(DOVER, Del.—Dec. 22, 2014)—The Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs will be sponsoring six free programs during January 2015 at sites in downtown Dover, Del. including The Old State House, the Johnson Victrola Museum and the Dover Public Library.

Highlights of the month include “Lost By One Vote,” a program in which division historical-interpreters Tom Welch and Dennis Fisher take on the personas of prominent Delaware congressmen Nathaniel B. Smithers and James A. Bayard Jr. as they debate Abraham Lincoln’s Compensated Emancipation Plan of 1862 that would have abolished slavery in Delaware. The program, which will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 10 at the Dover Public Library, located at 35 Loockerman Plaza, is presented in conjunction with the grand opening of “Changing America: The Emancipation Proclamation, 1863 and the March on Washington, 1963,” a traveling exhibit that will be on display at the library from Jan. 10 to Feb. 20, 2015.

On Saturday, Jan. 3, between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., The Old State House, located at 25 The Green, will present “Delaware’s Heroes of the Forgotten War,” guided tours exploring how three of Delaware’s military figures—Commodore Thomas Macdonough, Col. Allen McLane and Commodore Jacob Jones—helped keep the young country safe during the War of 1812, and how a Delaware statesman, James A. Bayard Sr., helped negotiate the Treaty of Ghent which ended the conflict.

Also on Jan. 3, between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., the Johnson Victrola Museum, located at 375 S. New St., will present “The Star Spangled Banner: Then and Now,” guided tours that will examine the development of America’s national anthem through time with original recordings played on authentic Victor Talking Machines.

A complete listing of the division’s downtown Dover programs during January 2015 is provided below. All events are free and open to the public. For additional information, call 302-744-5055.

Division-sponsored programs in downtown Dover during January 2015

Friday, Jan. 2, 2015
Civil-War-era folk music. Performed by Covered Bridge. Presented in partnership with the Delaware Friends of Folk. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Program at 7:30 p.m. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015
“Delaware’s Heroes of the Forgotten War.” Guided tours explore how three of Delaware’s military figures kept the young country safe during the War of 1812, and how a Delaware statesman helped in negotiating the Treaty of Ghent which ended the conflict. First Saturday in the First State program. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015
“The Star Spangled Banner: Then and Now.” Guided tours examine the development of America’s national anthem through time with original recordings played on authentic Victor Talking Machines. First Saturday in the First State program. Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New St., Dover. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015
“Follow the Drinking Gourd.” Interactive children’s program focuses on Delaware’s involvement in the Underground Railroad and its many heroes who helped slaves escape to freedom. First Saturday in the First State program. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Program at 11 a.m. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 10, 2015
“Lost By One Vote.” Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs historical interpreters Tom Welch and Dennis Fisher take on the personas of prominent Delaware congressmen Nathaniel B. Smithers and James A. Bayard Jr. as they debate Abraham Lincoln’s Compensated Emancipation Plan of 1862 that would have abolished slavery in Delaware. Partnership between the Dover Public Library and the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs. Dover Public Library, 35 Loockerman Plaza, Dover. 11 a.m. 302-736-7030.

Monday, Jan. 19, 2015
“Local Profiles of Courage for the Struggle for Freedom.” Three-part program beginning with a lecture at the Dover Public Library on the Underground Railroad in Delaware, followed by the “Tales of Slavery and Freedom” walking tour, and ending with a “Freedom Tour” at The Old State House that highlights the lives of James Summers and Samuel D. Burris. Partnership between the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, the Dover Public Library and the First State Heritage Park. Programs begin at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Dover Public Library, 35 Loockerman Plaza, Dover. 302-736-7030.

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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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