-Listing of plantation events through June 2015 also included-

(DOVER, Del.—Feb. 4, 2015)—During the upcoming weeks in February 2015, Dover, Del.’s John Dickinson Plantation will present five special programs that explore different aspects of everyday life as it would have been lived during the 18th century when John Dickinson owned the property. In commemoration of African American History Month, three of the programs will explore the lives of enslaved and free individuals who lived and worked at the site. Admission is free for all events listed. For additional information, call 302-739-3277.

Highlights include “A World Apart” tours on Saturdays, Feb. 7 and 28 which explore the real-life experiences of Dinah Patten and Violet Brown, two African-American women who lived on the plantation. On Saturday, Feb. 14, the site will present “John Dickinson Remembrance Day,” a program that commemorates the patriot’s Feb. 14, 1808 death and explores 18th century mourning practices including a letter written in Dickinson’s memory by then President Thomas Jefferson.

Finally, on Saturday, Feb. 21, the plantation will present “Stories of Runaway Slaves” tours in which visitors will learn about three runaways and how they escaped from St. Jones Neck, the section of Kent County where the John Dickinson Plantation is located.

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 June 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 special events through June 2015

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

Saturday, Feb. 14, 2015
“John Dickinson 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.

Saturdays, Feb. 14, March 14, April 11, May 9 and June 13, 2015
Demonstrations by the Thistledown Fiber Arts Guild. Program explores spinning, weaving, knitting and other fabric arts. 1–3 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 plantation. 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 plantation. 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 plantation. 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.

Thursdays, June 4, 11, 18 and 25, 2015
“Thirsty on Thursdays.” Learn how to make cool 18th-century drinks including switchels, lemonade and tea. 11 a.m.–2:30 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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