Friends of Washington Crossing Park enlist help for Semiquincentennial celebration coming in 2026

In preparing for a significant upcoming period, the Friends of Washington Crossing Park determined it needed to do something: hire an Interpretative Programs Specialist to design new educational programs that highlight the park’s unique military history.

But how? And who?

The first was answered with the recent awarding of a $51,000 grant from the Philadelphia Funder Collaborative, and the second is Alex Robb.

“Alex loves history,” said the Friends in a statement following the selection of a new full-time staff member to establish programs in connection with the upcoming Semiquincentennial (250th) celebration in 2026. Robb’s choice wasn’t necessarily a surprise because of his background – his mother is a history teacher and along with his grandfather, he would as a kid attend reenactments and visit historical sites.

Over the past several years, Robb earned a degree in history and education from The College of New Jersey in 2021 and participated in reenactments and other events at Washington Crossing Historical Park. He also worked with a historical society in Hamilton Township, N.J. and taught school for a period of time.

Robb’s experience, Friends determined, fit well for the new position that looks to create and expand interactive programs for the general public and the nearly 10,000 school students from some 150 schools who annually visit Washington Crossing Historical Park.

It’s a challenge he welcomes.

“Something I’d love to work on is bringing our programs to schools,” said Robb. “There are a lot of schools that struggle with budgets and getting kids out of the classroom, so I would love to be able to bring the park to schools. I would also love to come up with programs for different age ranges and incorporate what teachers are trying to get out of their lessons.”

Making a “connection” with the audience – students or otherwise – is central, said Robb.

“I have a degree in education and taught for a little while in a K-12 system,” said Robb, “so I really enjoy talking to people of all ages from different backgrounds about their interests in the Revolution. Whether it’s the Crossing or not, I like regularly making those types of connections when people are excited or surprised by what they’re learning. Reenacting isn’t just firing a musket, it’s engaging with the public by hearing their questions, sharing experiences and seeing their reactions.”

The Philadelphia Funder Collaborative was formed for the Semiquincentennial by the Pew Charitable Trusts, the Connelly Foundation, William Penn Foundation and Neubauer Family Foundation. It made grants available to area non-profit organizations for 2026 programs.