NBC's Tim Furlong Visits Historic New Castle to Spotlight 250Ride.org Reenactment

As excitement continues to build for the June 12–13, 2026 reenactment of Caesar Rodney’s historic Ride for Independence, the 250Ride.org team recently welcomed veteran Philadelphia television reporter Tim Furlong of NBC10 Philadelphia to Historic Old New Castle, Delaware, for a special behind-the-scenes look at the ambitious living-history journey that will commemorate America’s 250th Birthday.

Known throughout the Delaware Valley for his long-running coverage of local communities, regional history, transportation, and major cultural events, Furlong met with members of the 250Ride.org team, including Ciro Poppiti, founder of 250Ride.org and the portrayer of Caesar Rodney during the reenactment. Together, they gathered in front of the iconic Old New Castle Courthouse, one of Delaware’s most historically significant landmarks and a site deeply connected to Rodney himself.

The visit offered NBC10 an early glimpse into the vision behind the two-day reenactment, which will retrace Rodney’s legendary overnight ride from Dover to Philadelphia in support of American independence.

Standing on the very grounds where colonial history once unfolded, the courthouse setting served as a powerful reminder that New Castle remains one of the emotional and historical centerpieces of the entire reenactment journey. Caesar Rodney maintained direct ties to the city during Delaware’s colonial era, making the location especially symbolic as the nation prepares to celebrate America’s 250th Birthday.

During the interview and walkthrough, the 250Ride.org team discussed the organization’s mission to present what they call a “Responsible Reenactment” — one that not only honors the courage and sacrifice of the Revolutionary generation, but also acknowledges the complexities of the era while amplifying the stories of the often-overlooked “Unheard Voices of the Revolution.”

That same historic courthouse square will once again come alive on Saturday, June 13, when the reenactment returns to Historic Old New Castle as part of the beloved Separation Day Parade festivities. From approximately 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM, Caesar Rodney’s horse-drawn carriage and the growing cast of Revolutionary-era interpreters will join the parade route through town, creating one of the most visually striking and immersive moments of the entire two-day event.

Guests will encounter not only Caesar Rodney himself, but fellow founding figures and historical interpreters including Jacob Broom and the broader cast of 250Ride.org’s “Unheard Voices of the Revolution,” helping bring to life the diverse individuals and stories connected to America’s founding.

For organizers, the return to New Castle symbolizes more than simply a parade stop. It represents history in motion, a living journey traveling through the same communities that shaped the birth of the United States. Following the Separation Day festivities, the reenactment team will continue north toward Philadelphia later that same afternoon, ultimately completing Caesar Rodney’s famous ride in the city where independence was declared nearly 250 years ago.

As regional media attention surrounding the reenactment continues to grow, visits like Tim Furlong’s reflect the increasing public interest in immersive historical storytelling tied to America’s Semiquincentennial celebration. For the 250Ride.org team, however, the goal remains unchanged: honor history, educate communities, and remind audiences that the American story was shaped by far more voices than history books often tell.

To learn more about the historic reenactment, the Delaware Italian American Foundation, upcoming events, sponsorship opportunities, volunteer opportunities, and the many voices helping bring this living history experience to life, visit 250Ride.org and follow the journey as Caesar Rodney rides again in celebration of America’s 250th birthday.