ABOUT THE FOUNDATION

"...perpetuating the principles, the ideals and the Spirit of 1776"

The Washington Crossing Foundation was chartered in 1964, as a private, non-profit 501c(3) corporation for the purpose of promoting a greater appreciation of the significance, courage and patriotism of George Washington and his leadership throughout the American Revolution. The dedication and courage which inspired his historic crossing of the Delaware and subsequent victories at Trenton and Princeton, New Jersey, and eventually at Yorktown, Virginia, are as important today as they were in 1776.

During the years since the work of the Foundation began, we have remained steadfast in our purpose and have seen a resurgence of interest in acquiring accurate and inspiring information about historical figures. The principal beneficiaries of the Foundation's programs are the nation's school children. In our important scholarship program, the Foundation has awarded grants of from $1,000 to $20,000 to several hundred high school seniors from across the United States who are planning careers in government service. Since the inception of the program, the Foundation has awarded more than $800,000.00 to help these students pursue their goals.

The Washington Crossing Foundation believes that its work is more important today than any time since its founding. Once again we are experiencing "times that try Men's souls", as Thomas Paine so eloquently said during our initial struggle for liberty. We must never lose sight of the sacrifice, the hardship, the suffering and the dedication which made this nation survive. We should be proud of our heritage and forever grateful to the courageous men and women who gave us the greatest gift possible-Freedom. The Foundation honors our history by perpetuating its ideals. One of the founders of the Foundation, author-historian Ann Hawkes Hutton, famously said that "history is yesterday's fact, which understood today, will shape tomorrow."

If asked the question: "What does America mean to you?", the members of the Foundation would reply: We teach how our nation began; we encourage and assist young people to take their places in our nation's public service; and we look to the future. We introduce the knowledge of our American heritage to the school children of our nation so that they will value its meaning and draw upon its strength.

View the announcement of this year's National Scholarship Winners