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

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…

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.…

Beer Brewing & Garden Highlights

July 27 @ 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…

Tai Chi by the Delaware

August 2 @ 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.…

Tai Chi by the Delaware

August 9 @ 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.…

Monthly Living History August 2025

August 9 @ 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
1112 River Road
Washington Crossing, PA 18977 United States

  Join us each month as historical interpreters and reenactors bring a piece of history to life at Washington Crossing Historic Park. Each month’s program will run from 11-3, and…

Tai Chi by the Delaware

August 16 @ 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.…

Farmstead Friday August 2025

August 22 @ 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…