-Listing of plantation events through August 2014 also included-

During the month of May 2014, the John Dickinson Plantation, located at 340 Kitts Hummock Rd. in Dover, Del., will present four special Saturday 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 May 3, between 10 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., the plantation will be participating in the 81st Annual Dover Days Festival with a series of activities including tours, colonial games and hearth cooking utilizing 18th-century recipes; while on May 10, between 1 and 3 p.m., demonstrations by the Thistledown Fiber Arts Guild will be presented including spinning, weaving, knitting and other fabric arts. On May, 17, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., the site will host Herb Day at the John Dickinson Plantation in which visitors will learn about 18th-century uses for herbs and create a sachet to take home. Finally, on May 24, between 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., visitors will have an opportunity to experience the fun, exercise and competition of battledore and shuttlecock, an early game similar to that of modern badminton.

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, 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.

Saturdays, 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, 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.

Thursday, June 12, 2014
“Benjamin Rush.” Robert Gleason of the American Historical Theatre portrays the noted Philadelphia physician Benjamin Rush, one of the founding fathers of the United States. Part of the Friends of the John Dickinson Mansion annual meeting. Annual meeting at 5 p.m. Benjamin Rush at 5:30 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public but, due to seating limitations, reservations are required by calling 302-739-3277.

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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