Local Landmark to Receive $536,330 Grant for Historic Renovations Ahead of America's 250th Birthday
The Friends of Washington Crossing Park has been awarded a significant grant from the National Park Service to support renovations of the historic Thompson-Neely House in Bucks County. The funds, totaling $536,330, will be used to undertake a series of upgrades aimed at preserving this 18th-century building and its surrounding farmstead, which served as an encampment site for the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War.
Built in 1740, the Thompson-Neely House played host to prominent figures such as President James Monroe and William Washington, a cousin of George Washington, who were both camped on the grounds in December 1776. It was during this time that Washington prepared for his famous Christmas night crossing into New Jersey, which marked a turning point in the war.
The grant will be used to restore the interior plaster and paintwork, stabilize floors and chimneys, update the electrical system, insulate the building, and add moisture control measures to protect historic objects. Additionally, a military terrain analysis will be conducted to better understand how the land was utilized 250 years ago, shedding light on the experiences of civilians during this pivotal period in American history.
According to park officials, the repairs are expected to begin in the spring and be completed by the fall, with efforts being spread out in phases to minimize disruption to visitors. The site will remain open throughout the process, but plans are underway to host additional events around Washington's birthday on February 22 and the Fourth of July.
The National Park Service has offered grants to historic sites connected to America's formative years, which span from 1776 to 1815. Other recipients include Gloria Dei Episcopal Church and the Arch Street Meeting House in Philadelphia. The funding will help preserve these important historical assets for future generations to appreciate.
The Friends of Washington Crossing Park has been awarded a significant grant from the National Park Service to support renovations of the historic Thompson-Neely House in Bucks County. The funds, totaling $536,330, will be used to undertake a series of upgrades aimed at preserving this 18th-century building and its surrounding farmstead, which served as an encampment site for the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War.
Built in 1740, the Thompson-Neely House played host to prominent figures such as President James Monroe and William Washington, a cousin of George Washington, who were both camped on the grounds in December 1776. It was during this time that Washington prepared for his famous Christmas night crossing into New Jersey, which marked a turning point in the war.
The grant will be used to restore the interior plaster and paintwork, stabilize floors and chimneys, update the electrical system, insulate the building, and add moisture control measures to protect historic objects. Additionally, a military terrain analysis will be conducted to better understand how the land was utilized 250 years ago, shedding light on the experiences of civilians during this pivotal period in American history.
According to park officials, the repairs are expected to begin in the spring and be completed by the fall, with efforts being spread out in phases to minimize disruption to visitors. The site will remain open throughout the process, but plans are underway to host additional events around Washington's birthday on February 22 and the Fourth of July.
The National Park Service has offered grants to historic sites connected to America's formative years, which span from 1776 to 1815. Other recipients include Gloria Dei Episcopal Church and the Arch Street Meeting House in Philadelphia. The funding will help preserve these important historical assets for future generations to appreciate.
! It's amazing that we're getting a chance to learn more about our history by preserving places like the Thompson-Neely House. I mean, can you imagine what it would be like to walk through those same halls and see the actual rooms where George Washington's cousin William Washington stayed? It's going to be so cool to get a glimpse into the past and see how things were done back then.
. I hate when old buildings are all dry and dusty, it's like you're walking through a museum or something. But with these upgrades, the house is going to feel more like a home and less like a relic from another era.
And to know that President James Monroe and George Washington himself walked through those doors makes it even more special. I mean, can you imagine being in a place where history was literally made?
. It's like we're getting to relive the past in a whole new way!
. But hosting events around Washington's birthday on February 22 and the Fourth of July sounds like an awesome idea! Can't wait to see what they come up with 
I'm stoked to hear that the Thompson-Neely House is getting a major facelift! It's wild to think about all the historic figures who've walked through those doors, like President Monroe and George Washington himself 
.
. It'll be cool to see some new insights into civilian life during that time period. And hosting more events around Washington's birthday and the Fourth of July sounds like a great way to celebrate American history 
. Did anyone else know about this grant?
it's amazing that the friends of washington crossing park are getting a major grant to renovate the thompson-neely house and its surrounding farmstead. it's like they're bringing back a piece of american history 
it's moments like those that make me appreciate america's past even more 
and i'm sure it'll be a big hit with history buffs 
That's so cool that they're getting a grant to restore the Thompson-Neely House 
I wonder if it'll be super accurate with the military terrain analysis and stuff... hopefully it'll be open for events soon too 
i mean id rather see the funds go 2 somethin more 'active' like outdoor exhibits or interactive experiences 4 the visitors but still i guess its cool they gettin that recognition & ppl are finally takin notice of those historic sites 
, did you know that George Washington's cousin was chillin' at this historic house like it was a sleepover? 
And now they're gonna renovate the place so we can see what life was like back in 1776! 
Anywayz, it's dope that the National Park Service is giving these historic sites a boost. We should totes check out this Thompson-Neely House when we visit Bucks County... maybe there'll be some ghostly George Washington sightings? 
think its awesome they're gettin a grant to fix up that old house 
. i mean, can u imagine bein in the shoes of washington and his friends 250 yrs ago? 
anyway, glad to see these historic sites getting some love 
and it's being used to save an amazing piece of history 
? It's like stepping back in time 
. And the fact that they're going to update the electrical system and add moisture control measures is genius 
. I'm so down for some military terrain analysis 
too - it'll be lit to learn more about what life was like 250 years ago 
. Can't wait to see the site all fixed up by fall 
. And hosting events on Washington's birthday and the Fourth of July is a great idea 
just think about it, a landmark that's over 250 years old is gonna get a major renovation! can't wait to see what they do with it 
. can't wait to see how they bring back that 18th century feel!
. And I love that the park will stay open during repairs so people can still experience the site while it's being restored. It's all about sharing the past with the future, right? 
The fact that a military terrain analysis is being done for this project also makes me wonder if there's more to the story than what's being let on... 
. I just hope they can find a way to balance preserving the history with not disrupting visitors too much