Women’s History Month programs at Delaware’s New Castle Court House Museum on March 11 and 25, 2015

(DOVER, Del.—March 6, 2015)—The New Castle Court House Museum, located at 211 Delaware St. in New Castle, Del., will celebrate National Women’s History Month with the program “Louise du Pont Crowninshield—Historic Preservation Pioneer” on Wednesday, March 11; and a screening of the film “The Women” on Wednesday, March 25. Both programs begin at 7 p.m. and are free and open to the public. For additional information, call 302-323-4453.

Louise du Pont Crowninshield
Louise du Pont Crowninshield

Presented by Kim Burdick, advisor emeritus to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, “Louise du Pont Crowninshield—Historic Preservation Pioneer” is a lecture that explores the life of the well-known preservationist and sister of Henry Francis du Pont of Winterthur. Crowninshield helped lay the groundwork for what would become America’s historic-preservation movement, and her efforts helped preserve the historic town of New Castle.

Based on the play by Clare Boothe Luce, the 1939 film “The Women” explores the lives and power struggles of various wealthy Manhattan socialites. Prior to screening the film, museum staff will present a short discussion of Luce’s life and accomplishments.

Designated by joint resolutions of the United States House of Representatives and Senate and proclaimed by six American presidents, National Women’s History Month is an opportunity to honor and celebrate women’s lives and historic achievements. Each year National Women’s History Month employs a unifying theme and recognizes national honorees whose work and lives testify to that theme. For 2015, the theme is “Weaving the Stories of Women’s Lives.”

One of the oldest and most historic courthouses in the United States, the New Castle Court House (main section built in 1732) served as Delaware’s first court and state capitol. Here in 1776, New Castle, Kent and Sussex counties declared their independence from Pennsylvania and England creating the Delaware State. The museum features tours and exhibits that illustrate Delaware’s unique boundaries, law and government and the Underground Railroad.

New Castle Court House Museum
New Castle Court House Museum

March 2015 programs
New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle, Del. Wed.–Sat., 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Sun., 1:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. Free admission. 302-323-4453.

Ongoing
Emeline Hawkins: Her Journey From Slavery to Freedom on the Underground Railroad.” Exhibit chronicles the compelling story of Emeline Hawkins and her family and their 1845 odyssey on the Underground Railroad from slavery in Maryland, through Delaware to freedom in Pennsylvania.

Ongoing
Sculpture by Charles Parks. Display of works by the noted Wilmington artist featuring historical and political figures including a Minute Man, and presidents Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford and George W. Bush.

Wednesday, March 11, 2015
“Louise du Pont Crowninshield—Historic Preservation Pioneer.” Presentation by Kim Burdick, advisor emeritus to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, explores the life of the well-known preservationist and sister of Henry Francis du Pont of Winterthur. Crowninshield helped lay the groundwork for what would become America’s historic-preservation movement, and her efforts helped preserve the historic town of New Castle. 7 p.m.

Wednesday, March 25, 2015
“History Goes Hollywood: ‘The Women.’ ” Screening of the 1939 film about the lives and power struggles of various wealthy Manhattan socialites, based on the play by Clare Boothe Luce. Program features a short discussion of Luce’s life and accomplishments before the screening. 7 p.m.

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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