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

Beer Brewing & Garden Highlights

May 25 @ 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
400 Pennsbury Memorial Road
Morrisville, PA 19067 United States

Beer brewing and garden maintenance were critical to the lives of those living at Pennsbury Manor. Explore and experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the recipes and plants that…

Site Closed for Memorial Day

May 26

Tai Chi by the Delaware

May 31 @ 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.…

Historic Trade Demonstrations

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

Come and witness some of the trades and crafts practiced at Pennsbury Manor during the 17th century. Our blacksmiths, joiners, and spinners will be eager to talk to about their…

Senior Trail Stewards Work Day

June 4 @ 8:45 am - 12:00 pm
201 Washington Crossing Pennington Rd
Titusville, NJ United States

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,…

Tai Chi by the Delaware

June 7 @ 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.…

National Trails Day / Trail Stewards Work Day

June 7 @ 8:45 am - 12:00 pm
201 Washington Crossing Pennington Rd
Titusville, NJ United States

Celebrate National Trails Day by clearning trails with theTrail Stewards! Tools are provided, although you’re encouraged to bring gloves or loppers if you like. Please dress in layers, wear a…

Juneteenth Celebration 2025

June 7 @ 2:30 pm - 7:00 pm
1112 River Road
Washington Crossing, PA 18977 United States

Join us for our third annual Juneteenth Celebration as we honor and reflect on the contributions of Black soldiers during the American Revolution and Civil War, explore the meaning of…

Living History Theater: In Sickness and Health

June 8 @ 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
400 Pennsbury Memorial Road
Morrisville, PA 19067 United States

As Lady of the Manor, Hannah Penn tended to everyone when they were sick, including her husband. Come and talk with Hannah and other on the estate about their experiences…