Local Landmark Gets a Facelift for 250th Anniversary of Independence
A historic building in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, is set to receive a major renovation as part of the country's semiquincentennial celebrations. The Thompson-Neely House, which dates back to 1740 and served as an encampment site for the Continental Army during George Washington's fateful crossing of the Delaware River in 1776, has been awarded $536,330 by the National Park Service.
The funds will be used to tackle interior upgrades, including restoring plaster and paint, stabilizing floors and chimneys, updating the electrical system, and insulating the building. Additionally, the site will undergo a military terrain analysis, which includes archeological searches, to better understand how the land was utilized 250 years ago.
According to park officials, these repairs are crucial in gaining a deeper understanding of how the war affected civilians. "The army just comes in and they get camping on this property," said Martin, referring to Washington's troops. "The property itself, while it wasn't designated a hospital, was almost used in that sense."
The work is set to begin in the spring and will be completed by the fall, with the park planning to hold additional events around Washington's birthday on February 22 and the Fourth of July.
As part of the National Park Service's semiquincentennial grants program, $536,330 has been awarded to preserve historic sites connected to the country's formative years. Other recipients include the Gloria Dei Episcopal Church in Philadelphia and the Arch Street Meeting House.
The renovations will not only restore the building but also provide a glimpse into the lives of those who lived on this land 250 years ago, offering visitors a unique perspective on America's history.
A historic building in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, is set to receive a major renovation as part of the country's semiquincentennial celebrations. The Thompson-Neely House, which dates back to 1740 and served as an encampment site for the Continental Army during George Washington's fateful crossing of the Delaware River in 1776, has been awarded $536,330 by the National Park Service.
The funds will be used to tackle interior upgrades, including restoring plaster and paint, stabilizing floors and chimneys, updating the electrical system, and insulating the building. Additionally, the site will undergo a military terrain analysis, which includes archeological searches, to better understand how the land was utilized 250 years ago.
According to park officials, these repairs are crucial in gaining a deeper understanding of how the war affected civilians. "The army just comes in and they get camping on this property," said Martin, referring to Washington's troops. "The property itself, while it wasn't designated a hospital, was almost used in that sense."
The work is set to begin in the spring and will be completed by the fall, with the park planning to hold additional events around Washington's birthday on February 22 and the Fourth of July.
As part of the National Park Service's semiquincentennial grants program, $536,330 has been awarded to preserve historic sites connected to the country's formative years. Other recipients include the Gloria Dei Episcopal Church in Philadelphia and the Arch Street Meeting House.
The renovations will not only restore the building but also provide a glimpse into the lives of those who lived on this land 250 years ago, offering visitors a unique perspective on America's history.