Listing of plantation events through August 2014 also included

On Friday, Feb. 14, 2014, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the John Dickinson Plantation, located at 340 Kitts Hummock Road in Dover, Del., will commemorate the 206th anniversary of the death of American patriot John Dickinson (Nov. 13, 1732–Feb. 14, 1808). The program will explore 18th-century mourning practices including a letter written in Dickinson’s memory by then President Thomas Jefferson who noted with reference to Dickinson, “A more estimable man, or truer patriot, could not have left us.” In addition, a wreath-laying ceremony will be held at the gravesite of Dickinson’s father Samuel at Noon and the plantation will be open for visitation and tours between 10 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Admission for all activities is free and open to the public. For additional information, call 302-739-3277.

The John Dickinson Plantation was the boyhood home and country estate of John Dickinson, one of the founding fathers of the United States, signer of the U.S. Constitution and “Penman of the Revolution.” The plantation features Dickinson’s original 1740 brick home, reconstructed farm buildings and a log’d dwelling, surrounded by rich agricultural lands stretching down to the banks of the St. Jones River.

Following is a schedule of John Dickinson Plantation events through August 2014. All programs take place at the John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover, Del. The plantation is open Wednesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Times for special programs are indicated. Admission is free for all events listed. For additional information, call 302-739-3277:

Ongoing
“Simple Machines.” Exhibit demonstrating the six “simple machines”—incline ramp, screw, wedge, pulley, lever and wheel —that constitute the elementary building blocks of which all complicated machines are composed.

Thursdays, Feb. 13, 20 and 27, 2014
“Thirsty on Thursdays.” Learn how to make hot 18th-century drinks such as syllabub, hot cider, coffee and tea. Program 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 14, 2014
“John Dickinson’s 206th Remembrance Day.” Program commemorating the death of John Dickinson explores 18th century mourning practices including a letter written in Dickinson’s memory by then President Thomas Jefferson. Program 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Wreath laying ceremony at Samuel Dickinson’s gravesite at Noon.

Saturday, Feb. 15, 2014
“Stories of Runaway Slaves.” African American History Month tours. Learn about three runaway slaves and how they escaped from St. Jones Neck. Program 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 22, 2014
“A World Apart.” African American History Month tours. Learn about Violet Brown and read her recollections.

Saturday, March 1, 2014
“House on Fire: The 210th Anniversary of the John Dickinson Mansion Fire.” “Tis with regret I acquaint you that your house was burnt down on Saturday last.” With these words, John Dickinson learned of the destruction of his home. Special tours will explore the details of the fire and Dickinson’s decision to rebuild the mansion.

Wednesday, March 5 and Saturday, March 8, 2014
“A Woman’s World.” Learn about butter making and explore how women lived on the estate of the “Penman of the Revolution.” Women’s History Month event. Program 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Saturdays, March 8, April 12, May 10, June 14, July 12 and Aug. 9, 2014
Demonstrations by the Thistledown Fiber Arts Guild. Program explores spinning, weaving, knitting and other fabric arts. Program 1–3 p.m.

Wednesday March 12 and Saturday, March 15, 2014
“A Woman’s World.” Explore the art of paper quilling and learn how women lived on the estate of the “Penman of the Revolution.” Women’s History Month event. Program 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Friday, March 14, 2014
“Pi(e) Day at the Plantation.” Celebrate Pi Day by exploring pie recipes from the 1700s and baking pies 18th-century-style. Program 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 22, 2014
“A Woman’s World.” Explore the art of letter writing, review family letters and create your own 18th-century-style letter sealed with wax while also learning how women lived on the estate of the “Penman of the Revolution.” Women’s History Month event. Program 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Wednesday, March 26 and Saturday, March 29, 2014
“A Woman’s World.” Explore how women lived on the estate of the “Penman of the Revolution” and experience the joys of 18th century housekeeping by helping to clean the property’s mansion house. Women’s History Month event. Program 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 5, 2014
“An 18th Century Sweet Tooth.” Hands-on workshop in which visitors will learn how to create 18^th-century sweets and goodies. Program 11 a.m.–1 p.m.

Saturday, April 19, 2014
Earth Day at the John Dickinson Plantation. Explore the natural beauty at the home of the “Penman of the Revolution” and enjoy tours of the colonial-revival garden and the kitchen herb-and-vegetable garden. Activities 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 26, 2014
Colonial Games Day at the John Dickinson Plantation. Experience the fun and exercise of 18th and 19th century games. Enjoy rolling hoops, ring toss and game of graces. Activities 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 3, 2014
Dover Days at the John Dickinson Plantation. Activities include tours, colonial games and hearth cooking utilizing 18th-century recipes.

Saturday, May 17, 2014
Herb Day at the John Dickinson Plantation. Visitors will learn about 18th century uses for herbs and create a sachet to take home. Program 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 24, 2014
Battledore and Shuttlecock Day at the John Dickinson Plantation. Experience the fun, exercise and competition of battledore and shuttlecock, an early game similar to that of modern badminton. Activities 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Thursdays, June 12, 19 and 26, 2014
“Thirsty on Thursdays.” Learn how to make cool 18th-century drinks including switchels, lemonade and tea. Program 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Saturday, June 21, 2014
“Shall Faithfully Serve!” Program explores indentured servitude and tradesmen associated with the home of the “Penman of the Revolution.” Program 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Note: Program cancelled.

Wednesdays, July 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30, 2014
Hands On History. Visitors will experience 18th-century history by participating in a different demonstration each week. Hands-on demonstrations will include sachet making, paper marbling, paper quilling, plantation journal-making and plaster casting. Program 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Wednesdays, Aug. 6, 13, 20 and 27, 2014
“Weaving Wednesdays.” Indoor, staff-led program in which visitors will learn how to weave a blanket or rag rug. Program 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 9, 2014
“Raiding the Mansion—Plundering the House of all its Provisions.” Learn about the Tory raid on the plantation’s mansion house through a special tour, and through examination of letters and primary documents. Program 10:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

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

Print