Delaware News

Ron Whittington to portray Hall of Famer William “Judy” Johnson at the New Castle Court House Museum on July 20, 2019

Historical and Cultural Affairs | New Castle County | News | Date Posted: Thursday, July 11, 2019



Ron Whittington as Judy Johnson

(DOVER, Del.—July 11, 2019)—On Saturday, July 20, 2019 at 1 p.m., the New Castle Court House Museum, located at 211 Delaware St. in New Castle, Del., will present “History of the Negro Baseball Leagues” in which living-history interpreter Ron Whittington of the Delaware Humanities Forum Speakers’ Bureau will portray Hall of Famer William “Judy” Johnson in a program that explores the history of the Negro baseball leagues prior to Jackie Robinson’s breaking of the color barrier in the major leagues. Admission is free and open to the public but reservations are requested by calling the museum at 302-323-4453.

According to his plaque in the National Baseball Hall of Fame, Johnson, who spent his childhood in Wilmington, Del. and later lived in Marshallton, Del., was “considered best third baseman of his day in Negro leagues. Outstanding as fielder and excellent clutch hitter who batted over .300 most of his career. Helped Hilldale team win three flags in row 1923 – 24 – 25. Also played for 1935 champion Pittsburgh Crawfords.”

Constructed in 1732, the New Castle Court House is one of the oldest active court buildings in the United States and was Delaware’s first state capitol. Here, the Colonial Assembly passed the 1776 Separation Resolution creating the Delaware State. During its nearly 300 years of history, this National Historic Landmark has played pivotal roles in the political, social and commercial life of both New Castle and Delaware. The museum is a partner site in the First State National Historical Park.

Photo of the New Castle Court House Museum
New Castle Court House Museum

The New Castle Court House Museum is administered by the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, 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.

Image of the American Alliance of Museums logo

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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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Ron Whittington to portray Hall of Famer William “Judy” Johnson at the New Castle Court House Museum on July 20, 2019

Historical and Cultural Affairs | New Castle County | News | Date Posted: Thursday, July 11, 2019



Ron Whittington as Judy Johnson

(DOVER, Del.—July 11, 2019)—On Saturday, July 20, 2019 at 1 p.m., the New Castle Court House Museum, located at 211 Delaware St. in New Castle, Del., will present “History of the Negro Baseball Leagues” in which living-history interpreter Ron Whittington of the Delaware Humanities Forum Speakers’ Bureau will portray Hall of Famer William “Judy” Johnson in a program that explores the history of the Negro baseball leagues prior to Jackie Robinson’s breaking of the color barrier in the major leagues. Admission is free and open to the public but reservations are requested by calling the museum at 302-323-4453.

According to his plaque in the National Baseball Hall of Fame, Johnson, who spent his childhood in Wilmington, Del. and later lived in Marshallton, Del., was “considered best third baseman of his day in Negro leagues. Outstanding as fielder and excellent clutch hitter who batted over .300 most of his career. Helped Hilldale team win three flags in row 1923 – 24 – 25. Also played for 1935 champion Pittsburgh Crawfords.”

Constructed in 1732, the New Castle Court House is one of the oldest active court buildings in the United States and was Delaware’s first state capitol. Here, the Colonial Assembly passed the 1776 Separation Resolution creating the Delaware State. During its nearly 300 years of history, this National Historic Landmark has played pivotal roles in the political, social and commercial life of both New Castle and Delaware. The museum is a partner site in the First State National Historical Park.

Photo of the New Castle Court House Museum
New Castle Court House Museum

The New Castle Court House Museum is administered by the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, 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.

Image of the American Alliance of Museums logo

-End-

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

image_printPrint

Related Topics:  , , , , , , , ,


Graphic that represents delaware news on a mobile phone

Keep up to date by receiving a daily digest email, around noon, of current news release posts from state agencies on news.delaware.gov.

Here you can subscribe to future news updates.