-Listing of plantation events through May 2015 also included-

(DOVER, Del.—Dec. 3, 2014)—During the month of December 2014, the John Dickinson Plantation, located at 340 Kitts Hummock Road in Dover, Del., will present “Handmade for the Holidays,” seasonal programs in which visitors will utilize 18th century techniques to create holiday mementos for today.

On Dec. 6, guests will have an opportunity to create their own sachet with herbs and spices, while on Dec. 20, they will learn how to create a plaster ornament. Both programs will take place between 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., and the plantation will also 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 plantation events through May 2015. 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.

John Dickinson Plantation events through May 2015
Note: Recent program changes are highlighted in brown.

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, Dec. 6, 2014
“Handmade for the Holidays.” Seasonal program in which visitors can create a sachet with herbs and spices. 2:30 p.m. 11–2:30 p.m. Note time change.

Saturday, Dec. 20, 2014
“Handmade for the Holidays.” Seasonal program in which visitors can create a plaster ornament. 11–2:30 p.m.

Wednesdays, Jan. 7, 14, 21 and 28, 2015
“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.

Saturdays, Jan. 10, Feb. 14, March 14, April 11 and May 9, 2015
Demonstrations by the Thistledown Fiber Arts Guild. Program explores spinning, weaving, knitting and other fabric arts. 1–3 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015
“A World Apart.” African-American-history-based tours. Learn about Dinah and her family and their journey from enslavement to freedom. 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 14, 2015
“John Dickinson’s 207th 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. Wreath laying ceremony at Samuel Dickinson’s gravesite at Noon. Program 11 a.m.–2 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015
“Stories of Runaway Slaves.” African-American-history-based tours. Learn about three runaway slaves and how they escaped from St. Jones Neck. 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015
“A World Apart.” African-American-history-based tours. Learn about Violet Brown and read her recollections. 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 7, 2015
“A Woman’s World.” Explore cloth production and learn how women lived on the estate of the “Penman of the Revolution.” 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 14, 2015
“Pi(e) Day at the Plantation.” Celebrate Pi Day by exploring pie recipes from the 1700s and baking pies 18th-century-style. 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 21, 2015
“A Woman’s World.” Experience the art of water coloring, view family drawings and paint your own watercolor creation while learning how women lived on the estate of the “Penman of the Revolution.” 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 28, 2015
“A Woman’s World.” Explore the art of paper quilling and learn how women lived on the estate of the “Penman of the Revolution.” 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Earth Day at the John Dickinson Plantation. Explore the natural beauty at the home of the “Penman of the Revolution,” enjoy tours of the colonial-revival garden and create a scented sachet. 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 2, 2015
Dover Days at the John Dickinson Plantation. Activities include tours, Colonial games and hearth cooking utilizing 18th-century recipes. Part of the Dover Days Festival. 10 a.m.–3:30 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

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