(DOVER, Del. — June 24, 2021) — The Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs will be sponsoring four special programs during the month of July 2021. Two of the programs will be streamed live on the internet with reservations required. A full schedule is included below. All programs are free and open to the public. Go to the following for additional information and reservation instructions:
https://history.delaware.gov/2021/06/05/hca-july-2021-programs.

Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs programs, July 2021

Thursday, July 1, 2021
“The Wreck of the DeBraak.” Virtual program from the Zwaanendael Museum explores the history of the British warship DeBraak which sank off the coast of Lewes in May of 1798 only to be recovered by treasure hunters nearly 200 years later. Program streamed live via Zoom. Registration required and only available by clicking here. 3:30 p.m. For additional information, call 302-645-1148 or mailto:zmuseum@delaware.gov.

Saturday, July 3, 2021
Reading of the Declaration of Independence. Program commences with the ringing of The Old State House bell in celebration of the nation’s birthday, followed immediately by historical interpreters, dressed in period clothing, reciting the Declaration of Independence outside near the spot where the document was first read to the citizens of Dover in 1776. 2 p.m. First Saturday in the First State program. In addition, tours of the museum will be conducted, by advance reservations only, at 10 a.m., 11:15 a.m. and 1 p.m. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Call 302-744-5054 for reservations.

Sunday, July 4, 2021
Independence Day. The Old State House and New Castle Court House Museum, open for tours by reservation. The John Dickinson Plantation, the Johnson Victrola Museum and the Zwaanendael Museum, closed. 302-744-5054

Sunday, July 4, 2021
Reading of the Declaration of Independence. Beginning at 2 and 4 p.m., programs commence with the ringing of The Old State House bell in celebration of the nation’s birthday, followed immediately by historical interpreters, dressed in period clothing, reciting the Declaration of Independence outside near the spot where the document was first read to the citizens of Dover in 1776. Half-hour tours of the museum at 1 and 3 p.m. by advance reservations only. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Call 302-744-5054 for reservations.

Monday, July 5, 2021
Independence Day observed. 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. 302-744-5054.

Saturday July 10, 2021
CANCELLED: “Live Trivia at the Johnson Victrola Museum.” Persons interested in history, science, phonographs and early 1900s America can test their knowledge at the museum’s first trivia event. Outdoor summer program; dress appropriately for the weather. Open to both individuals and teams. Prizes will be awarded. Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New St., Dover. 1 p.m. Rain date: July 17. Admission free but limited to 30 participants. Reservations required by calling 302-739-3262 or mailto:jvmuseum@Delaware.gov. NOTE: Event cancelled due to potential for excessive heat.

Saturday July 24, 2021
“The American Revolution From Other Perspectives.” Virtual lecture from The Old State House by historic-site interpreter Gavin Malone explores how the American Revolution was part of a much larger conflict that spanned several continents and included British loyalists, African Americans and Indigenous peoples. Program streamed live via Zoom. Registration required and only available by clicking here. 1 p.m. For additional information, call 302-744-5054 or mailto:OSHmuseum@delaware.gov.

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 tours, exhibits, and special programs, the museums shine a spotlight on Delaware’s unique history and the diverse people who came to live there. The museums are accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. 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 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, 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: 302-608-5326
E-mail: Jim.Yurasek@delaware.gov
Web: http://history.delaware.gov

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