The Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum in Allentown, headquarters of the Lehigh County Historical Society, is actively planning for next year’s big birthday celebration, when the United States will turn 250 years old on July 4.

Lehigh County will be participating in the festivities through a variety of programs that focus on our state and local heritage and the county’s historical significance during the Revolutionary War.

As many folks recall from history lessons, Pennsylvania played a decisive role in the nation’s founding.

The museum has scheduled speakers for Saturday lectures throughout this fall, and several of them will be focused on Pennsylvania’s pivotal role in the nation’s history.

In keeping with that theme, David Price, an award-winning author specializing in the American Revolution, and an historic interpreter at Washington Crossing Historic Park and Princeton Battlefield State Park, recently presented a lecture and book signing at the Heritage Museum.

Approximately 80 museum visitors attended Price’s program and learned the key factors that led to victory in George Washington’s legendary winter campaign of 1776 to 1777 during the American Revolution.

In his book, “Winning the Ten Crucial Days,” as well as in his presentation, Price explained how General George Washington used leadership, geography, weather, artillery and contingency to his advantage in turning the tide against the British Empire.

Early in the war for American freedom, victory looked like a lost cause.

Price said he prefers an analytical rather than a chronological approach to Washington’s famous crossing of the Delaware River, an event Price refers to as “the 10 most remarkable days in American history.”

The quality of Washington’s leadership was most important, according to Price, who said the general had a “bold, enterprising vision” during the three battles – two in Trenton and one in Princeton – fought during the brutal 10-day campaign.

Geography played a role in Washington’s victory, Price asserted, because the dimensions of the territory were too large for the British and German troops’ capacity.

The weather rewarded the Americans because the river turned to solid ice after Washington’s men crossed it, and a blizzard obscured the march of Washington’s troops.

Poor visibility and wet muskets from the nor’easter storm created a hardship for the opposing soldiers.

Artillery led to American success, Price noted, because the skilled use of cannon fire and the number of field guns powered Washington’s troops to victory.

Contingency, described by Price as good luck or chance, also aided Washington.

Not only did the nasty weather help the American cause, but so did poor decisions made by opposing officers, which greatly facilitated Washington’s victory, according to Price.

The Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum, located at 432 W. Walnut St., Allentown, is an institution of lifelong learning.

Its mission is to educate its visitors about American history, which it accomplishes with lively presentations and interesting visual displays.