The Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs will be offering 19 special programs during the month of May 2014. A full schedule of events is included below. Except where noted, all programs are free and open to the public. For additional information, call 302-744-5055.

Highlights of the month include a host of activities held in conjunction with the 81st Annual Dover Days Festival on May 2–4 including programs on fashion in the Downton Abbey era; women’s history; Nipper, the dog of “His Master’s Voice fame; the Underground Railroad; Prohibition; and 18th-century life.

Activities held in celebration of Delaware Archaeology Month include the seventh annual symposium on the early colonial archaeology of the Delaware Valley at the New Castle Court House Museum on May 10 and maritime-archaeology programs at the Zwaanendael Museum in Lewes on May 24.

Administered by the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, the six museums of the state of Delaware—the New Castle Court House Museum, the John Dickinson Plantation, the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries, The Old State House, the Johnson Victrola Museum and the Zwaanendael Museum—tell the story of the First State’s contributions to the history and culture of the United States. Through displays, exhibits and special programs, the museums explore how the state’s distinctive physical environment, in combination with the people who came to live there, gave Delaware an identity that is different from any other place.

Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs special events, May 2014

May 1, 2014–Ongoing
“Dress for Success: The Edwardian Gentlemen’s Wardrobe and Accessories.” Display of objects of adornment, fashion and accessories for male grooming from the time period depicted in the Downton Abbey television series. From the collections of the state of Delaware. Legislative Hall, 411 Legislative Ave., Dover. May 2 and 3, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Limited visitation hours on other dates; call 302-739-9194 before planning a visit.

May 1, 2014–Ongoing
“Simple Pleasures: Picnic, Play and Dance.” Display of original Edwardian and roaring 20s fashions that reflect the spirit of the liberated “modern” woman as depicted in the Downton Abbey television series. From the collections of the state of Delaware. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. May 2, 9 a.m.–9 p.m. May 3, 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m., May 4, 11 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Other times, Mon.–Sat., 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Sun., 1:30–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5055.

Friday, May 2, 2014
“A Taste of Jazz: From the Beginning.” Guided tours explore the sounds of the Jazz Age and the role played by Delaware’s native son, E.R. Johnson in the history of recorded jazz, accompanied by early-jazz recordings played on authentic Victor Talking Machines. Dover Days event. Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New St., Dover. 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Free admission. 302-744-5055.

Friday, May 2, 2014
“Madam C.J. Walker, Millionairess.” Dr. Daisy Century of the American Historical Theatre portrays the 19th century entrepreneur, philanthropist and founder of the Walker Company which specialized in hair-care products for African-Americans. Dover Days event. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Programs at 6 and 8 p.m. Museum open 9 a.m.–9 p.m. 302-744-5055.

Saturday, May 3, 2014
“The War of the Roses: Delaware’s Suffragist Movement.” Guided tours explore Delaware’s role in the movement that resulted in women gaining the right to vote, and how the movement affected people’s daily lives and influenced women’s attire. Tours will also examine the famous speech on suffrage by Gov. John G. Townsend Jr. Dover Days event. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5055.

Saturday, May 3, 2014
“Nipper and Other Famous Dogs.” Learn about the inquisitive little dog who adorns the Victor trademark, “His Masters Voice,” and hear how this popular pooch paved the way for other famous canines of the 20th century. Dover Days event. Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New St., Dover. 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5055.

Saturday, May 3, 2014
“An Illegal Activity.” Utilizing the exhibit “An Illegal Activity: The Underground Railroad in Delaware” as a backdrop, guided tours will explore Delaware’s crucial role in the Underground Railroad and on two Delaware leaders who aided in this “freedom enterprise.” Dover Days event. First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries, Delaware Public Archives building, 121 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Dover. Tours at 10 a.m. and Noon. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5055.

Saturday, May 3, 2014
Dover Days at the John Dickinson Plantation. Activities include tours, colonial games and hearth cooking utilizing 18th-century recipes. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.

Saturday, May 3, 2014
“Dry as a Martini: Prohibition in Delaware, Neither Shaken nor Stirred.” Interactive performance/presentation—complete with historical interpreters in 1920s-style dress—exploring the state’s ratification of the 18th amendment, its attempts to enforce the law, and its ratification of the 21st amendment repealing Prohibition. Dover Days event. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Programs at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5055.

Saturday, May 3, 2014
“No Ordinary Speakeasy: The Johnson Club.” Musical presentation by DonDel productions in which the museum will be transformed into a speakeasy (minus the alcohol) featuring 1920s smooth blues. Guests are invited to come in “twenties” dress. Dover Days event. Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New St., Dover. Performances at 1 and 3 p.m. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5055.

Saturday, May 3, 2014
“The Wooden World Revealed: The Archaeology and History of the DeBraak.” Chuck Fithian, Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ curator of archaeology, will discuss the British warship that sank off the coast of Delaware in 1798. Dover Days event. Delaware Public Archives, 121 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Dover. 1:30 p.m. 302-744-5055.

Sunday, May 4, 2014
“Alice Roosevelt’s Maid.” Kim Hanley of the American Historical Theatre portrays Peggy, maid of Theodore Roosevelt’s daughter Alice. Program provides audiences with an up-close look at the clothing and personal items of wealthy women during the Gilded Age. Dover Days event. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Programs at 1 and 3 p.m. Museum open 11 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5055.

Sunday, May 4, 2014
“Simple Pleasures: Picnic, Play and Dance.” Ann Baker Horsey, Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ curator of collections, will discuss spring and summer recreational activities and their original Edwardian and Roaring ´20s fashions. Dover Days event. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Program at 2 p.m. Museum open 11 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5055.

Saturday, May 10, 2014
Demonstrations by the Thistledown Fiber Arts Guild. Program explores spinning, weaving, knitting and other fabric arts. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Program 1–3 p.m. Museum open 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.

Saturday, May 10, 2014
Seventh annual symposium on the early colonial archaeology of the Delaware Valley region. Featuring informal presentations, the program is designed to build a regional-level dialog that can identify the uniqueness of the early colonial cultures of the Delaware Valley. New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-323-4453. To reserve a place, send an e-mail to craig.lukezic@de.state.us.

Saturday, May 17, 2014
A Day in Old New Castle. The oldest house and garden tour in the nation includes programs at the New Castle Court House Museum and the New Castle Green. Sponsored by Immanuel Episcopal Church. Downtown New Castle. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Admission charge. 1-877-496-9498.

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. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Program 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Museum open 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.

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. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Activities 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Museum open 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.

Saturday, May 24, 2014
3rd Annual Zwaanendael Maritime Festival. Maritime-themed activities, games, displays by local organizations and more. Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. 302-645-1148.

Exhibits at the museums of the state of Delaware, April 2014

In addition to special programming, the museums of the state of Delaware are presenting the following exhibits:

Thru July 31, 2014
“An Illegal Activity: The Underground Railroad in Delaware.” Exhibit explores the First State’s role in the Underground Railroad by showcasing Thomas Garrett and Samuel D. Burris and the actions they took in following their consciences rather than the law. Presented in partnership with the Underground Railroad Coalition of Delaware. First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries, Delaware Public Archives building, 121 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Dover. Mon.–Fri., 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Sat., 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Sun., 1:30-4:30 p.m. 302-744-5055.

Ongoing
“Archaeology of the New Castle Court House.” The exhibit highlights the many phases of archaeological investigations at the New Castle Court House including artifacts representing over 300 years of continuous use of the building. New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. Wed.–Sat., 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. 302-323-4453.

Ongoing
“Delaware and the War of 1812.” Exhibit examines the service and sacrifice of Delawareans of 1812 to 1815, and the important role that the state played in a conflict that helped shaped the development of the United   States. Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. Wed.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. from Nov. 1–March 31. Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Sun., 1:30–4:30 p.m. from April 1–Oct. 31. 302-645-1148.

Ongoing
“Emeline Hawkins: Her Journey From Slavery to Freedom on the Underground Railroad.” Exhibit chronicles the compelling story of Emeline Hawkins and her family and their 1845 odyssey on the Underground Railroad from slavery in Maryland, through Delaware to freedom in Pennsylvania. New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. Wed.–Sat., 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Sun., 1:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-323-4453.

Ongoing
“A Seaborne Citizenry: The DeBraak and Its Atlantic World.” Exhibit utilizes artifacts recovered from His Majesty’s Sloop of War DeBraak, a British warship that sank off the Delaware coast on May 25, 1798 to tell the story of the vessel, its crew and the historical context within which it operated in the Atlantic World of the late 18th century. Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. Wed.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. from Nov. 1–March 31. Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Sun., 1:30–4:30 p.m. from April 1–Oct. 31. 302-645-1148.

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. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Wed.–Sat., 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.

-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

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