“Starry Hospitality Night” on Dec. 5 kicks off Zwaanendael Museum’s seasonal programming

List of the museum’s special events through April 2014 also included

On Dec. 5, Bill Ayrey, lab manager and company historian from ILC Dover, will demonstrate the space suit that the company manufactures for NASA.On Thursday, Dec. 5, 2013, from 6 to 9 p.m., the Zwaanendael Museum, located at 102 Kings Highway in Lewes, DE 19958, will kick-off its celebration of the winter-holiday season with the program “Starry Hospitality Night,” an evening of music, festive décor and refreshments capped off with star-gazing in honor of the Delaware-born astronomer Annie Jump Cannon. The event will feature Bill Ayrey, lab manager and company historian from ILC Dover, who will demonstrate the space suit that the company manufactures for NASA. “Starry Hospitality Night” is presented in conjunction with the Lewes Chamber of Commerce’s Hospitality Night in Historic Lewes.

On Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the museum will take part in the Lewes Historical Society’s Christmas Tour of Lewes with the program, “Tour Zwaanendael Museum,” which will provide visitors with an opportunity to explore the site’s exhibits on the Lewes-area’s maritime, military and social history.

Finally, on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2013 at 2 p.m., the museum will offer a program in celebration of the 150th birthday of the noted Delaware astronomer Annie Jump Cannon.

Current exhibits at the Zwaanendael Museum include “A Seaborne Citizenry: The DeBraak and Its Atlantic World” which tells the story of His Majesty’s Sloop DeBraak, a British warship that sank off the Delaware coast on May 25, 1798; and “Delaware and the War of 1812” which examines the service and sacrifice of Delawareans of 1812 to 1815, and the important role that the state played in a conflict that helped shape the development of the United States as a nation.

Following is a complete schedule of Zwaanendael Museum special events through April 2014. Admission is free for all events listed. For additional information, call 302-645-1148.

Thursday, Dec. 5, 2013
“Starry Hospitality Night.” Holiday-themed program includes star-gazing in celebration of Delaware astronomer Annie Jump Cannon plus Bill Ayrey, lab manager and company historian from ILC Dover demonstrating the space suit that the company manufactures for NASA. The evening will also feature music, festive décor and refreshments. 6–9 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013
“Tour Zwaanendael Museum.” Enjoy the museum’s festive holiday-décor. Event held in conjunction with the Lewes Historical Society’s Christmas Tour of Lewes. 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2013
“Annie Jump Cannon.” Celebrate the 150th birthday of the noted Delaware astronomer. Program at 2 p.m. Museum open 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 18, 2014
“Delaware’s Decades—the 1940s: ‘Ft. Miles.’ ” Lecture by Dr. Gary Wray on the World War II-era military installation on CapeHenlopen. Part two of an eight-part series exploring decades in Delaware’s history. Program at 2 p.m. Museum open 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 15, 2014
“Delaware’s Decades—the 1950s: ‘Menhaden Industry in Lewes.’ ” Lecture by Tom Brown, Lewes Historical Society volunteer and former archivist with the National Archives. Part three of an eight-part series exploring decades in Delaware’s history. Program at 2 p.m. Museum open 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 15, 2014
“Delaware’s Decades—the 1960s: ‘History of the Cape May-Lewes Ferry.’ ” Lecture by J. Fred Coldren, former business manager of the Cape May-Lewes Ferry and historian for the 50th anniversary of the ferry. Part four of an eight-part series exploring decades in Delaware’s history. Program at 2 p.m. Museum open 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Thursday–Saturday, April 10-13, 2014
Lewes Tulip Festival. City-wide series of activities celebrating Lewes’ Dutch heritage including Dutch games, crafts and a display of Delftware ceramics at the Zwaanendael Museum. Sponsored by the Lewes Chamber of Commerce. Downtown Lewes, DE19958. 302-645-8073.

Saturday, April 19, 2014
Dutch-American Friendship Day. Discover Delaware’s Dutch roots and learn how that connection is alive today. 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 26, 2014
King’s Day. Help celebrate the birthday of King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands in a program that will also explore royal titles and Delaware’s Dutch connection. 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

-End-

Contact:
Jim Yurasek
Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs
Phone:  302-736-7413
E-mail:  Jim.Yurasek@delaware.gov
Web:   http://history.delaware.gov


Biden announces indictment of Newark man for sex offenses against children and sentencing of Kent County man on child pornography charges

As a result of the ongoing Child Predator Task Force investigation, on November 25 the Attorney General’s office secured the 144-count indictment from the New Castle County Grand Jury.  It charges Figura with 71 counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Child for producing child pornography between 1998 and 2007, and 71 counts of Dealing in Child Pornography for compiling and/or distributing those files.  In addition, the indictment charges Figura with 1 count each of Rape 2nd Degree and Unlawful Sexual Contact for physically assaulting two of these young victims in 2007.

 

Figura has remained incarcerated on $1.5 million cash bail since his December 19, 2012 arrest.  A booking image from his 2012 arrest is attached.  Read the December, 2012 press release announcing Figura’s arrest on child pornography charges at https://news.delaware.gov/2012/12/20/newark-man-charged-with-distributing-child-pornography/.

 

The Delaware Department of Justice reminds the public that an indictment is merely an allegation and is not evidence of guilt. Defendants are presumed innocent and are entitled to a jury trial at which the State bears the burden of proving each charge beyond a reasonable doubt.

 

Biden also announced that this morning, James Davis, who pled guilty to four counts of Dealing in Child Pornography on September 25, 2013, was sentenced by Kent County Superior Court Judge Robert B. Young to 8 years in prison.  Davis, age 50, of Magnolia, was arrested by the Delaware State Police on October 18, 2012 on multiple counts of Dealing in Child Pornography.  The ongoing investigation ultimately revealed that Davis maintained a collection of more than 1,000 images of child pornography on his computers and other digital storage devices.

Booking Image Figura

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Anne Jenkins of Milford to exhibit “Cycle of Support” in the Mezzanine Gallery in December

Anne Jenkins' painting, SuppotThe Delaware Division of the Arts Mezzanine Gallery will present an exhibition titled Cycle of Support by Anne Jenkins from December 6-27, 2013. The Gallery, open weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., is located in the Carvel State Office Building, 820 N. French Street, Wilmington. There will be a reception to meet the artist on Friday, December 6 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. as part of Wilmington’s Art Loop.

Anne Jenkins is a self-taught painter and mixed media artist. She focuses her work around the theme of “women helping women.” Anne says her inspiration is drawn from the strength and courage of women. Throughout the world, in spite of ethnic or economic differences, women facing war or tremendous hardship all display a common dignity. In her extensive travels, Anne has found, “It is so often those with the least who do the most for others.”

Anne Jenkins’ paintings are primarily executed using acrylic paint applied with a palette knife. The medium allows the artist to create a rich impasto of bold color in loose, free strokes. Burlap and handmade paper add additional texture and earthiness to her work.

Anne Jenkins is the recipient of the Delaware Division of the Arts Individual Artist Fellowship in Folk Art for 2013. She has exhibited her work regionally and internationally. Originally from South Africa, Anne has travelled extensively throughout the world. Anne Jenkins presently lives and works in Milford, Delaware.

To read an article about Anne, visit the Division’s Individual Arts Fellowship web publication.


Governor’s Weekly Message: Giving Thanks to Our State of Neighbors


Wilmington – In his weekly message, Governor Markell expresses his appreciation for those who help others.

“I’m thankful every day for the incredible honor to serve in our state of neighbors, where we come together to help each other and improve the quality of life for everyone in our communities,” said Governor Markell. “I wish you and your families a wonderful Thanksgiving and holiday season.”

Every Friday, the Governor’s office releases a new Weekly Message in video, audio, and transcript form. The message is available on:

YouTube: http://youtu.be/IOiH6CCAqI8
Delaware.Gov:  http://governor.delaware.gov/podcast_video.shtml
By email: Please contact our press team to subscribe to our press list
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/governormarkell
Twitter:  www.twitter.com/governormarkell

Trascript of the Governor’s Weekly Message: Giving Thanks to Our State of Neighbors

 


Governor’s Weekly Message Transcript: Giving Thanks to Our State of Neighbors


As we celebrate Thanksgiving and the start of the holiday season, we have so much to be grateful for. No matter what challenges we face, the generosity, hard work, and talent of Delawareans serves as a constant reminder of why we can be thankful in the present and hopeful about the future of our great state.

We are reminded by people like Judy Travis, Founder of the Stockings for Soldiers community project in its tenth year sending personalized stockings to service members overseas. Last year, almost one thousand people helped ship more than ten thousand homemade stockings, stuffed with 40,000 pounds of holiday gifts. It’s inspiring to see their Wilmington headquarters packed with enthusiastic volunteers again this year.

You can find that same spirit of giving at 20 of our high schools this month as volunteers from our state’s universities and colleges, along with members of the business and non-profit communities, help students with college application and financial aid forms. And that same selfless attitude is apparent when 150 employees from Capital One visit Brandywine Creek State Park to clear trails, build benches and clean up the park.

Many more Delawareans take opportunities to help the less fortunate among us, participating in efforts like the Food Bank of Delaware’s annual Stuff the Bus food drive. I’m thankful every day for the incredible honor to serve in our state of neighbors, where we come together to help each other and improve the quality of life for everyone in our communities.

I wish you and your families a wonderful Thanksgiving and holiday season. Thank you for everything you do to keep Delaware moving forward.