(Smyrna) – The Delaware Emergency Operations Center was activated at 7:00pm, today, Monday, February 16, 2015.  A Winter Weather Warning remains in effect until noon tomorrow, Tuesday, February 17 for statewide.

The National Weather Service forecast is for 6-10 inches of snow in Sussex County, 4-6 inches of snow in Kent County, and 3-5 inches in New Castle.  The snow is expected to become moderate to heavy at times overnight, ending around noon on Tuesday.

The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) has crews at work.  No traffic impacts have been reported, but the morning commute will probably be slower than normal as cleanup efforts will be underway.

For information on school closures, log on to http://schoolclosings.delaware.gov/.

#stormDE

Secretary of State Jeffrey Bullock has ordered the temporary suspension of the Delaware Certified Massage Technician license of Dazhong Wang of Smyrna following his arrest on charges of promoting prostitution and permitting prostitution at the Rehoboth establishment he owns where employees were arrested in December.

In making his determination, Secretary Bullock considered the criminal charges by the Delaware State Police for authorizing the temporary suspension of the professional license of Mr. Wang.

The Delaware Code Titles 23 and 24 were amended on April 15, 2014, to enable a temporary suspension pending a hearing to be issued upon the written order of the Secretary of State with the concurrence of the Board chair if the activity of the licensee presents a clear and immediate danger to the public health, safety or welfare.

As a result of the actions taken today, the suspension of Mr. Wang will remain in effect for a period of 60 days during which time disciplinary hearings will be held or the final disposition for this individual will take place. As the result of a hearing, the Board of Massage and Bodywork has the authority to impose disciplinary sanctions up to and including revocation of a practitioner’s license or certification. The State has asked for revocation of Mr. Wang’s license.

The licensure status of Mr. Wang has been updated on the Division of Professional Regulation’s online license verification service.

(Dover, Del.—Feb. 16, 2015)—The Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs today unveiled the updated version of its Cultural and Historical Resource Information System (CHRIS), a Web-based geographic information system (GIS) on historic properties that are located in the state of Delaware. A geographic information system integrates hardware, software and data for capturing, managing, analyzing and displaying all forms of geographically referenced information. The new edition of CHRIS is more comprehensive, interactive and faster than the original version that was launched in 2009. Available to the public at no charge, CHRIS may be accessed on the Web at the following address: https://chris-users.delaware.gov.

Designed to help preserve, maintain and foster awareness of Delaware’s historical resources, CHRIS is an important tool for government agencies and their consultants in project planning, for local governments concerned with protecting historic properties in their jurisdictions, for Delaware’s citizens seeking information on the history and architecture of their communities and for millions of Web users who may be interested in learning about Delaware’s historic places.

The public side of the new CHRIS delivers information on Delaware’s National Register of Historic Places-listed properties, with a quick reference-table pop-up and attached nominations and photographs that can be viewed on-line or downloaded to a computer. In addition, forms and reports on non-confidential properties are available (archaeological-site locations are considered confidential).

As with the original version of CHRIS, cultural-resource-management consultants; some academic researchers and private non-profit organizations; and federal-, state- and local-agency staff members that are planning projects can apply for passwords that will allow them to access the full range of information, conduct research and view archaeological reports. For the first time, the system allows people who survey historic properties to interactively map and upload forms, making for more rapid review and posting of new information.

The new version of CHRIS was developed as a collaborative project involving division staff, the Delaware Department of State and GeoDecisions, an information-technology company that specializes in geospatial solutions. GeoDecisions is a division of Gannett Fleming. Additional assistance was provided by the Delaware Department of Technology and Information.

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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

Our world is being transformed by new technology. As a pair of leading MIT professors found, there’s never been a better time to be someone with the right skills for the new jobs created by our digital revolution. But there’s never been a worse to be somebody without those skills. Jobs of the past are now outsourced to other countries or handled by machines. So our goal is that every Delaware student has access to an education that best prepares them for this new era.

We kicked off one part of that effort this past week. Through our Pathways to Prosperity initiative Delaware employers, universities, and schools will work together to prepare students for a bright future in key industries. High school students will take hundreds of hours of specialized instruction and hands-on training. They will graduate with industry-recognized certificates and college credits, giving them a head start on getting a job and earning a degree.

This fall, we’ll launch pathways statewide for the IT and hospitality industries.

The following year, we’ll add two more of our fastest growing industries – financial services and healthcare.

We’re already seeing how this model can work through a manufacturing program started last fall. More than 30 juniors in New Castle County are spending part of each week at Delaware Tech, learning math and other skills most important for that industry and working with equipment. This summer, they’ll get paid internships at companies like Agilent, PPG, Kuehne and Siemens. Next year, we’ll expand that program to southern Delaware as part of Pathways to Prosperity.

By giving our youth the best opportunities to prepare for growing careers, we’ll ensure they can make the most of their incredible talents. And we’ll keep Delaware moving forward.

(DOVER, Del.—Feb. 12, 2015)—During the month of March 2015, the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs will be offering 13 special programs at sites across the state. Eight of these programs will be presented in celebration of National Women’s History Month. A full schedule of events is listed below. Except where noted, all programs are free and open to the public. For additional information, call 302-744-5055.

Highlights of the month include “Outstanding Women of Kent County: A Mother’s Legacy and a Daughter’s Contributions to Community,” a History Coffee-Hour lecture in which Dr. Cherritta Mathews discusses the impact of her mother, Dr. Ruth Mitchell Laws, an educator and former vice president of Delaware Technical Community College. Matthews herself went on to become one of the first students to end segregation at Dover High School in 1954. The program will take place on Thursday, March 26 at 5:30 p.m. at The Old State House, located at 25 The Green, in Dover.

Throughout the month, the John Dickinson Plantation, located at 340 Kitts Hummock Road in Dover, will present “A Woman’s World,” a series of programs that explore the daily responsibilities of 18th-century women and the domestic skills that they were expected to possess. “A Woman’s World” programs will take place between 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on March 7, 21 and 28.

Finally, on Wednesday, March 11 at 7 p.m., the New Castle Court House Museum, located at 211 Delaware St., in New Castle, will present “Louise du Pont Crowningshield—Historic Preservation Pioneer” a presentation by Kim Burdick, advisor emeritus to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, on the life of the well-known preservationist and sister of Henry Francis du Pont of Winterthur. Crowningshield helped lay the groundwork for what would become America’s historic-preservation movement, and her efforts helped preserve the historic town of New Castle.

Designated by joint resolutions of the United States House of Representatives and Senate and proclaimed by six American presidents, National Women’s History Month is an opportunity to honor and celebrate women’s lives and historic achievements. Each year National Women’s History Month employs a unifying theme and recognizes national honorees whose work and lives testify to that theme. For 2015, the theme is “Weaving the Stories of Women’s Lives.”

Special events, March 2015

Saturday, March 7, 2015
“The Women Who Influenced Victor.” Women’s History Month tours examine the glamorous lives of the many female artists of the Victor Talking Machine Company, accompanied by early recordings of those artists played on authentic Victor Talking Machines. First Saturday in the First State program. Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New St., Dover. 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5055.

Saturday, March 7, 2015
“A Woman’s World.” Explore cloth production and learn how women lived on the estate of the “Penman of the Revolution.” Women’s History Month program. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Program 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Museum open 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.

Saturday, March 7, 2015
“War of the Roses: The Suffragist Movement in Delaware.” Women’s History Month living-history theater presentation explores Delaware women who were instrumental in the national suffrage movement. First Saturday in the First State program. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Programs at 1 and 3 p.m. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5055.

Saturday, March 7, 2015
“The Minstrel Boy.” Introductory talk by Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs historical interpreters on the life of the noted Irish tenor John McCormack, accompanied by recordings by the artist played on authentic Victor Talking Machines, followed by the headline program: “Irish Heritage Celebration—Tenor Matt Macis.” Schwartz Center for the Arts, 226 S. State St., Dover. “Minstrel Boy” at 7 p.m. followed by Matt Macis. Admission charge. 302-678-5152.

Wednesday, March 11, 2015
“Louise du Pont Crowningshield—Historic Preservation Pioneer.” Presentation by Kim Burdick, advisor emeritus to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, explores the life of the well-known preservationist and sister of Henry Francis du Pont of Winterthur. Crowningshield helped lay the groundwork for what would become America’s historic-preservation movement, and her efforts helped preserve the historic town of New Castle. Women’s History Month program. New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. 7 p.m. 302-323-4453.

Saturday, March 14, 2015
“Pi(e) Day at the Plantation.” Celebrate Pi Day by exploring pie recipes from the 1700s and baking pies 18th-century-style. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Program 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Museum open 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.

Saturday, March 14, 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.–3:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.

Saturday, March 14, 2015
Delaware’s Decades—the 2000s. Lecture by Bill Ayrey, lab manager and company historian from ILC Dover, who will discuss the future of space travel and space suits from the early 2000s to the present. Eighth and final installment of a series exploring decades in Delaware’s history. 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 March 13, 2015.

Thursday, March 19, 2015
Concert by Celtic Harvest. Presented in partnership with the Delaware Friends of Folk. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Program at 7 p.m. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5055.

Saturday, March 21, 2015
“A Woman’s World.” Experience the art of water coloring, view family drawings and paint your own watercolor creation while learning how women lived on the estate of the “Penman of the Revolution.” Women’s History Month program. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Program 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Museum open 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.

Wednesday, March 25, 2015
“History Goes Hollywood: ‘The Women.’ ” Screening of the 1939 film about the lives and power struggles of various wealthy Manhattan socialites, based on the play by Clare Boothe Luce. Program features a short discussion of Luce’s life and accomplishments before the screening. Women’s History Month program. New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. 7 p.m. 302-323-4453.

Thursday, March 26, 2015
“Outstanding Women of Kent County: A Mothers Legacy and a Daughter’s Contributions to Community.” Women’s History Month program in which Dr. Cherritta Mathews discusses the impact of her mother, Dr. Ruth Mitchell Laws, an educator and former vice president of Delaware Technical Community College. Matthews herself went on to become one of the first students to end segregation at Dover High School in 1954. Part of the History Coffee-Hour Lecture Series. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. 5:30 p.m. 302-744-5055.

Saturday, March 28, 2015
“A Woman’s World.” Explore the art of paper quilling and learn how women lived on the estate of the “Penman of the Revolution.” Women’s History Month program. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Program 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Museum open 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.

Exhibits, March 2015
In addition to special programming, the following exhibits are on display at Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs museums.

Opening March 4, 2015
“World War II Through the Lens of William D. Willis.” Designed by the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, the exhibit 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. Free admission.

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. Wed.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. from Nov. 1–March 31. Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Sun., 1:30–4:30 p.m. from April 1–Oct. 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. Mon.–Sat., 10 a.m.–3:30 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. Wed.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. from Nov. 1–March 31. Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Sun., 1:30–4:30 p.m. from April 1–Oct. 31. 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. Wed.–Sat., 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.

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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