(DOVER, Del.—Sept. 11, 2015)—The Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs will be hosting 13 special events during the month of October 2015 at the museums of the state of Delaware. A full schedule is included below. All programs are free and open to the public.

Highlights of the month include “William Penn Day” at the New Castle Court House Museum and other locations in downtown New Castle on Saturday, Oct. 24. The event will feature a full day of activities commemorating the 333rd anniversary of Penn’s disembarkment at New Castle, his first landing in the New World. Programs will include a re-enactment of the Livery of Seizen ritual in which Penn received possession of New Castle and a 12-mile circle of land surrounding it at 10 a.m.; a performance by De Blokfluiters recorder/flute ensemble at 11 a.m.; “The Trial of William Penn,” a historical play exploring Penn’s trial on religious freedom and the rights of English subjects under the law at 12:30 and 3 p.m.; and “My Life With William by Mrs. Penn” at 1:30 p.m.

On Saturday, Oct. 3, between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., the division’s downtown Dover museums will present programs in conjunction with “Revealing the Ridgely Family,” the First State Heritage Park’s daylong series of activities exploring the influential Dover family and their contributions to the community over the past 300 years. The Old State House, located at 25 The Green, will present “Dates of Distinction: Birth and Re-Birth of a State House,” guided tours focusing on Charles Ridgely and the commission created to build The Old State House as well as Mabel Lloyd Ridgely’s efforts to restore it generations later. Meanwhile, the Johnson Victrola Museum, located at 375 S. New St., will present “Signature Sounds: Entertaining the Ridgelys,” which explores the 78 rpm recordings that might have been played on Victor Talking Machines in the Ridgely home during the early 20th century.

Finally, on Saturday, Oct. 3 at 2 p.m., the Zwaanendael Museum, located at 102 Kings Highway in Lewes, will present “From Whales to War: A History of Lewes in the 17th Century,” a lecture by the museum’s lead interpreter Beth Gott on the history of the Lewes area in the 1600s from the Swanendael settlement to the English conquest and beyond. Held in conjunction with Lewes’ annual Boast the Coast festival, the event will also feature a day-long slate of maritime-history and -archaeology activities.

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 displays, exhibits and special programs, the museums explore how the state’s distinctive physical environment, in combination with the people who came to live there, gave Delaware an identity that is different from any other place. Go to the following for a comprehensive, long-term calendar of museum events.

Special events at the museums of the state of Delaware, October 2015

Saturday, Oct. 3, 2015
“Dates of Distinction: Birth and Re-Birth of a State House.” Guided tours focus on Charles Ridgely and the commission created to build The Old State House as well as Mabel Lloyd Ridgely’s efforts to restore it generations later. Part of the “Revealing the Ridgely Family” celebration. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5054.

Saturday, Oct. 3, 2015
“Signature Sounds: Entertaining the Ridgelys.” In the early 20th century, the Victor Talking Machine Company brought recorded music into people’s homes for the first time. In this program, visitors will enjoy 78 rpm recordings that might have been heard in the home of Dover’s Ridgely family, played on authentic Victor Talking Machines. Part of the “Revealing the Ridgely Family” celebration. Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New St., Dover. 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-739-3262.

Saturday, Oct. 3, 2015
River Towns Ride and Festival. Festivals in historic New Castle and Delaware City frame a bicycling event between the two cities. Family-oriented festival held from 11:30 a.m.–5 p.m. at the New Castle Court House Museum and The Green in New Castle will feature food and craft beer, music, pumpkin decorating and children’s games. 302-323-4453.

Saturday, Oct. 3, 2015
“From Whales to War: A History of Lewes in the 17th Century.” Lecture by the museum’s lead interpreter Beth Gott on the history of the Lewes area in the 1600s from the Swanendael settlement to the English conquest and beyond. Held in conjunction with Lewes’ annual Boast the Coast festival, the event will also feature a day-long slate of maritime-history and -archaeology activities. Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. Program at 2 p.m. Museum open 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations are required by calling 302-645-1148 no later than Oct. 2, 2015.

Saturday, Oct. 10, 2015
Demonstrations by the Thistledown Fiber Arts Guild. Program explores spinning, weaving, knitting and other fabric arts. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Program 1–3 p.m. Museum open 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Free admission. 302-739-3277.

Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2015
“Stories of The Old State House—‘The Doctor is In: A Day with Dr. Sykes.’ ” Living-history theatrical performance by Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs historical interpreter Dennis Fisher portraying Dr. James Sykes, an 18th to 19th-century Dover physician and statesman who served as Delaware’s governor for a short period. As part of the program, Sikes will discuss his career and 18th century medicine. Part one of a five-part series featuring true stories of people and events that took place in Delaware’s historic capitol. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Program 1 p.m. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations are recommended by calling 302-744-5054. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2015
“Hollywood History at the Court House: ‘Legend of Sleepy Hollow.’ ” Screening of the film “Legend of Sleepy Hollow” and a brief presentation on the world-renowned illustrator from Claymont, Del. Felix Octavius Carr Darley who illustrated the Washington Irving book upon which the film is based. New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. Film at 7 p.m. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations are recommended by calling 302-323-4453.

Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2015
“Stories of The Old State House—‘Women’s Words: The Civil War Told Through Delaware’s Female Diarists.’ ” Living-history theatrical performance by Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs historical interpreters Susan Emory, Courtney Lynahan and Chris Hall which brings to life the diaries of Elizabeth Dorsey and Anna Ferris, two Delawareans with opposite sympathies during the American Civil War. Part two of a five-part series featuring true stories of people and events that took place in Delaware’s historic capitol. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Program at 1 p.m. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations are recommended by calling 302-744-5054. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 23, 2015
“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. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Programs 6–7 p.m. and 7:30–8:30 p.m. 302-739-3277. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations are required by calling the John Dickinson Plantation at 302-739-3277 no later than Oct. 22.

 Saturday, Oct. 24, 2015
William Penn Day. Series of programs commemorating the 333rd anniversary of Penn’s disembarkment at New Castle, his first landing in the New World. Activities at the New Castle Court House and The Green include a re-enactment of the Livery of Seizen ritual in which Penn received possession of New Castle and a 12-mile circle of land surrounding it at 10 a.m.; a performance by De Blokfluiters recorder/flute ensemble at 11 a.m.; “The Trial of William Penn,” a historical play exploring Penn’s trial on religious freedom and the rights of English subjects under the law at 12:30 and 3 p.m.; and “My Life With William by Mrs. Penn” at 1:30 p.m. New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-323-4453.

Monday, Oct. 26, 2015
“7 Steps to Freedom.” Lecture by James F. Turk, Ph.D., on “7 Steps to Freedom,” a mobile-enabled, web-based story-telling program focusing on the history of the Underground Railroad and perspectives on race and enslavement in Salem County, N.J. Sponsored by the Underground Railroad Coalition of Delaware. New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. 6:30 p.m. 302-576-3107.

Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2015
“Stories of The Old State House—‘Courage and Freedom.’ ” Program features stories of courageous Delawareans whose fight for freedom and equality began at The Old State House. Part three of a five-part series featuring true stories of people and events that took place in Delaware’s historic capitol. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Program 1 p.m. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations are recommended by calling 302-744-5054. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 31, 2015
“Mysteries of History.” Walking tour explores the unusual tombstones of St. Peter’s cemetery in Lewes. Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. Tour leaves from the museum at 2 p.m. Museum open 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-645-1148.

Exhibits and displays, October 2015
In addition to special programming, the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs is sponsoring the following exhibits and displays:

 Ongoing
“Delaware and the War of 1812.” Exhibit examines the service and sacrifice of Delawareans of 1812 to 1815, and the important role that the state played in a conflict that helped shaped the development of the United States. Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. April 1–Oct. 31: Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Sun., 1:30–4:30 p.m. Nov. 1–March 31: Wed.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-645-1148.

Ongoing
“Delaware Mourns Lincoln: A Demonstration of Love and Sorrow.” Utilizing graphics, clothing and memorabilia, the display explores how Delawareans expressed their deep sorrow upon the death of President Abraham Lincoln on April 15, 1865. From the collections of the state of Delaware. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Mon.–Sat., 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Sun., 1:30–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5054.

Ongoing
“Discovering Delaware’s Maritime Past.” Display explores the DeBraak, a shipwrecked 18th-century British warship including a photo of the hull recovery, reproductions of items aboard ship, and a model of the vessel. Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Sun., 1:30–4:30 p.m. from April 1–Oct. 31. Wed.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. from Nov. 1–March 31. 302-645-1148.

Ongoing
“Emeline Hawkins: Her Journey From Slavery to Freedom on the Underground Railroad.” Exhibit chronicles the compelling story of Emeline Hawkins and her family and their 1845 odyssey on the Underground Railroad from slavery in Maryland, through Delaware to freedom in Pennsylvania. New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Sun., 1:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-323-4453.

Ongoing
Sculpture by Charles Parks. Display of works by the noted Wilmington artist featuring historical and political figures including a Minute Man, and presidents Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford and George W. Bush. New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Sun., 1:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-323-4453.

Ongoing
“A Seaborne Citizenry: The DeBraak and Its Atlantic World.” Exhibit utilizes artifacts recovered from His Majesty’s Sloop of War DeBraak, a British warship that sank off the Delaware coast on May 25, 1798 to tell the story of the vessel, its crew and the historical context within which it operated in the Atlantic World of the late 18th century. Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. April 1–Oct. 31: Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Sun., 1:30–4:30 p.m. Nov. 1–March 31: Wed.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-645-1148.

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 many more-complicated machines are composed. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. From April 1–Sept. 30, also open Sun., 1:30–4:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.

Ongoing
“World War II Through the Lens of William D. Willis.” Designed by the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, the display features photographs taken in Western Europe from 1943-45. From the collections of the state of Delaware. Legislative Hall, 411 Legislative Ave., Dover. Limited visitation hours; call 302-739-9194 before planning a visit.

-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

 

As we mark 14 years since 9/11, we are also reminded of the tremendous sacrifice and unyielding bravery of our service members in the days, months and years that followed. Thousands of Delawareans volunteered to go into harm’s way on behalf of our country following that tragic day – and this anniversary is a particularly fitting time to recognize the efforts made by the men and women of Delaware’s National Guard. Earlier this month, we celebrated the Guard’s 360th anniversary, recognizing its deep-rooted history in Delaware, along with the men and women who have represented the First State both abroad and in domestic emergencies. From peacekeeping missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, to serving victims of floods, ice storms and hurricanes at home, the National Guard continually answers the call to serve and protect our state and our nation. In return, we remain focused on ensuring service members and veterans receive the support and services they need to live full, productive lives. We have made great strides: supporting veteran entrepreneurship, connecting service members and veterans to employment and training, and reducing unemployment rates. But there is still more to be done. With an estimated 280 veterans experiencing homelessness in Delaware over the course of this year, we’ve made a commitment to find homes for all of them. And as more service men and women return home from conflicts abroad, we’ll continue to partner with our business community to find them jobs. Our Guardsmen and women have fought bravely since 1655, when they guarded the first settlements near the mouth of the Christina River in Wilmington. By continuing to honor and support them, we’ll ensure our Guard is as strong as ever, and that will keep Delaware moving forward.

A decorated soldier, Gilliam served in both World War II and the Korean War

Wilmington, DE –   The Governor extended his deepest sympathies to the family of James H. Gilliam Sr., a decorated war veteran, long-time community advocate and founder of the Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League.

“The death of Jim Gilliam is an incredible loss for our state and my heart goes out to the entire Gilliam family. Jim led a tremendous life of service and his advocacy in our community has positively impacted so many Delawareans. When I had the opportunity to serve as chair of the Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League, I saw, firsthand, the depth of his commitment and the magnitude of his reach. His focus on mentorship touched all who worked with him, and his leadership in the community allowed him to successfully champion important causes, like fair housing opportunities.

“Jim was a hero – not just because of his actions during times of war, but because of his tireless efforts at home, in his community. He earned the respect of everyone he met through his honesty, humility and focus on improving the lives of others. His legacy is one of service, but also of grit, self-sacrifice and an unending determination to seek equality and justice for all. He will be truly missed.”  

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Delaware’s Office of Highway Safety Director Jana Simpler has been named Chair of the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) providing leadership for a national organization focused on preventing highway fatalities.

“Working together with highway safety advocates from across the nation to reduce highway fatalities not only in our State but also across the nation benefits us all,” Governor Markell said. “With Jana’s leadership, the GHSA will continue to address many of the driving behaviors that result in deaths on our highways.”

Director Simpler, who will serve a one-year term, was elected chair of GHSA’s Executive Board at the Association’s Annual Meeting last week. GHSA is the national nonprofit organization that represents state and territorial state highway safety offices across the country. GHSA provides leadership and advocates for the States to influence national policy, enhance program management and promote best practices in improving behavioral highway safety across the country. In the coming year, GHSA will continue to provide national leadership on key highway safety issues, including drunk and drug-impaired driving, occupant protection, distracted driving and pedestrian safety.

“I appreciate the support of the Association and look forward to serving the membership over the next year as we tackle the challenges ahead. I am excited to work on legislative initiatives and strengthen our relationship with federal partners to achieve highway safety goals across the nation,” Simpler said.

GHSA’s Executive Board consists of four officers, representatives from the NHTSA’s 10 regions, and committee and task force chairs.

“We are extremely proud to have Jana represent not only Delaware but all 50 states as GHSA Chair. Jana’s extensive knowledge of the highway safety issues will help GHSA and its members work closer with its federal partners and legislators to prevent highway fatalities,” said Lewis D. Schiliro, Secretary of the Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security.

Prior to her 2015 election as GHSA Chair, Simpler was a member of the Association’s
Executive Board for multiple terms and served for two years as the Federal Relations Committee Chair. She has worked for the Delaware Office of Highway Safety since 1997 and has served as the Director since 2010.

Dover – National studies show that the majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, and that includes the home medicine cabinet. That’s why the Division of Public Health’s Healthy Homes Program is coordinating the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday September 12, 2015 between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

During Drug Take-Back Day, Delawareans are asked to dispose of unused, unwanted and expired medicines at 26 collection sites across the state. Identification is not required at the free collection sites, and no questions will be asked.

More than 70 percent of people abusing prescription pain relievers obtain them through friends or relatives, or by raiding medicine cabinets, according to the 2011 Department of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Twice as many Americans regularly abused prescription drugs than the number who regularly used cocaine, hallucinogens, heroin, and inhalants combined.

Additionally, past methods for disposing of unused medicines such as flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash, pose potential health and safety hazards. Though not at dangerous levels yet, traces of several drugs have been found in private and public water systems throughout Delaware.
DPH’s participation in Drug Take-Back Day builds on recently announced efforts to combat Delaware’s drug addiction epidemic. On August 28, 2015 the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) announced a large donation of the overdose reversing drug naxalone, and the week before, DHSS Secretary Rita Landgraf joined Governor Jack Markell and other state officials to unveil the state priorities for $4.45 million in new resources provided by the Fiscal Year 2016 to expand the capacity for residential treatment centers. In 2014, a total of 185 people died from suspected overdoses in Delaware, or about one person every other day. Many of those overdoses were the result of heroin or prescription painkillers. From January through July of this year, there have been 78 suspected overdose deaths.

Since the first statewide Drug Take-Back event held in May 2010, Delaware’s ten collection days have removed a total of 44,775 pounds of medicines from circulation. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) sponsors the National Drug Take-Back days.

Delaware and Pennsylvania will have their Drug Take-Back Days earlier than the rest of the nation (September 26) due to Pope Francis’s impending visit to Philadelphia in late September.

The September 12 Drug Take-Back Day collection sites will accept prescription and over-the-counter pills, liquids, and cream medications, and even pet medications. Injectables and aerosols are not included in the program, and will not be accepted. Personal information should be removed from bottles and packages. More details are available at the Delaware Healthy Homes program webpage or by calling (800) 882-9539.

The Drug Take-Back Day collection sites, operating from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. are:

County Collection Site Name Address City Zip
New Castle Delaware City Town Hall 407 Clinton Street Delaware City 19706
New Castle Newark Police Department 220 South Main Street Newark 19711
New Castle Christiana Care Medical Arts Pavilion II 4755 Ogletown Stanton Rd. Newark 19718
New Castle New Castle County Airport Terminal 151 N. Dupont Hwy New Castle 19720
New Castle New Castle County Police Department 3601 N. DuPont Hwy New Castle 19720
New Castle Wilmington Blue Rocks Stadium 801 S. Justinson St. Wilmington 19801
New Castle Wilmington VA Hospital 1601 Kirkwood Hwy Wilmington 19805
New Castle Shipley Manor Nursing Home 2723 Shipley Rd. Wilmington 19810

County Collection Site Name Address City Zip
Kent Dover AFB Commissary 268 Galaxy Street Dover AFB 19902
Kent Cheswold Police Department 691 Main Street Cheswold 19904
Kent Dover Police Department 400 South Queen Street Dover 19904
Kent Heritage at Dover Assisted Living 1203 Walker Rd. Dover 19904
Kent Camden Police Department 1783 Friends Way Camden 19934
Kent Felton Delaware Town Hall 24 East Sewell Street Felton 19943
Kent Milford Police Department 400 N.E. Front Street Milford 19963
Kent Atlantic Apothecary 100 S. Main Street Smyrna 19977

County Collection Site Name Address City Zip
Sussex Dagsboro Police Department 33134 Main Street Dagsboro 19939
Sussex Delaware State Police Troop 4 23652 Shortly Rd. Georgetown 19947
Sussex Laurel Police Department 205 Mechanic St. Laurel 19956
Sussex Lewes Police Department 114 East Third Street Lewes 19958
Sussex Milton Police Department 101 Federal Street Milton 19968
Sussex Ocean View Police Department 201 Central Ave Ocean View 19970
Sussex Beebe Medical Tunnel Center 18947 John Jay Williams Hwy. Rehoboth 19971
Sussex Rehoboth Beach Police Department 229 Rehoboth Ave Rehoboth 19971
Sussex CVS Pharmacy 36252 Lighthouse Road Selbyville 19975
Sussex Selbyville Town Hall 68 W. Church Street Selbyville 19975

Delaware’s Drug Take-Back Day totals:
May 14, 2010 – 1,680 lbs.
September 25, 2010 – 303 lbs.
April 30, 2011 – 4,395 lbs.
October 29, 2011 – 4,465 lbs.
April 28, 2012 – 6,808 lbs.
September 29, 2012 – 4,561 lbs.
April 27, 2013 – 6,122 lbs.
October 26, 2013 – 5,258 lbs.
April 26, 2014 – 6,476 lbs.
September 27, 2014 – 4,707 lbs.
TOTAL = 44,775 lbs.
Source: Delaware Division of Public Health, Office of Healthy Environments

If you are unable to attend the event, you can still dispose of your prescription medication at one of Delaware’s eight permanent drug disposal sites. View the list of sites here. Additionally, Verde Technologies recently partnered with the Delaware Prescription Drug Action Committee (PDAC) and the Delaware Pharmacists Society (DPS) to launch the first Deterra Drug Deactivation System statewide pilot program in the country. Verde will work with six participating Delaware pharmacies to provide free Deterra Drug Deactivation System packages to residents so that they may safely and conveniently deactivate and dispose of unused highly addictive and sought after prescription medications at home. To view the press release, click here.

A person who is deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind or speech-disabled can call the DPH phone number above by using TTY services. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-232-5460 to type your conversation to a relay operator, who reads your conversation to a hearing person at DPH. The relay operator types the hearing person’s spoken words back to the TTY user. To learn more about TTY availability in Delaware, visit http://delawarerelay.com.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, and drink almost no sugary beverages.