🎉 Looking Back at an Incredible 2024! 🎉

Our chapter has had an amazing year filled with service, camaraderie, and celebrations of our nation’s history. Here are just a few highlights:

📜 Honoring History:

• Celebrated the 200th Anniversary of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour.

• Showcased the legacy of the Marbleheaders during our Christmas luncheon and our themed Christmas tree at the Washington Crossing Historic Park Visitors Center.

🇺🇸 Service to Veterans & Community:

• Partnered with The Crossing Quilts of Valor Group to honor veterans with heartfelt presentations.

• Volunteered at Washington Crossing National Cemetery to raise/retire flags and attended Unaccompanied Veterans Funerals.

• Provided 160 - 4th of July Snack bags to the Delaware Valley Veterans Home

• Partnered with the USO to provide To-Go bags and Snack bags for service members traveling through the Philadelphia International Airport.

• Provided breakfast for new citizens at the Pennsbury Naturalization Ceremony.

🌟 Recognitions & Celebrations:

• Applauded Kelly Gresh for receiving the Outstanding Junior Member Award and celebrated members for their contributions to our community and chapter.

• Honored DAR anniversaries for members celebrating 5, 10, and 15 years of service.

🤝 Building Connections:

• Welcomed visitors at our table during Newtown Historic Market Day.

• Supported the inaugural Crossing event at Washington Crossing Historic Park.

Thank you to all our members for making this year unforgettable. Together, we’ve honored history, served our community, and strengthened our bonds. Here’s to continuing our mission in 2025! 💙✨ ________________________________________________________________________________

Wreaths Across America Ceremony

Our chapter proudly hosted the Wreaths Across America ceremony at the Revolutionary War graves, where we honored the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of the brave veterans who fought for our nation’s independence. This poignant event united us in remembrance and gratitude, reminding us of the enduring legacy of these heroes. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the American Legion - Jesse Soby Post 148, Boy Scout Troop 230, Tim Ghebeles (Guardians of the National Cemetery), Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, our dedicated chapter members, and the supportive community who joined us. As wreaths were lovingly placed, we stood together to ensure these veterans are never forgotten—a testament to their invaluable contributions to our freedom.

🎄 A Festive Holiday Celebration Honoring the Heroic Marbleheaders 🎄

This year, our holiday celebration drew inspiration from the courageous Marbleheaders, creating a gathering that was both festive and deeply meaningful. We were delighted to welcome Karen Reilly as our newest member, marking the start of her journey with our chapter. Our members embraced the holiday spirit with a raffle basket fundraiser, raising support for the Salute 2 Service charity organization. We also took a moment to honor the dedication of members celebrating 5, 10, and 15 years of service to DAR—your commitment inspires us all! Above all, we cherished the warmth of fellowship and camaraderie as we came together during this special season. Wishing everyone a holiday season filled with love, gratitude, and the enduring spirit of service. Here's to a bright and meaningful year ahead! 🎅✨

First Crossing Washington Crossing Historic Park - December 8, 2024

Chapter members had a great time at the "First Crossing" dress rehearsal at WCHP yesterday. Judi and I were able to represent the chapter and PSSDAR at the wreath laying ceremony and then chapter members helped visitors make colonial whirligig toys at our informational table. We were happy to promote DAR and educate the guests about Bucks County Revolutionary War patriots!

Deck the Halls with History: Adorning the Tree at Washington Crossing Historic Park

A Marbleheaders Christmas Tree🎄

This holiday season, the Washington Crossing Chapter, NSDAR, proudly unveiled a stunning Christmas tree at Washington Crossing Historic Park, honoring the heroic Marbleheaders. These unsung patriots, led by John Glover, played a critical role in our nation’s history by rowing General Washington and his troops across the icy Delaware River on December 25, 1776. Lovingly decorated by our members, the tree featured meaningful ornaments and designs that celebrated the bravery, skill, and sacrifice of the Marblehead Regiment. Each detail reflected their enduring legacy and the vital part they played in shaping the course of the American Revolution. We were thrilled to share this tribute with the community and hope it inspired all who visited to reflect on the courage and dedication of these Revolutionary War heroes. Thank you to everyone who stopped by to admire this special display!

🎉 Celebrating Service, Community, and Camaraderie at

Our November Chapter Meeting 🎉

Our recent chapter meeting was a truly memorable gathering filled with meaningful moments. We honored three veterans—Emma Smith, Donald Guy, and Anni Simonait—with beautiful Quilts of Valor, lovingly handcrafted by The Crossing Quilts of Valor volunteers. These quilts are a heartfelt tribute to their courage and dedication.

We also celebrated growth within our chapter with a warm induction ceremony for two new members, reflecting our shared commitment to the DAR mission.

A special highlight was recognizing Elizabeth Todderud with the DAR Excellence in Community Service Award. Elizabeth's extraordinary volunteerism, including crafting over 340 blankets for the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society and dedicating over 10,000 hours to this cause, has brought comfort to countless military families. Her unwavering commitment is an inspiration to us all.

Finally, we extended our gratitude to members who donated Halloween candy for military care packages, spreading joy to those who serve. It was an uplifting meeting, celebrating the spirit of service and community!

Tree Decorations - Work Party

October 21, 2024

Lots of fun and creativity went into making the decorations for the holiday tree. Paper boats, nautical rope, shells, fishing net, red knit caps are some of the decor created to adorn The Marbleheader” themed tree, in honor of John Glover and his 14th regiment, who heroically rowed the troops across the Delaware River in December 1776.

✨ October Chapter Meeting Recap ✨

Our October 12, 2024, chapter meeting was a wonderful blend of education, service, and celebration. We had the honor of welcoming Larry Kidder, author and historian, who shared the captivating story of Jacob Francis, a free Black man who lived through the American Revolution. His presentation offered a powerful perspective on freedom, service, and the challenges of that era, enriching our understanding of our nation’s history.

In celebration of National DAR Day of Service, we collected food donations for the Penndel Mental Health Food Pantry. A heartfelt thank you to Mike for delivering the generous contributions!

We proudly recognized Kelly Gresh, recipient of the Outstanding Junior Member Award, for her inspiring dedication to serving veterans and upholding DAR’s mission. Congratulations, Kelly!

Additionally, we welcomed three new members into our chapter family: Beth Torok, Lillian Stephano, and Susie Davidson. We’re thrilled to have you join us and look forward to working together in the spirit of service and patriotism.

Thank you to everyone who made this meeting a meaningful and memorable event!

🎒 Field Trip to the Octagonal Schoolhouse 🎒

On October 6, 2024, our chapter and C.A.R. members enjoyed a delightful field trip to the historic Octagonal Schoolhouse in Wrightstown! Exploring this architectural gem and learning about its role in early education was both fascinating and inspiring.

The unique octagonal design and its historical significance sparked curiosity and admiration among all attendees. It was a day filled with discovery and camaraderie as we deepened our connections to history and to each other.

A special thanks to Betty Davis and Karl Neiderer, our knowledgeable and engaging tour guides, who made this experience truly memorable. Thank you to everyone who joined us—we look forward to our next adventure together!

Newtown Market Day - Raffle - October 5, 2024

🎉 Newtown Market Day Raffle Winner! 🎉

Congratulations to Marie Wise, the lucky winner of the stunning oil painting of The Brick Hotel! 🖼️ In a delightful twist of fate, Marie was enjoying lunch at The Brick Hotel when Shari called to share the exciting news. Her joy made the moment even more special! 😊

This memorable announcement was part of the festivities at Newtown Market Day, adding an extra layer of celebration to the day. Thank you to everyone who participated and supported this event! Proceeds from the raffle will benefit the Newtown Historical Society and the America 250 Reenactment. Your generosity helps preserve history and bring it to life for future generations!

Lafayette's Farewell Tour - Bristol, PA

September 29, 2024

Members of the chapter proudly attended the 200th anniversary celebration of Lafayette's Farewell Tour in Bristol, PA, honoring the Marquis de Lafayette's enduring legacy in America's fight for independence. The event was a meaningful tribute to his pivotal role in the Revolution, as well as his deep connection to the American people.

Another fun outing with Washington Crossing Wool

at the Thompson-Neely Farmstead today!

Sept 27, 2024

🐑 Heritage Breed Wool Processing Day 🐑

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us for a fun and educational day processing heritage breed wool from the farmstead sheep!

Participants learned and practiced hand carding, making rolags, spinning with a drop spindle, crafting wooly bird nest balls, and exploring the many forms of fiber artistry. It was a wonderful experience, not only for creating amazing wooly yarn but also for making new connections and friendships.

Special thanks to the Washington Crossing Historic Park friends, staff, and volunteers, Thompson-Neely Farmstead Manager Ross Heutmaker, the Washington Crossing DAR, and, of course, the hardworking farmstead sheep! 🐑✨

Chapter Members Attend

PSSDAR Fall Meeting

Sept 20 - 21, 2024

Several members of the Washington Crossing Chapter had the opportunity to attend the PSSDAR Fall Meeting in Harrisburg. They participated in a variety of workshops. The event provided valuable insights and ideas to bring back to the chapter. 

🍪 USO Project - Snack Bags Donation - September 2024🍪

Our chapter is proud to have contributed to the Project Patriot project. With these generous contributions, we were able to create 40 snack bags, along with additional bulk boxes to support our servicemen and women traveling through the Philadelphia International Airport. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who donated, helping us provide these essential items to those who serve our country. Your generosity truly makes a difference!

🎉 Kicking Off an Exciting New Year 🎉

September chapter meeting

The Chapter is buzzing with energy as we begin another impactful year honoring our heritage and serving our community. Our first meeting set a dynamic tone for the months ahead, filled with new beginnings, insightful programs, and meaningful contributions.

We warmly welcomed two new members, Katie Kovaschetz and Clairee Daniels, with a heartfelt ceremony marking the start of their DAR journey. The election of officers and nomination process for the Nominating Committee ensured a strong foundation for our chapter’s future leadership.

Our guest speaker, Kellee Blake, Retired Director of the National Archives, delivered an inspiring presentation, "Unbroken Reeds: Eastern Shore Women and the American Revolution." Her program shed light on the strength and resilience of women during the Revolution, offering a powerful reminder of their enduring legacy.

The meeting also celebrated member contributions with awards and saw a successful snack bag collection for a local cause, showcasing the generosity and community spirit that defines our chapter.

With such a strong start, we are excited for the year ahead and the positive impact we’ll make together. Thank you to all our members for your dedication and support! 🌟

Washington Crossing Wool Project

August 23 & 25, 2024

🐑 A Weekend of Wool and Farming at Thompson-Neely Farmstead 🐑

On Friday, August 23, our chapter kicked off a memorable weekend with a visit to the Thompson-Neely Farmstead for a guided tour led by Farmstead Manager, Ross Heutmaker. We had the opportunity to meet the farm’s sheep and learn all about their care and the wool they produce. After the tour, we picked up two fleeces and headed to Jennifer Stull’s house, where we skirted, scoured, washed, and hung the fleeces to dry.

The following Sunday, August 25, members gathered at the WCHP pavilion behind the farmstead to make wild bird wool nesting balls using fleece from Piper, a Dorset sheep. These wool nests were created to be tested by Ross in the elements, with the possibility of future kits for the WCHP Visitor Center Gift Shop.

The group is thrilled to continue this wooly project, and we can’t wait to see where it takes us!

Naturalization Ceremony - Pennsbury Manor

July 25, 2024

Our chapter had the honor of assisting at another moving naturalization ceremony held at Pennsbury Manor. A heartfelt thank you to Americanism Chair, Judi Hague Biederman, for organizing our chapter’s participation in this special event. Fifty new U.S. citizens from 23 different countries and their families gathered at the scenic river court, with the Manor House as a beautiful backdrop. It was a powerful moment of unity and celebration of new beginnings. Thank you to all the members and associate members who volunteered their time and support. We are so proud to have been part of such a meaningful event!

4th of July Work Party - June 23, 2024

On June 23rd, the Service to Veterans Committee gathered to assemble Fourth of July goodie bags for the 160 residents of the Delaware Valley Veterans Home in Philadelphia. These special bags were filled with cards signed by chapter members, mini folded flags that once flew over veterans' graves at Washington Crossing National Cemetery, homemade cookies, and Hershey Kisses.

A huge thank you to Kelly Gresh, Barbara Heenan, Linda Hartzell, and Jenn Wise for their help in obtaining, folding the flags, and assembling the bags. We’d also like to give a special shoutout to the Washington Crossing C.A.R. for folding the mini flags—your efforts were greatly appreciated!

We know these festive bags will bring joy to the residents of DVVH, and we are so proud to have contributed to making their Fourth of July a little brighter! 🎆

Spring Luncheon May 18, 2024

What a fantastic Spring Luncheon we had today! We gathered to honor the 125th Anniversary of John Philip Sousa's iconic march, "Stars and Stripes Forever." The room was filled with great conversations, delicious food, and, of course, the patriotic spirit of Sousa's timeless masterpiece. A huge thank you to everyone who attended and made this celebration unforgettable. Here's to many more memorable moments together!

Project Patriot Committee Enhances 'Our Community Salutes' Event with Beautiful Centerpieces

Jennifer Wise, Project Patriot Committee Chair had the honor to attend the Bucks County, Our Community Salutes dinner on behalf of the Washington Crossing chapter! Proud to see our Project Patriot Committee's beautiful centerpieces adding a special touch to this important event. Celebrating and supporting our future military service members is always a privilege.

PSSDAR State Conference - April 25 - 27, 2024

🎉 Highlights from the State Conference Weekend 🎉

Members of our chapter had an exciting and productive time at the State Conference, filled with camaraderie and achievement. We kicked off the weekend with a visit to Harriton House, followed by a fascinating colonial cooking demonstration by Chef Staib.

Friday morning featured Marilyn Konicky's American Indian breakfast, which was a hit and included generous raffle basket donations for the American Indian scholarship fund. Marilyn's exhibit table raised significant funds and was a great success.

Our chapter members, Judi, Marilyn, and Jen, presented well-received state reports, and our delegates cast votes for the state nominating committee. During Saturday’s business session, our Regent proudly delivered our chapter’s report.

The weekend wrapped up with a lively state banquet, where the Avalon String Band provided entertainment, marking the perfect end to a memorable and successful conference.

Bronze JROTC Medal Awarded - April 18, 2024

Congratulations to Sydney Busak who was awarded the Bronze JROTC medal. Thank you Carrie for joining Cheera Slayback and taking this picture. What a wonderful night watching the Pennsbury's AFJROTC unit receive well deserved award.s

Tour of Honor - Bucks County

April 16, 2024

Welcome Home, Heroes! Bucks County Tour of Honor

It was an incredible privilege to be part of the Welcome Home crowd yesterday, as we celebrated the return of veterans who participated in the annual Bucks County Tour of Honor. Hundreds of veterans embarked on a powerful journey to Washington DC to visit the war memorials, paying tribute to their service and sacrifices.

Among them was our very own Susan LaRosa, and it was an honor to welcome her back with such a distinguished group of heroes. The atmosphere was filled with gratitude and patriotism as we gathered to honor veterans from World War II, Korea, and Vietnam.

Around 250 people joined together to express our appreciation for these brave men and women. It was a heartwarming and unforgettable event, reminding us to always honor their legacy and sacrifices. Thank you to everyone who came out to make this moment so special! 🌟

Chapter Meeting - April 13, 2024

We Dove into the fascinating world of beekeeping with our latest chapter meeting program: "My Beekeeping Journey" presented by Shannon Ross!

We discovered the buzz behind beekeeping as we delved into the ins and outs of nurturing these incredible pollinators. From hive management to honey production, this session was packed with invaluable insights and practical tips for aspiring beekeepers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Together, we explored the vital role bees play in our ecosystem and learned why their conservation is more crucial than ever.

250th Anniversary of the

Boston Tea Party

We received our certificate of participation in the Boston Tea Party reenactment and celebration. Thank you to all who generously donated loose tea!

🎖️ Project Patriot: USO To Go Bags 🎖️

A huge round of applause for the incredible efforts of our Chapter and C.A.R.! On March 9th, we came together to donate 700 toiletry items to create To Go Bags for the USO, thanks to the contributions from chapter members, the Children of the American Revolution (C.A.R.), and the Bucks County Emergency Operations Center.

On March 25th, our volunteers assembled 50 complete To Go Bags, with additional items set to be sent to the USO. These care packages are a small but meaningful way to show our appreciation for the brave men and women who serve our country.

Thank you to everyone who donated and volunteered—you've made a lasting impact and truly embodied the spirit of giving! and for making a difference in the lives of others. Together, we're stronger! 

March 9th - Chapter Meeting

Our March 9th chapter meeting was an enriching and fulfilling gathering, highlighted by an engaging program presented by Miriam Miller on "The Battle of Crooked Billet." Miriam's insightful presentation provided us with a deeper understanding of this significant historical event, enriching our appreciation for our nation's past. In addition to the enlightening program, we came together to support our active-duty service members and veterans by collecting donations for the USO To-Go Bags and the Delaware Valley Veterans Home in Philadelphia. The generosity and support from our members were truly heartwarming and demonstrated our commitment to honoring and serving those who have bravely defended our country. Amidst our business meeting and discussions, we were delighted to welcome three new chapter members, who were sworn in with enthusiasm and warmth, enriching our community with their dedication and passion for our shared values. It was inspiring to witness the unity and camaraderie within our chapter as we continue to uphold the values of patriotism and service.

📚 Supplemental Workshop - February 10, 2024 📚

We had an incredible Supplemental Workshop on February 10, 2024, led by the amazing Jennifer Viscusi! Jennifer expertly guided us through the process of identifying patriots for supplementals, offering valuable insights and answering great questions from the engaged attendees.

Her presentation was both informative and interactive, making the session an enriching experience for all. A big thank you to Jennifer for sharing her expertise and helping us grow as a community. Workshops like these are key to deepening our understanding of history and honoring our heritage. Thank you to everyone who participated and made this event a success!