-Listing of plantation events through August 2014 also included-

During the month of April 2014, the John Dickinson Plantation, located at 340 Kitts Hummock Rd. in Dover, Del., will present four special programs that explore different aspects of everyday life as it would have been lived during the 18th century when John Dickinson was in residence at the property. The site will also be open for visitation and tours between 10 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Admission is free. For additional information, call 302-739-3277.

On Saturday, April 5, between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., the plantation will present “An 18th Century Sweet Tooth,” a hands-on workshop in which visitors will learn how to create 18th-century sweets and goodies; while on Saturday, April 19, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., visitors can 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 during a special Earth Day program. Finally, on Saturday, April 26, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., the plantation will present Colonial Games Day in which visitors will have an opportunity to experience the fun and exercise of 18th- and 19th-century games including rolling hoops, ring toss and game of graces.

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 plantation events through August 2014. All programs take place at the John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover, Del. The property 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.

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

Saturdays, 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. 1–3 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. 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. 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. 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

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. 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. 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Thursdays, June 5, 12, 19 and 26, 2014
“Thirsty on Thursdays.” Learn how to make cool 18th-century drinks including switchels, lemonade and tea. 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.” 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. 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. 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. 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

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