Recreate Washington’s Famous Crossing and Win Big at Mount Vernon!

MOUNT VERNON, VA — Got a rowboat? A few patriotic friends? Maybe a dog who looks particularly commanding in a tricorne hat?

You’re halfway to making history. Well, sort of.

George Washington’s Mount Vernon has launched a delightfully imaginative contest inviting the public to recreate one of the most famous scenes in American history: Washington Crossing the Delaware.

And no, you don’t actually have to cross the Delaware River. In fact, you don’t even need water. An old boat in the backyard, a few strategically placed props, some willing friends, and a healthy sense of humor could be all it takes.

Mount Vernon’s own Media & Communications Department has already gotten into the spirit, staging a playful version of the famous painting with a wooden boat, an umbrella, and makeshift waves scattered across the grass. (See photo above)

The challenge is simple: Put your own creative spin on Emanuel Leutze’s iconic 1851 painting depicting General George Washington’s daring Christmas night crossing of the icy Delaware River in 1776.

This year marks the 250th anniversary of that extraordinary military maneuver, which led to an American victory at Trenton and helped revive the struggling Revolutionary cause.

Your Crew, Your Crossing

Mount Vernon is accepting entries in three categories.

The Standard category welcomes families, friends, coworkers, pets, and anyone else willing to strike a patriotic pose.

The Student/Classroom category is designed for schools, homeschoolers, and student groups. An adult must submit each student or group entry. Teachers might find this an especially entertaining way to bring history to life.

And for those who would rather wield a paintbrush than an oar, the Arts & Crafts category welcomes paintings, drawings, sculptures, handmade creations, and original digital artwork.

There’s one important restriction: Generative AI is not allowed. Mount Vernon wants your imagination, not a computer’s.

A Prize Fit for a General

Here’s where things get really interesting.

The grand-prize winner receives an exclusive VIP experience at Mount Vernon for up to 20 people, including access to places most visitors never get to see.

Imagine exploring the rarely visited third floor of Washington’s mansion, touring its newly restored cellar, going behind the scenes at the George Washington Presidential Library, and meeting the experts who preserve and interpret the estate’s extraordinary history.

The experience also includes special tours of Mount Vernon’s collections, a visit to the archaeology laboratory, lunch at the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant with a Mount Vernon expert, and a private wreath-laying ceremony at George and Martha Washington’s tomb.

Not bad for getting a few friends together and pretending to cross a river.

The Public Gets the Final Vote

Submit entries by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Christmas Day, December 25, 2026.

Mount Vernon will select nine finalists, three from each category, based on creativity, originality, interpretation, and execution. Those finalists will be announced on December 28, when public voting begins. Voting continues through January 3, 2027, and the grand-prize winner will be announced January 4. Every finalist entry receives a Mount Vernon prize package, including special souvenirs and admission tickets for participants.

And if you need a little historical inspiration before assembling your crew, Mount Vernon is hosting its Washington Crossing the Delaware Family Day on December 19.

So Alexandria, here’s your chance. Round up the neighbors, recruit the grandchildren, enlist the family dog, or challenge your office to create a masterpiece.

Washington needed an army to cross the Delaware. You might just need a little imagination.

Ready to enter? Visit Mount Vernon’s official Crossing the Delaware Contest page for the entry form, complete rules, and prize details.