DOVER – DNREC’s First State Heritage Park will explore Patriotic Traditions as its theme for its monthly “First Saturday in the First State” in July. The July 7 program will feature a variety of free events and activities.

The John Bell House and Kent County Courthouse will give special focus to the African-American experience during the American Revolution up to World War I. “Fighting for Freedom Beyond the Revolution” at the John Bell House will explore what freedom meant for African-Americans and how they fought for freedom during the American Civil War.

The Johnson Victrola Museum will feature “Stars and Stripes,” during which visitors can enjoy original patriotic music recorded by the Victor Record Company, with a special focus on the music of John Philip Sousa. “Dover’s Heroes of the Revolution” Walking Tour, at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., and 2 p.m., will highlight tales of those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom.

Here is a list of programs and activities for First Saturday in the First State for July 7:

9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

• Fighting for Freedom Beyond the Revolution, at the John Bell House on The Green
  From the Revolutionary War through the Civil War, learn about the ways African-Americans have fought for country and freedom.
• Thunder and Rain, at the The Old Statehouse, 25 The Green
  Enjoy the feature film presentation about Caesar Rodney’s historic ride for independence.
• Stars and Stripes, at the Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New Street
  Enjoy patriotic music recorded by Victor Record Company featuring music by John Philip Sousa.
• Biggs Kids: Picnic Blankets, at the Biggs Museum of American Art, 406 Federal Street
  Celebrate one of America’s favorite pastimes by making your own picnic blankets, complete with friendly ants in search of treats. For ages 5-10.
• The Laws of Fun, at Legislative Hall, 411 Legislative Avenue
  Tour Delaware’s state capital building, and learn about the legislation that created and protected our state and national parks, and made them available for the public to enjoy. Photo ID is required for all adults entering the building.

10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

• Tours of the Governor’s House, at At Woodburn (The Governor’s House), 151 King’s Highway
  Enjoy guided tours of the official residence of Delaware’s Governor since 1965, and Hall House, the Governor’s guest house.

10 a.m., 12 p.m., and 2 p.m.

• Heroes of the Revolution Walking Tour, Meet at the John Bell House on The Green
  Discover how Dover was a hotbed of activity during the struggle for American Independence.

10:30 a.m.

• Maximizing Ancestry.com to Find your Genealogical Roots, at the Delaware Public Archives, 121 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
  Professional genealogist Sydney F. Cruice Dixon will share tips and strategies to help researchers become more effective family genealogists, and get the most from Ancestry.com subscriptions.

11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m.

• Tales of Slavery and Freedom Walking Tour, Meet at the John Bell House on The Green
  As a border state, learn why Delaware’s position regarding slavery was complex.

1:30 – 4:00 p.m.

• Legion of Strangers: the Ebony Doughboys Story, Kent County Courthouse, 38 The Green, Courtroom #1
  Learn about African-American life during WWI, and follow in the footsteps of those who chose to fight and those who fought the battle for equality at home.

Each month during “First Saturdays in the First State,” the First State Heritage Park offers a variety of free programs at each of the park’s partner sites, including tours of the two capital buildings in Delaware’s capital city – the Old State House and Legislative Hall – hourly walking tours leaving from the John Bell House, and the monthly “Biggs Kids” program at the Biggs Museum of American Art. Exhibits are also on display at the Biggs Museum, the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries, and the Johnson Victrola Museum.

Admission to all park sites and programs is free. Centrally-located free parking is available at the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries, located at 121 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard North. For more information about “First Saturday” events and all First State Heritage Park programs, please call 302-739-9194 or visit the First State Heritage park website.

The First State Heritage Park is Delaware’s first urban “park without boundaries,” linking historic and cultural sites in the city that has been the seat of state government since 1777. The park is a partnership of state agencies under the leadership of DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation, working in collaboration with city and county government, nonprofit organizations and the private sector.

Media Contact: Sarah Zimmerman, DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation, First State Heritage Park, 302-739-9194 or sarah.zimmerman@delaware.gov.

Print