-Listing of plantation events through December 2017 also included-

(DOVER, Del.—Oct. 9, 2017)—During the month of October 2017, visitors to Dover, Del.’s John Dickinson Plantation can enjoy two special programs that explore 18th-century trades and pastimes that might have taken place at the property during the lifetime of the “Penman of the Revolution.” For additional information, call 302-739-3277.

In the first program, “18th Century Trades Day,” which will take place on Saturday, Oct. 14 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., visitors will have an opportunity to get their hands dirty by making bricks out of clay, preserving food in the smokehouse, weaving a rug on a loom, watching a blacksmith forge iron and learning peg and shingle making. Admission is free.

In the second program, “Lantern Tours of the Plantation,” which will take place on Friday, Oct. 27, guests will explore the parties, games, and entertainment that would have abounded at the plantation during the nighttime in the 18th century. Tours will take place between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. and again between 7 and 8 p.m. and will include wagon-rides conducted by staff of the St. Jones Reserve exploring the nocturnal life of the estuary, a performer singing sea shanties in the garden, and special tours of the mansion house. Activities will conclude with a campfire in front of the plantation’s log’d dwelling. Admission is free, but, due to space restrictions, reservations are required by calling the plantation at 302-739-3277 no later than Oct. 26.

The John Dickinson Plantation, Delaware’s first National Historic Landmark, was the boyhood home of John Dickinson, a founding father of the United States, a framer and signer of the U.S. Constitution and “Penman of the Revolution.” The Georgian-style mansion stands as a memorial to this American patriot, legislator and farmer. The museum is a partner site in the First State National Historical Park.

Following is a schedule of events through December 2017. Unless otherwise indicated, programs take place at the John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover, Del. The property is open Tuesay to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 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 events through December 2017

Ongoing
“Five Stories.” Display explores the varied lives of people who lived on the plantation including Dickinson family members, tenant farmers, tradesmen, free blacks, indentured servants and enslaved individuals.

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, Oct. 14, 2017
“18th Century Trades Day.” Experience occupations of the 1700s including getting your hands dirty with the blacksmith, preserving food in the smokehouse, weaving a rug on a loom and making bricks out of clay. 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Saturdays, Oct. 14, Nov. 11 and Dec. 9, 2017
Demonstrations by the Thistledown Fiber Arts Guild. Program explores spinning, weaving, knitting and other fabric arts.1–3 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017
Blackbird Creek Fall Festival. Family-friendly events include outdoor activities, hayrides, display booths, crafts and programs by historic-site interpreters from the John Dickinson Plantation. Blackbird Creek Reserve, 801 Blackbird Landing Road, Townsend. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. 302-739-6377.

Friday, Oct. 27, 2017
“Lantern Tours of the Plantation.” Programs explore the parties, games, dances and entertainment that would have abounded at the plantation during the nighttime in the 18th century. Activities will also include wagon-ride guided-tours conducted by staff of the St. Jones Reserve exploring the nocturnal life of the estuary. 5:30–6:30 p.m. and 7–8 p.m. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations are required by calling the John Dickinson Plantation at 302-739-3277 no later than Oct. 26.

Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017
Bayberry candle workshops. Programs examine bayberries and their use in creating bayberry candles. Presented in partnership with the St. Jones Reserve. Workshops to take place from 10 a.m.–Noon and 1–3 p.m. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations for the workshop are required by calling 302-739-3277 no later than Nov. 17.

Thursday, Nov. 23, 2017
Thanksgiving Day. John Dickinson Plantation closed.

Friday, Nov. 24, 2017
Day After Thanksgiving. John Dickinson Plantation open.

Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017
“Handmade for the Holidays.” Seasonal program in which visitors can create a sachet with herbs and spices. 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017
“Handmade for the Holidays.” Seasonal program in which visitors can design a tile for the holidays. 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017
“Handmade for the Holidays.” Seasonal program in which visitors can create a gift tag with paper quilling. 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 23, 2017
“Handmade for the Holidays.” Seasonal program in which visitors can design a holiday card with stencils. 11 a.m.–3 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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