for the rest of this year and into 2026. He’ll also discuss the Nature Center itself, currently under renovation, and it will offer to local residents.

This year, immerse yourself in the natural world with outings focused on local ecology, the magnificent journey of migratory birds, the vital work of pollinators, the fantastic world of fungi, and the impressive spectacle of birds of prey!

Looking ahead to 2026, we'll delve into the park's rich history with special programming tied to Washington’s crossing of the Delaware.

Joe will also discuss how you can get involved through new volunteer opportunities, conservation management, and other impactful projects that will shape the park's future.

About Joe: Growing up in South Jersey near a steady stream, Naturalist Joe Moore developed a strong curiosity about the natural and cultural world. With a lifelong love for history and supportive parents, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from Rowan University in 2014. A year later, Joe enrolled in American Public University's Environmental Management program, completing his Master of Science degree in 2017. Blending his interests in history and nature, Joe went on to work at several non-profits focused on conservation and preserving coastal heritage along the Jersey Shore through eco-tourism. In the summer of 2025, he accepted the position of Naturalist at Washington Crossing State Park.

This free webinar is offered with the generous support of the Pennington Public Library. You must register at https://www.penningtonlibrary.org/2025-26NatureWCSP

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Senior Trail Stewards Work Day
Oct
8
8:45 AM08:45

Senior Trail Stewards Work Day

  • Washington Crossing State Park Nature Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Clear trails with the Senior Trail Stewards! Tools are provided, although you're encouraged to bring gloves or loppers if you like. Please dress in layers, wear a hat, work gloves, work or hiking boots, a long-sleeved shirt, and long pants. We work in the rain & snow, but not in a downpour, so consider rain gear! Please also bring plenty of water and a snack.

If you've never volunteered with us before, please arrive at 8:30 at the Nature Center to fill out Volunteer Application Forms. Anyone who volunteers for two sessions will receive one of our AWESOME t-shirts! The Stewards meet for lunch afterwards, courtesy of the WCPA.

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Full Moon Bike Ride
Oct
6
6:45 PM18:45

Full Moon Bike Ride

  • Washington Crossing Bridge Parking Lot (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Take a guided nighttime bicycle ride, by the light of the Hunter Moon, from Washington Crossing and up the Delaware & Raritan Canal Towpath toward the Lambertville wing dam (approx.13 miles round trip). Meet by the public restrooms at the far end of the Nelson House parking area. Bring your own bike, mounted front and rear bike lights and helmet. (no headlamps or helmet lamps please) Limited to 12 guests. Weather permitting. Free.

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Fungi Frolic in Washington Crossing State Park
Oct
5
10:00 AM10:00

Fungi Frolic in Washington Crossing State Park

  • Washington Crossing State Park Nature Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Enjoy an introduction to the fantastic world of fungi with this walk on Sunday, October 5th at 10am. Fungi expert, Maranda Boggs, along with park staff will lead a walk around Washington Crossing State Park in search of decomposers in all shapes and sizes. The walk will start at the Nature Center and the group will walk 2-3 miles over the course of two hours with occasional step over points and uneven ground along the trails at times.

Because we're paying a stipend to our presenter, the cost of this event is $12.00 per adult and $8.00 for children 12 and under, plus EventBrite fees. We are limiting attendence to 25 people.

If we're unable to recoup the stipend, we may cancel the event. If that should happen, all tickets will be refunded and you will be notified.

If a raindate is required, we will let you know. Unfortunately we cannot refund tickets for those who cannot attend the raindate!

Purchase your tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fungi-frolic-in-washington-crossing-state-park-tickets-1598553359129

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Hopewell Township Clean Sweep Day / Park Perimeter Cleanup
Oct
4
8:45 AM08:45

Hopewell Township Clean Sweep Day / Park Perimeter Cleanup

  • Hopewell Township Public Works (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Hopewell Township is sponsoring their annual Clean Sweep Day. Please join our WCPA Team to clean trash from the entire perimeter of the Park AND raise funds! We meet at the Township building and pick up bags, gloves and grabbers, then we go to town on trash : )

Every hour you work will net us a donation from the Township. Please email info@wcpa-nj.com to register for this particular event.

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Washington Crossing State Park: Natural History & Design Webinar (with the Pennington Library)
Sep
30
7:00 PM19:00

Washington Crossing State Park: Natural History & Design Webinar (with the Pennington Library)

Washington Crossing State Park has changed in almost unimaginable ways over the last 100 years. From farm fields to gardens to plantations to old fields, shaped by deer, disease, and invasive species, the park represents a fluid and ever-changing landscape. Every aspect of the park has, whether directly or indirectly, been shaped by human-driven forces. Using Peter Osborne’s book, Where Washington Once Led, this talk aims to uncover some of these forces to reveal how the park has evolved, enabling participants to read the landscape through natural signs and artifacts.

Human landscapes cannot go “natural” on their own. We have the opportunity to restore this landscape, either along the lines of original designs such as with the George Washington Memorial Arboretum, which opened in 1932 and displayed native New Jersey shrubs and trees, or in the form of ecological restoration, aiming to return the human-dependent landscape back to nature. The talk will conclude with a discussion of the different options and the conservation work of the WCPA.

About the Presenter: Michael Rahtz is a board member of the Washington Crossing Park Association (WCPA) and the chair of the Nature Conservation and Education Committee. He has volunteered with the WCPA since 2017. He is a current Master of Landscape Architecture student at the Harvard Graduate School of Design, and recently graduated from Northeastern University with a Master of Architecture. He has worked at a number of architecture and landscape architecture firms in Boston. Michael grew up in Titusville across the street from Washington Crossing State Park and has been a lifelong user of the park. An avid gardener, plant enthusiast, and conservationist, Michael has spent several years restoring land on his home property as well as within the park. Michael is interested in ecology and landscape history, particularly as read through the lens of plants as living artifacts, and how these can inform land management practices.

This online event is in collaboration with the Pennington Library. Click here to register: https://www.penningtonlibrary.org/wcsplandscape/

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Falling for Birds: A Migratory Experience
Sep
28
8:00 AM08:00

Falling for Birds: A Migratory Experience

  • Washington Crossing State Park Nature Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Fall is a busy time for birds in the Garden State! Washington Crossing State Park is uniquely situated to host an influx of migratory bird species as they use the Delaware River as a "migration super highway".  Join Washington Crossing State Park naturalist Joe Moore outside the Nature Center at 8am to begin the morning. This outing will include between 2 and 3 miles of walking the accessible pathways of the park. Please bring water, wear sturdy hiking shoes, and bring binoculars or a camera if you have them!

Great for all ages and levels of birding ability. New to birding? Come fall in love with the birds at Washington Crossing State Park’s Nature Center! This is a FREE event.

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Trail Stewards Work Day
Sep
27
8:45 AM08:45

Trail Stewards Work Day

  • Washington Crossing State Park Nature Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Clear trails with the Trail Stewards! Tools are provided, although you're encouraged to bring gloves or loppers if you like. Please dress in layers, wear a hat, work gloves, work or hiking boots, a long-sleeved shirt, and long pants. We will work in the rain & snow, but not in a downpour, so consider rain gear! Please also bring plenty of water and a snack.

If you've never volunteered with us before, please arrive at 8:30 at the Nature Center to fill out Volunteer Application Forms. Anyone who volunteers for two sessions will receive one of our AWESOME t-shirts! The Stewards meet for lunch afterwards, courtesy of the WCPA.

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Senior Trail Stewards Work Day
Sep
24
8:45 AM08:45

Senior Trail Stewards Work Day

  • Washington Crossing State Park Nature Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Clear trails with the Senior Trail Stewards! Tools are provided, although you're encouraged to bring gloves or loppers if you like. Please dress in layers, wear a hat, work gloves, work or hiking boots, a long-sleeved shirt, and long pants. We work in the rain & snow, but not in a downpour, so consider rain gear! Please also bring plenty of water and a snack.

If you've never volunteered with us before, please arrive at 8:30 at the Nature Center to fill out Volunteer Application Forms. Anyone who volunteers for two sessions will receive one of our AWESOME t-shirts! The Stewards meet for lunch afterwards, courtesy of the WCPA.

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8th Annual Delaware River Cleanup / NJ Park Service
Sep
20
8:30 AM08:30

8th Annual Delaware River Cleanup / NJ Park Service

  • Washington Crossing State Park Visitors Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Delaware River Greenway Partnership, NJ Clean Communities Programs, NJ State Park Service and dedicated volunteers are joining efforts to help tackle the litter along the banks of our Wild and Scenic Delaware River. Our cleanup location will be by land.

PRE-REGISTRATION is required by clicking on one of the locations found below. Individuals, families and groups are all encouraged to join. Cleanup supplies and a “Thank You” River Cleanup T-shirt will be provided to volunteers.

Click here to register to work at the Lower Park

Click here to register to work at the Titusville Boat Launch area

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Falling for Birds: A Migratory Experience
Sep
14
8:00 AM08:00

Falling for Birds: A Migratory Experience

  • Washington Crossing State Park Nature Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Fall is a busy time for birds in the Garden State! Washington Crossing State Park is uniquely situated to host an influx of migratory bird species as they use the Delaware River as a "migration super highway".  Join Washington Crossing State Park naturalist Joe Moore outside the Nature Center at 8am to begin the morning. This outing will include between 2 and 3 miles of walking the accessible pathways of the park. Please bring water, wear sturdy hiking shoes, and bring binoculars or a camera if you have them!

Great for all ages and levels of birding ability. New to birding? Come fall in love with the birds at Washington Crossing State Park’s Nature Center! This is a FREE event.

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Pollinators of Washington Crossing State Park
Sep
13
11:00 AM11:00

Pollinators of Washington Crossing State Park

  • Washington Crossing State Park Visitors Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Pollinators such as butterflies, moths, bees, wasps, and even birds are struggling in a changing climate. Come celebrate the pollinators of Washington Crossing State Park and get informed on how you can help. Over the two-hour event we will have staff and volunteers on hand outside of the Nature Center from 11am to 1pm to greet and chat about all thing's native plants. 

Join us for a touch table, displays, family friendly activities and to see what events will be coming up in fall! There will be a short Pollinator Walk at 12:15pm. No registration required. This is an open event for folks of all ages, social groups, and scout troops! 

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A Guided History Table Talk Tour
Sep
7
1:30 PM13:30

A Guided History Table Talk Tour

  • Washington Crossing State Park Visitors Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

On Sunday, September 7th from 1:30pm - 3:30 pm, tour guides, local historians, and reenactors will staff a series of tables & stops with images and objects, with such topics as:

  • Why Was Washington Here?, with Tour Guide Tom Ogren

  • Highlights of The New Museum, with Annette Earling

  • Delaware River Boats: Durham Boats, Colonial Ferries, and the patriots who successfully navigated the Crossing, with speaker Dan McAuliffe

  • The Hunterdon Militia: The Militia and local citizens harassed the Hessians before the Crossing and served as scouts to show the Colonial Army the way to Trenton, with speaker George Skic

  • The March to Trenton, with Tour Guide Tom Ogren.

The Visitor Center Museum is open from 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. and features The Swan Historical Foundation’s Collection of 500+ Colonial and Revolutionary War artifacts.

For more information call (609) 737-0623.

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Ongoing Forest Restoration Along Continental Lane
Sep
6
8:45 AM08:45

Ongoing Forest Restoration Along Continental Lane

  • Washington Crossing State Park (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join the Washington Crossing Park Association (WCPA) Conservation Crew for a forest restoration project along the historic Continental Lane trail. Participants will briefly learn about how invasive species are impacting New Jersey's forests. Then we'll get to work removing invasive plants to support the restoration of this important ecosystem!

📍 Location: Meet us at the small parking lot on the left, just past the State Park’s main entrance.

No experience necessary. Dress for the weather. Bring work gloves and loppers or a shovel if you have them. We will provide extra gloves and tools.

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Hell on the Water: The Prison Ships of Wallabout Bay
Aug
31
1:00 PM13:00

Hell on the Water: The Prison Ships of Wallabout Bay

  • Washington Crossing State Park Visitors Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Park Seasonal Historian Julie Power will discuss the conditions and stories of the soldiers who were held on the prison ships in Wallabout Bay, Long Island, NY.

Due to a combination of neglect, poor conditions on the ships and disease, more than 11,500 American prisoners of war died in captivity aboard these British prison ships — more than in all the engagements of the American Revolutionary War combined.

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Songs and Stories of the American Revolution Performed by Matthew Dodd
Aug
23
2:00 PM14:00

Songs and Stories of the American Revolution Performed by Matthew Dodd

  • Washington Crossing State Park Visitors Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Dressed in colonial clothing and performing rousing period songs and stories, Matthew Dodd will take you back in time to the days of the American Revolution.  Mr. Dodd sings and plays the guitar, banjo, mandolin and recorder throughout the show.  The outdoor performance will take place at 2 PM at Sullivan’s Grove next to the Visitor Center Museum at Washington Crossing State Park in Titusville, New Jersey.

Sullivan’s Grove can be reached from I-95 by taking the Trenton/Lambertville Exit (this is the first exit in N.J. heading north and the last exit heading south).  Head north on Route 29 for 2 ½ miles and turn right at the first traffic light.  Park Entrance will be on your left in a ½ mile.  Enter the park and follow the signs to the Visitor Center Museum.  For more information call (609) 737-0623.

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