What are the “Ten Crucial Days?”     

In December 1776, a mere six months after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, General George Washington's fledgling American Army and the cause of liberty were on the verge of being extinguished. A disastrous New York campaign that fall had resulted in the loss of more than half of Washington’s troops, as well as the confidence of Congress and his fellow citizens. Retreating through “the Jerseys” with the remnants of his ragtag Continentals, Washington and his soldiers sought refuge on the west bank of the Delaware River, having narrowly escaped King George III's British troops and their Hessian auxiliaries. Doubling as peace commissioners, British General William Howe and his brother, Royal Navy Admiral Sir Richard Howe, reasoned that further bloodshed was unnecessary. They assumed that the rebellious American soldiers—many of whose enlistments were scheduled to expire at year's end—would no longer be able to offer any significant resistance. Settling into winter quarters, General Howe ordered his regiments to set up a string of cantonments posted through the Jerseys.  

George Washington saw something very different... Taking stock of his army’s desperate situation, the rebel commander-in-chief would launch his forces into a series of victorious engagements, of which British historian Sir George Otto Trevelyan later wrote, “It may be doubted whether so small a number of men ever employed so short a space of time with greater and more lasting effects upon the history of the world.” That space of time—December 25, 1776 to January 3, 1777—encompassed “Ten Crucial Days” that changed the course of history.

Do something revolutionary! Experience the “Ten Crucial Days.”

Upcoming Events

Living History Theater: The Voyage of the Submission

July 13 @ 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
400 Pennsbury Memorial Road
Morrisville, PA 19067 United States

The year is 1682, 11 crew members and 49 passengers boarded the Submission and set sail for Pennsylvania. Discover what it was like for a group of people from England to…

A Guided History Table Talk Tour

July 13 @ 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
355 Washington Crossing Pennington Rd
Titusville, NJ United States

On Sunday, July 13th from 1:30pm – 3:30 pm, tour guides, local historians, and reenactors will staff a series of tables & stops with images and objects highlighting topics such…

Picnic Under the Stars – A Magical Evening Along the Delaware River

July 18 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
1112 River Road
Washington Crossing, PA 18977 United States

  Experience an unforgettable evening under the stars in the enchanting Hibbs House Kitchen Garden! From 6 to 8 PM on Friday, July 18, enjoy a delicious picnic while surrounded…

Tai Chi by the Delaware

July 19 @ 8:30 am - 9:30 am
2 River Dr
Titusville, NJ United States

Tai Chi with our steadfast volunteers and beloved teachers Lisa and Robert! They lead classes by the Delaware River for all levels on Saturday mornings from 8:30 to 9:30 am.…

Ongoing Forest Restoration Along Continental Lane

July 19 @ 8:45 am - 12:00 pm
355 Washington Crossing Pennington Rd
Titusville, NJ United States

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…

Open-Hearth Cooking: Preserving the Harvest

July 20 @ 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
400 Pennsbury Memorial Road
Morrisville, PA 19067 United States

Stoneware crocks, bladders, vinegar, gally pot, and sugar will abound as the cooks preserve the harvest for the coming winter.  This program is provided free of charge with admission to…

General Washington’s Leadership, with Ron Rinaldi

July 20 @ 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Titusville, NJ United States

Educator Ron Rinaldi, a reenactor who specializes in portraying Generals George Washington & Nathaniel Greene, will speak on Washington’s Leadership at the First Presbyterian Church on River Drive in Titusville,…

Farmstead Friday July 2025

July 25 @ 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
1638 River Road
New Hope, United States

Join us the 4th Friday of each month from 11:00am – 3:00pm, this May to September to learn about life on the Thompson-Neely Farmstead. In the 18th Century much of…

Tai Chi by the Delaware

July 26 @ 8:30 am - 9:30 am
2 River Dr
Titusville, NJ United States

Tai Chi with our steadfast volunteers and beloved teachers Lisa and Robert! They lead classes by the Delaware River for all levels on Saturday mornings from 8:30 to 9:30 am.…