(DOVER, Del.—Feb. 17, 2016)—The Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs will be hosting 20 special events during the month of March 2016 at the museums of the State of Delaware. Seven of these programs will be presented in celebration of National Women’s History Month. A full schedule is included below. All programs are free and open to the public.

Highlights of the month include “From Prima Donnas to Divas: A Victor Creation,” a program by museum interpreters Susan Emory and Bridget Wallace that examines the talented female vocalists of the Victor Talking Machine Company and how they paved the way for the divas of today, accompanied by 78-rpm recordings of those artists played on authentic Victor Talking Machines. Programs will take place on Saturday, March 5 at 10 a.m., 2 and 3 p.m. in the 2nd floor gallery (entry via staircase; no elevator) of the Johnson Victrola Museum located at 375 S. New St. in Dover.

Throughout the month, the John Dickinson Plantation, located at 340 Kitts Hummock Road in Dover, will present “A Woman’s World,” a series of programs that explore the daily responsibilities of 18th-century women and the domestic skills that they were expected to possess. “A Woman’s World” programs will take place on March 5, 12, 19 and 26.

Finally, on Saturday, March 12 at 1 p.m., the New Castle Court House Museum, located at 211 Delaware St., in New Castle, will present “Songs of a Faithful People,” a program in which Valarie Petty Boyer, Ph.D. utilizes songs and the spoken word to tell the story of an enslaved woman escaping to freedom via the Underground Railroad.

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 2016, the theme is “Working to Form a More Perfect Union: Honoring Women in Public Service and Government.”

Administered by the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, the five museums of the state of Delaware—the John Dickinson Plantation, the Johnson Victrola Museum, the New Castle Court House Museum, The Old State House and the Zwaanendael Museum—tell the story of the First State’s contributions to the history and culture of the United States. Through displays, exhibits and special programs, the museums explore how the state’s distinctive physical environment, in combination with the people who came to live there, gave Delaware an identity that is different from any other place. Go to the following for a comprehensive, long-term calendar of museum events.

Special events at the museums of the state of Delaware, March 2016

Wednesday, March 2, 2016
“All That Jazz: From the Beginning.” Program by museum interpreters Jackie Collins and Chris Hall explores the origins of jazz music, its early pioneers and the contributions made to the art form by Victor Records, accompanied by 78-rpm recordings played on authentic Victor Talking Machines. Part two of “The Golden Age of Music,” a five-part weekly series. Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New St., Dover. Program at 1 p.m. in the museum’s 2nd floor gallery (entry via staircase; no elevator). Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations are required by calling 302-739-3262.

Thursday, March 3, 2016
“ ‘Tis with Regret’: The Anniversary of the John Dickinson Mansion Fire.” “Tis with regret I acquaint you that your house was burnt down on Saturday last.” With these words, John Dickinson learned of the fiery destruction of his home. Special tours will explore the details of the fire and Dickinson’s decision to rebuild the mansion. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.

Friday, March 4, 2016
Sculpture by Charles Parks. Guided tours explore works by the noted Wilmington artist include a Minute Man, and presidents Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford and George W. Bush. Part of the First Friday Art Loop. New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. 5–7 p.m. 302-323-4453.

Saturday, March 5, 2016
“From Prima Donnas to Divas: A Victor Creation.” Program by museum interpreters Susan Emory and Bridget Wallace examines the talented female vocalists of the Victor Talking Machine Company and how they paved the way for the divas of today, accompanied by 78-rpm recordings of those artists played on authentic Victor Talking Machines. First Saturday in the First State program. Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New St., Dover. Programs at 10 a.m., 2 and 3 p.m. in the museum’s 2nd floor gallery (entry via staircase; no elevator). Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-739-3262.

Saturday, March 5, 2016
“A Woman’s World: Hearth Cooking.” Try your hand at creating a period food in this hearth cooking demonstration that utilizes historical 18th-century recipes. Women’s History Month program. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Program 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Museum open 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.

Saturday, March 5, 2016
“The Influence of the Shadd Family.” Program by historic-site interpreter Latecia Prophet explores one of Delaware’s 19th-century families who led extraordinary lives of privilege despite obstacles of race and gender in their time. First Saturday in the First State program. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Program 1 p.m. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations are required by calling 302-744-5054.

Wednesday, March 9, 2016
“Play That Old-Time Country Music.” Program by museum interpreter Gavin Malone explores Victor Records’ early recordings of country music, accompanied by 78-rpm records played on authentic Victor Talking Machines. Part three of “The Golden Age of Music,” a five-part weekly series. Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New St., Dover. Program at 1 p.m. in the museum’s 2nd floor gallery (entry via staircase; no elevator). Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations are required by calling 302-739-3262.

Wednesday, March 9, 2016
“1764-1769: Leading Causes of the American Revolution—Post-French-and-Indian-War.” Lecture by historic-site interpreter Bob Vander Decker. Part three of “The Founding of America in One Year,” a year-long series that examines important local and national events that led to the founding of the United States. New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. 7 p.m. 302-323-4453.

Thursday, March 10, 2016
National Harriet Tubman Day and Network to Freedom cancellation-stamp celebration. Explore the stories of Underground Railroad conductors Harriet Tubman and Samuel D. Burris; listen to Ron Rucker, chairman of the Harriet Tubman Byway Management Organization, and historian Robin Krawitz from Delaware State University, who will discuss the latest developments in the byway’s success and new research involving Burris and the Underground Railroad; and celebrate the creation of The Old State House Network to Freedom cancellation stamp. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. 6 p.m. 302-744-5054.

Thursday–Sunday, March 10–13, 2016
“Courage and Freedom.” In celebration of both National Harriet Tubman Day and the creation of The Old State House Network to Freedom cancellation stamp, special Underground Railroad guided tours will explore Delaware stories of bravery, courage and freedom. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Mon.–Sat., 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Sun., 1:30–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5054.

Saturday, March 12, 2016
“A World Apart: Run for Freedom.” African-American-history-based tours explore how three enslaved individuals sought freedom and how they escaped from bondage. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.

Saturday, March 12, 2016
“A Woman’s World: Demonstrations by the Thistledown Fiber Arts Guild.” Program explores spinning, weaving, knitting and other fabric arts. Women’s History Month program. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Program 1 a.m.–3 p.m. Museum open 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.

Saturday, March 12, 2016
“Songs of a Faithful People.” Utilizing songs and the spoken word, Valarie Petty Boyer, Ph.D. tells the story of an enslaved woman escaping to freedom via the Underground Railroad. New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. Program at 1 p.m. Museum open 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations are required by calling 302-323-4453.

Saturday, March 12, 2016
“Preservation50—‘The National Register of Historic Places Program: A Profile of Sussex County’s Listings.’ ” Madeline Dunn, National Register coordinator for the State Historic Preservation Office, will explain the program and its eligibility requirements. Presented in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the passage of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. Program at 2 p.m. on the museum’s 2nd floor (entry via staircase; no elevator). Museum open 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations are required by calling 302-645-1148 no later than March 11, 2016.

Sunday, March 13, 2016
“Whispers of Angels: A Story of the Underground Railroad.” Screening of the award-winning film that examines the firsthand efforts of Thomas Garrett, William Still and Harriet Tubman in helping to free American slaves. Starring Ed Asner and Blair Underwood, and filmed in New Castle and other Delaware sites. New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. Program at 2 p.m. Museum open 1:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-323-4453.

Wednesday, March 16, 2016
“The Minstrel Boy: The Life of John McCormack.” In celebration of Irish Heritage Month, museum interpreters Gavin Malone and Nena Todd explore the life of the noted Irish tenor John McCormack, accompanied by 78-rpm recordings played on authentic Victor Talking Machines. Part four of “The Golden Age of Music,” a five-part weekly series. Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New St., Dover. Program at 1 p.m. in the museum’s 2nd floor gallery (entry via staircase; no elevator). Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations are required by calling 302-739-3262.

Saturday, March 19, 2016
“A Woman’s World: Journal Making.” Women have been integral in documenting the history of the plantation through letters and journals. Drop-in for this activity and create your own handmade journal. Women’s History Month program. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Program 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Museum open 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.

Wednesday, March 23, 2016
“Celebration of the Life and Times of Fats Waller.” Program by museum interpreters Jackie Collins and Howard Fulcher explores the life and achievements of the noted jazz musician, accompanied by 78-rpm recordings played on authentic Victor Talking Machines. Final segment of “The Golden Age of Music,” a five-part weekly series. Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New St., Dover. Program at 1 p.m. in the museum’s 2nd floor gallery (entry via staircase; no elevator). Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations are required by calling 302-739-3262.

Friday, March 25, 2016
Good Friday. All museums of the State of Delaware will be open: The Johnson Victrola Museum and The Old State House, open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; the John Dickinson Plantation, New Castle Court House Museum and the Zwaanendael Museum, open 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-736-7400.

Saturday, March 26, 2016
“A Woman’s World: Watercolors.” 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.” Women’s History Month program. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Program 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Museum open 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.

Sunday, March 27, 2016
Easter Sunday. All museums of the State of Delaware (the John Dickinson Plantation, the Johnson Victrola Museum, the New Castle Court House Museum, The Old State House and the Zwaanendael Museum) will be closed. 302-736-7400.

Thursday, March 31, 2016
“A Night with Edgar Allan Poe.” Experience Poe’s writings in this interactive program which features portrayals of characters from “The Raven” and “The Tell-Tale Heart” plus readings of selected poems. Part one of the four-part Coffee-Hour Lecture Series. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. 5:30 p.m. 302-744-5054.

Exhibits and displays, March 2016
In addition to special programming, the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs is sponsoring the following exhibits and displays:

Thru March 19, 2016
“Delaware and the War of 1812.” Exhibit examines the service and sacrifice of Delawareans of 1812 to 1815, and the important role that the state played in a conflict that helped shaped the development of the United States. Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. Nov. 1–March 31: Wed.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. April 1–Oct. 31: Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Sun., 1:30–4:30 p.m. 302-645-1148.

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. 302-744-5054.

Ongoing
“Discovering Delaware’s Maritime Past.” Display explores the DeBraak, a shipwrecked 18th-century British warship including a photo of the hull recovery, reproductions of items aboard ship, and a model of the vessel. Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. Nov. 1–March 31: Wed.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. April 1–Oct. 31: Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Sun., 1:30–4:30 p.m. 302-645-1148.

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. New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Sun., 1:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-323-4453.

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. New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Sun., 1:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-323-4453.

Ongoing
“A Seaborne Citizenry: The DeBraak and Its Atlantic World.” Exhibit utilizes artifacts recovered from His Majesty’s Sloop of War DeBraak, a British warship that sank off the Delaware coast on May 25, 1798 to tell the story of the vessel, its crew and the historical context within which it operated in the Atlantic World of the late 18th century. Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. Nov. 1–March 31: Wed.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. April 1–Oct. 31: Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Sun., 1:30–4:30 p.m. 302-645-1148.

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 many more-complicated machines are composed. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Oct. 1–March 31: Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. April 1–Sept. 30: Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Sun., 1:30–4:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.

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.

-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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