-Eight programs presented in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the end of the American Civil War-

 (DOVER, Del.—April 22, 2015)—The Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs will be sponsoring 10 special programs from April 23 through May 2015 at sites in downtown Dover, Del. All programs are free and open to the public. For additional information, call 302-744-5055.

In keeping with the theme of the 2015 Dover Days Festival, eight programs and a display will be presented in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the end of the American Civil War and the death of President Abraham Lincoln including historical interpreters portraying the 16th president and author Louise May Alcott, a play about two Confederate soldiers imprisoned at Fort Delaware, programs on Delaware Gov. William H.H. Ross and two Civil War diarists, and the display “Delaware Mourns Lincoln: A Demonstration of Love and Sorrow.” In addition to its Civil-War-related programming, the division will sponsor activities in commemoration of Memorial Day on May 25, 2015, and a display of World-War-II-era photographs.

A complete listing of the division’s downtown-Dover offerings through May 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, April 23 through May 2015

Thursday, April 23, 2015
“Women’s Words: Delaware’s Civil War Diarists.” Lecture brings to life the Civil-War-era diaries of Delawareans Elizabeth Dorsey and Anna Ferris. Part of the History Coffee-Hour Lecture Series. The Old State House, 25 The Green. 5:30 p.m.

Sunday, April 26, 2015
“Abraham Lincoln.” Living-history performance in which Robert Gleason of the American Historical Theatre portrays President Abraham Lincoln. Part of the Dover Days Festival. The Old State House, 25 The Green. Program at 1 p.m. Museum open 12:30–4:30 p.m.

Wednesday, April 29, 2015
“Governor Ross of Delaware: Southern Sympathizer.” Claudia Leister, director of the Milford Museum will discuss the events and attitudes of the 19th-century Delaware governor. Part of the Dover Days Festival. The Old State House, 25 The Green. 7 p.m.

Thursday, April 30, 2015
“Louisa May Alcott.” Living-history performance in which Pat Jordan of the American Historical Theatre portrays the American novelist Louisa May Alcott, best known for her book “Little Women.” Part of the Dover Days Festival. The Old State House, 25 The Green. 7 p.m.

Saturday, May 2, 2015
“Sounds of War: Patriotic Music.” Guided tours examine music’s influence during America’s wars when patriotic songs were composed throughout the nation. Hear music played on authentic Victor Talking Machines that was popularized during the Civil War and later recorded by the Victor Talking Machine Company. Part of the Dover Days Festival. Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New St., Dover. 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 2, 2015
“Fried Okra: Civil War Era Music.” Performance by Rick Hudson and Friends. Part of the Dover Days Festival. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Programs at Noon and 2 p.m. Program 12–1:45 p.m. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Note change in program start time.

Saturday, May 2, 2015
“Two Civil War Soldiers.” Historical play about two Confederate soldiers captured at the battle of Gettysburg and subsequently imprisoned at Fort Delaware. Part of the Dover Days Festival, Dover Century Club, 40 The Green, Dover. Part of the Dover Days Festival. Dover Century Club, 40 The Green, Dover. 1 p.m.

Saturday, May 2, 2015
“Fried Okra: Civil War Era Music.” Performance by Rick Hudson and Friends. Part of the Dover Days Festival. Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New St., Dover. Program 2–3:45 p.m. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Note: Recently added program.

Monday, May 25, 2015
“Victor’s Music of Summer.” Jump into summer with hit songs from the past played on authentic Victor Talking Machines. Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New St., Dover. 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Monday, May 25, 2015
“Stories of Freedom and Courage.” Special guided tours focus on the unique stories of freedom and equality that impacted Delaware citizens. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Division-sponsored displays in downtown Dover

Ongoing
“Delaware Mourns Lincoln: A Demonstration of Love and Sorrow.” Utilizing graphics, clothing and memorabilia, the display explores how Delawareans expressed their deep sorrow upon the death of President Abraham Lincoln on April 15, 1865. From the collections of the state of Delaware. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Mon.–Sat., 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Sun., 1:30–4:30 p.m.

Ongoing
“World War II Through the Lens of William D. Willis.” Designed by the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, the display features photographs taken in Western Europe from 1943-45. From the collections of the state of Delaware. Legislative Hall, 411 Legislative Ave., Dover. Limited visitation hours; call 302-739-9194 before planning a visit.

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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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