Thank you to all who attended! See photos from our gathering here.

Everyone immediately recognizes Emanuel Leutze’s iconic 1851 oil-on-canvas of a grim Gen. George Washington bravely leading his troops across the icy Delaware River on Christmas night 1776. The significance of the painting is the emotional response it draws from the viewer rather than its historical accuracy.

Author and historian Larry Kidder will discuss the nature and mechanics of the actual crossing, why it occurred when it did, the ways it affected the course of the American Revolution, and how all of this is reflected in Leutze’s work in a special presentation hosted by the Lower Makefield Historical Society on Sunday, November 10.

This event is free and open to the public. No ticket is required for entry.

Kidder received his master’s degree from Allegheny College and taught history for 40 years in both public and private schools. He has served on the board and is past president of historical societies in Ewing and Hopewell Townships in New Jersey. Kidder has been a volunteer historian, interpreter, and draft-horse teamster at the Howell Living History Farm and is also a consultant and battlefield tour guide for the Princeton Battlefield Society. The author of five books focusing on the American Revolution, Kidder serves as an interpreter for full-day bus tours of the “Ten Crucial Days” event. Learn more about Larry Kidder at wlkidderhistorian.com.