(DOVER, Del.—Dec. 18, 2018)—Travelers, and residents enjoying being home for the winter holidays, can learn about the First State’s many contributions to the history and culture of the United States by visiting any of 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). Admission is free and open to the public for all of the museums.

All five of the museums will be closed on Monday, Dec. 24, 2018 (Christmas Eve); Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2018 (Christmas Day); and Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019 (New Year’s Day).

The Old State House, located at 25 The Green in Dover, will be open from 9 a.m.to 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 31, 2018 (New Year’s Eve). The John Dickinson Plantation, the Johnson Victrola Museum, the New Castle Court House Museum and the Zwaanendael Museum will be closed on Dec. 31, 2018.

Following is complete information about each of the museums:

John Dickinson Plantation. Home of John Dickinson, one of the founding fathers of the United States, signer of the Constitution and “Penman of the Revolution.” 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.

Closed on Monday, Dec. 24, 2018 (Christmas Eve); Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2018 (Christmas Day); Monday, Dec. 31, 2018 (New Year’s Eve); and Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019 (New Year’s Day).

Johnson Victrola Museum. Early phonographs and recordings chronicle the developments of the sound recording industry and the achievements of E.R. Johnson, founder of the Victor Talking Machine Company. 375 S. New St., Dover. Wed.–Sat., 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-739-3262.

Closed on Monday, Dec. 24, 2018 (Christmas Eve); Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2018 (Christmas Day); Monday, Dec. 31, 2018 (New Year’s Eve); and Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019 (New Year’s Day).

New Castle Court House Museum. Built in 1732, this structure 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. 211 Delaware St., New Castle. Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Sun. 1:30 –4:30 p.m. 302-323-4453.

Closed on Monday, Dec. 24, 2018 (Christmas Eve); Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2018 (Christmas Day); Monday, Dec. 31, 2018 (New Year’s Eve); and Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019 (New Year’s Day).

The Old State House. Completed in 1791, this building served as Delaware’s capitol during the United States’ critical early years as a nation. The structure is situated on Dover’s historic Green, a public area laid out in 1717 in accordance with William Penn’s order of 1683. 25 The Green, Dover. Mon.–Sat., 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Sun. 1:30 –4:30 p.m. 302-744-5054.

Open on Monday, Dec. 31, 2018 (New Year’s Eve). Closed on Monday, Dec. 24, 2018 (Christmas Eve); Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2018 (Christmas Day); and Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019 (New Year’s Day).

Zwaanendael Museum. The museum commemorates Delaware’s first European colony, Swanendael, established by the Dutch in 1631. It serves as a showcase for Lewes-area maritime, military and social history. 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.

Closed on Monday, Dec. 24, 2018 (Christmas Eve); Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2018 (Christmas Day); Monday, Dec. 31, 2018 (New Year’s Eve); and Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019 (New Year’s Day).

Administered by the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, the museums of the State of Delaware are accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the highest recognition afforded to museums in the United States. The New Castle Court House Museum and the John Dickinson Plantation are partner sites of the First State National Historical Park. The Old State House is located on the Dover Green, another partner site of the park. Go to the following for a comprehensive, long-term calendar of division-sponsored events.

The Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs is an agency of the State of Delaware. The division enhances Delaware’s quality of life by preserving the state’s unique historical heritage, fostering community stability and economic vitality and providing educational programs and assistance to the general public on Delaware history. The division’s diverse array of services includes operation of five museums which are accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, administration of the State Historic Preservation Office, conservation of the state’s archaeological and historic-objects collections, operation of a conference center and management of historic properties across the state. Primary funding for division programs and services is provided by annual appropriations from the Delaware General Assembly and grants from the National Park Service, Department of the Interior, a federal agency. However, the contents and opinions expressed in the division’s programs and services do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Department of the Interior.  

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Contact:
Jim Yurasek
Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs
Phone: 302-739-7787
E-mail: Jim.Yurasek@delaware.gov
Web: http://history.delaware.gov

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