The Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs will be sponsoring 16 special events during the month of July 2014 at the six museums of the state of Delaware. A full schedule is included below. With the exception of DeBraak tours, all programs are free and open to the public. For additional information, call 302-744-5055.

Administered by the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, the state of Delaware’s six museums—the New Castle Court House Museum, the John Dickinson Plantation, the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries, The Old State House, the Johnson Victrola Museum 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.

Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs special events, July 2014

Wednesdays, July 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30, 2014
Hands On History. Visitors will experience 18th-century history by participating in a different demonstration each week. Hands-on demonstrations will include sachet making, paper marbling, paper quilling, plantation journal-making and plaster casting. 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.

Friday and Saturday, July 4 and 5, 2014
“Stars and Stripes.” Guided tours explore some of Victor Records’ many recordings of patriotic music played on authentic Victor Talking Machines. Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New St., Dover. 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5055.

Friday, July 4, 2014
Independence Day program. Screenings at 11 a.m., 1 and 5 p.m. of “Thunder and Rain,” a film about Caesar Rodney’s historic ride for independence. At 2 and 4:30 p.m., the bell of The Old State House will ring in celebration of the nation’s birthday, followed immediately by site interpreters, dressed in period clothing, who will recite the Declaration of Independence aloud from the spot where the document was first read to the citizens of Dover in 1776. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Museum open 9 a.m.–6 p.m. 302-744-5055.

Friday and Saturday, July 4 and 5, 2014
“An Illegal Activity.” Utilizing the exhibit “An Illegal Activity: The Underground Railroad in Delaware” as a backdrop, guided tours will explore Delaware’s crucial role in the Underground Railroad and on two Delaware leaders who aided in this “freedom enterprise.” First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries, Delaware Public Archives building, 121 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Dover. July 4—tours at 10 a.m., Noon and 4 p.m.; museum open 8 a.m.–6 p.m. July 5—tours at 10 a.m., Noon and 2 p.m.; museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5055.

Saturday, July 5, 2014
“Independence Day.” First Saturday in the First State program features screenings at 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. of “Thunder and Rain,” a film about Caesar Rodney’s historic ride for independence. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5055.

Mondays, July 7, 14, 21 and 28, 2014
Lecture/tour of His Majesty’s Sloop DeBraak. Explore the history of the DeBraak which was capsized and lost off the Delaware coast on May 25, 1798. Program includes a trip to the hull facility in nearby Cape Henlopen State Park for a tour of the surviving section of the ship’s hull. Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. Programs at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Limited seating. Admission $10 in advance by reservation only through the Shop Delaware website. For additional information, call 302-645-1148.

Saturday, July 12, 2014
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. Free admission. 302-739-3277.

Exhibits and displays, July 2014
In addition to special programming, the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs is presenting the following exhibits and displays:

Thru July 31, 2014
“An Illegal Activity: The Underground Railroad in Delaware.” Exhibit explores the First State’s role in the Underground Railroad by showcasing Thomas Garrett and Samuel D. Burris and the actions they took in following their consciences rather than the law. Presented in partnership with the Underground Railroad Coalition of Delaware. First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries, Delaware Public Archives building, 121 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Dover. Mon.–Fri., 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Sat., 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Sun., 1:30-4:30 p.m. 302-744-5055.

Ongoing
“Archaeology of the New Castle Court House.” The exhibit highlights the many phases of archaeological investigations at the New Castle Court House including artifacts representing over 300 years of continuous use of the building. New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. Wed.–Sat., 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. 302-323-4453.

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
“Dress for Success: The Edwardian Gentlemen’s Wardrobe and Accessories.” Display of objects of adornment, fashion and accessories for male grooming from the time period depicted in the Downton Abbey television series. 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.

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. Wed.–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 all complicated machines are composed. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Wed.–Sat., 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.

Ongoing
“Simple Pleasures: Picnic, Play and Dance.” Display of original Edwardian and roaring 20s fashions that reflect the spirit of the liberated “modern” woman as depicted in the Downton Abbey television series. 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. 302-744-5055.

-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

On Saturday, May 10, 2014, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, in collaboration with the Archaeological Society of Delaware, will present a Symposium on the Early Colonial Archaeology of the Delaware Valley Region. Now in its seventh year, the symposium is dedicated to building a regional-level dialog that can identify the uniqueness of the cultures that existed in the Delaware Valley during the early period of European colonization. A complete schedule of symposium activities is listed below.

The symposium will take place at the New Castle Court House Museum located at 211 Delaware St. in New Castle, Del. Admission is free and open to the public. For additional information, contact Craig Lukezic at craig.lukezic@delaware.gov or call 302-736-7407.

Schedule of events

9:15 a.m.
Introduction—Craig Lukezic, symposium coordinator and archaeologist, Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs

9:30 a.m.
Early Dutch Fortifications and the American Variants—Craig Lukezic, Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs

During the Eighty Years War, the Dutch developed a standardized method of fortification which was effective in the Low Countries. Termed the Old Netherland Style, this streamlined and practical method was exported throughout the world. Examples of excavated fortresses in the northern Netherlands will be presented for comparison with the historical record of forts in New Netherland and New Sweden.

10 a.m.
“Freeholds and Familyes”: The Social and Cultural Dimensions of English Colonization in Central Delaware—Charles Fithian, curator of archaeology, Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs

Who were the occupants of 17th-century Delaware plantations? What were the biological, social, cultural and economic dimensions of the families and households established in the last quarter of the 17th century in central Delaware? Questions such as these are critical to developing our understanding of early Anglo-European society in this area, and for recognizing its material manifestations expressed in the archaeological record.

This presentation will discuss data derived from a series of historical records that provide unique perspectives on the occupants of 17th-century plantations. These data suggest that during the English Period the process of colonization in what is now Kent County (and possibly Delaware in general) developed differently from that seen in the Chesapeake Bay region only a short distance away. Evidence that the men, women and children who occupied these plantations came from a variety of cultural, racial and social backgrounds will be discussed. The presentation will also show that central Delaware was part of a diverse and heterogeneous colonial society that was established in the Delaware Valley.

10:30 a.m.
Personal Adornment Artifacts From Avery’s Rest—Julie Powers, University of Massachusetts

Personal adornment artifacts have often been overlooked as fascinating and intricate small finds but nothing more. Recent literature has pushed for more attention to be called to these often-telling artifacts but practical application has been light. This paper draws upon the ideas set forth by these researchers and applies them to Avery’s Rest, a culturally diverse site from the 17th century in Sussex County, Del. Using artifacts from three features with intact strata and historical data, I apply these theories to show the multicultural nature of the occupants and their lifestyle at Avery’s Rest, and compare and contrast between the households of John Avery and his daughter, Jemima. I argue that this site, along with colonial Sussex County, should be viewed as a hybrid site, combining influences from New England, the Chesapeake and the Delaware Valley to form a diverse settlement as reflected in the artifacts.

11 a.m.
“Dutch” Assemblages Along the South River—Bill Liebeknecht, Hunter Research, Inc.

As the Dutch were master traders with connections throughout Europe, is there really an entirely Dutch signature to look for or should we be looking for a mix of European goods dating to the 17th century? Where would those sites be located?—Close to the South River (Delaware River and Bay) so that they could intercept the few supply ships coming from Europe (no matter what flag they flew)? What do actual Dutch artifacts look like?—Examples from elsewhere in the Mid-Atlantic? … Mainly the heart of Dutch occupation? … New York? The second generation “Dutch” would be more inland and third generation would be more assimilated into the English population exhibiting mainly English goods. So why aren’t more of these sites known? Most avocational archaeologists and collectors to date have been more concerned with prehistoric artifacts and sites rather than historic sites. With the rise in sea level, the Delaware Bay will reclaim some of these important sites and has undoubtedly reclaimed some of these sites already.

11:30 a.m.
Voices of the Past: Kort Verhael Van Zuydtrivier—The Delaware Dutch, 1630 to 1730—Kim Rogers Burdick, resident curator, Hale-Byrnes House

The historical records of the Dutch are rich with first-hand accounts of life in 17th-century Delaware, yet the archaeological findings are, as yet, exceedingly sparse. In this paper Burdick looks at what the 17th-century Dutch settlers reported about their lives. Is the archaeological evidence scanty because we have been digging in the wrong places, not recognizing or ignoring some of the traces of the past?—Or as a Dutch colleague suggests, because the Dutch have always prided themselves on being exceedingly thrifty and would have left few traces behind?”

Noon to 1:30       Lunch on your own

1:30 p.m.
Mailing a Letter From Fort Casimir (now New Castle) in 1660—Marshall Joseph Becker, professor of anthropology emeritus, West Chester University

A review of documents referring to natives carrying mail within and among the American colonies in the 17th and 18th centuries strongly indicates that the Lenape of the lower Delaware Valley were the most reliable and trusted tribe as a single culture. The principle period of Lenape mail-carrying activity was during the Dutch period when this well-paid service provided access to desired European goods. References to mail and native carriers provide insights into the development of Dutch outpost on the Delaware River and Bay. The evidence for Lenape carriers identifies them as singular in the Northeast.

By 1664, Lenape migration into central Pennsylvania, to participate in the pelt trade, provided a more lucrative source of goods. The English domination of the colonies led to the slow development of a slowly expanding postal service. The evidence reveals that native carriers from several nations may have carried letters, most commonly during periods of conflict when their forest skills and individual abilities made these skilled runners an important, if limited, part of colonial networking.

2 p.m.
Captain John Smith Chesapeake, American Indians and the Indigenous Landscape of the Upper Nanticoke River, Delaware—Daniel R. Griffith, Griffith Archaeology Consulting; and Virginia R. Busby, Hillside Consulting, LLC

The upper Nanticoke River watershed in Delaware is significantly associated with the voyages of exploration of Captain John Smith, the Indian people of the watershed and is illustrative of the 17th-century natural environment of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. This examination is an outgrowth of a study commissioned by the Friends of the John Smith Trail in support of the inclusion of additional trail segments to the National Park Service’s Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail. The research was undertaken to answer three specific research questions regarding Captain John Smith’s voyages on the Nanticoke River and the American Indian communities that lived there in June 1608. In 2012, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar approved the designation of the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail’s extension into Delaware to the geographic limits recommended in this report.

2:30 p.m.
What Are Our Future Research Directions?—Discussion led by Lu Ann De Cunzo, Department of Anthropology, University of Delaware

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

Will conclude successful tenure at agency in July while maintaining residency in Delaware

Dover – Secretary Collin O’Mara will conclude a five and a half year tenure leading Delaware’s Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) in July, after the completion of the Delaware General Assembly Session, when he will become President and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation (NWF).

“Collin has earned our respect and gratitude for his service to our state, which has been marked by a tireless work ethic and commitment to improving our environment and the health of Delawareans,” said Governor Jack Markell. “When he moves on in July, he will leave a strong and capable team prepared to build on a legacy of remarkable improvements to the quality of life in our state, including huge reductions in air pollution and impressive upgrades in our ability to deal with major storms. Collin’s leadership has helped make Delaware a nationally recognized leader in energy and climate change policies. While we will be sad to see him leave the administration, the National Wildlife Federation has made a great choice for its next leader.”

Secretary O’Mara was appointed as the nation’s youngest cabinet secretary by Markell in 2009. During this administration, DNREC has focused on addressing Delaware’s most pressing environmental challenges, including conserving and restoring wildlife and fisheries habitat, improving air quality and public health, ensuring access to clean water, expanding outdoor recreation and environmental education opportunities, and enhancing the state’s resilience to extreme weather and other climate impacts.

”For the past 5 years I have fallen in love with the remarkable natural resources across our state,” said O’Mara.  “I’m proud of the work of our team at DNREC has done under the Governor’s leadership to clean up our air, water and soils, conserve and restore critical habitat, expand recreational opportunities and prepare our state for storms and other climate threats.  I’m looking forward to promoting the common-sense solutions that we’ve advanced in Delaware across the nation to protect wildlife and fishery habitat, expand environmental education, and address climate change.”

Key accomplishments advancing Governor Markell’s environmental agenda include:

• Air Quality: Reduced air emissions more than any other state, overseeing the shutdown or fuel switching or controlling of all ten of the dirtiest power plant units in Delaware.  As chair of the Ozone Transport Commission, led the multi-state effort to encourage EPA to further reduce cross-state pollution.

• Statewide Universal Recycling: Spearheaded Governor Markell’s initiative to make Delaware a national leader in recycling through universal access to curbside recycling.

• Delaware Bayshore Initiative: Building upon the legacy of conservation and the Coastal Zone Act, launched an initiative to conserve and restore wildlife habitat, expand access to low-impact recreation experiences, and strengthen local communities throughout the world-class Bayshore habitat from New Castle to Lewes.

• Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative: As chair, led the modernization of the RGGI cap, reducing it by 45% and creating a national model that is now being touted as the best system to comply with EPA’s upcoming rule for regulating greenhouse gases for existing power plants.

• Clean Energy and Efficiency: Helped established Delaware as a leading state in the deployment of solar technology, including an increase in deployment of nearly 30 times (from 2 MW in 2008 to 58+ MW today) and the 7^th most solar per capita.  Strengthened building codes and worked with the Sustainable Energy Utility to spur more than $100 million in efficiency upgrades across the state.

• Clean Water: Strengthened regulations governing stormwater management and on-site wastewater systems.  Led the investment of more than $150 million in water infrastructure upgrades and helped launch the Governor’s Clean Water for Delaware’s Future initiative.

• Children in Nature:  Launched a comprehensive effort to introduce more children to the outdoors and expand environmental education.

• Trails and Pathways: Oversaw implementation of the Governor’s First State Trails and Pathways Initiative which has significantly expanded Delaware’s trail network and made the state among the most bikable and walkable in the nation.

• Climate Preparedness and Resilience: Led a statewide effort to analyze the science, development policy recommendations, and deploy projects to improve the state’s preparedness for extreme storms, sea level rise, and other climate impacts.  Co-chaired the Natural Resources and Agriculture Subcommittee of the President’s Task Force on Climate Preparedness and Resilience.

• Organizational Improvements: Reorganized DNREC around the functional themes of natural resource management and environmental compliance, achieved the Governor’s  goals  for permitting efficiency, increased attention on energy and climate issues, and centralized a number of administrative support functions.

NWF, which is America’s largest conservation organization with 48 state affiliates and more than 4.5 million members and supporters, recruited O’Mara to lead the non-profit following the retirement of Larry Schweiger earlier this year.

###

Bike Month brings latest ranking from League of American Bicyclists

Dover – Kicking off National Bike Month, the League of American Bicyclists has released its latest ranking of Bicycle Friendly States. In the seventh annual assessment, Delaware ranked No. 4 nationally, while placing No. 1 in the East and receiving 55.7 points out of 100.

Delaware ranked No. 5 in the League’s 2013 ranking, but ranked No. 31 as recently as 2008. The only states that rank above Delaware in 2014 are Washington, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

“Making Delaware a more bike-friendly state is a central piece of our efforts to ensure Delaware continues to be an attractive place to live, raise a family, and retire,” said Markell. “Today’s announcement is a testament to the seriousness with which leaders across our state, from the administration to the General Assembly to community advocates, have taken our work to extend the reach of existing trails and pathways, while constructing new trails where the opportunities are greatest.”

The Bicycle Friendly States (BFS) ranking is based on a number of key indicators, including infrastructure and funding that provide on-the-ground bicycle facilities; education and encourage programs that promote cycling; and passage and enforcement of bicycle-friendly laws that make it safe and comfortable for people of all ages to ride.

The League gave Delaware high marks for its bicycle-friendly policies and programs as well as its education and encouragement of biking among the public. Its annual report card noted new commitments by the state involving bicycle education for police and an emphasis on bicycle safety in strategic highway planning. The League also recognized the potential of a number of projects underway, including city-suburb bikeway connections on the Wilmington-New Castle Greenway, as well as development of the Georgetown-Lewes Trail and Wilmington-Newark bikeway.

“Delaware’s move up nationally from fifth to fourth place is yet another major step on the move towards making Delaware the most bicycle friendly state in America,” said DNREC Secretary Collin O’Mara. “We’ve made major strides in the last two years, under the Governor’s leadership and with our partners, building and connecting trails throughout Delaware. With 74 percent of Delawareans walking or running, this effort is critical to our state’s health, our environment and our economy.  We’re on the right track and on the move toward number-one.”

“Receiving national recognition for the hard work of all involved in our efforts to create a more walkable/bikeable Delaware is truly gratifying,” said DelDOT Secretary Shailen Bhatt.  “The trails and pathways that  have been completed or are under construction across our state, as well as those now in the planning stages, deliver on our commitment to provide a transportation system that serves all of our citizens, while building more inter-connected and safer communities.  All Delawareans can be justifiably proud of the ranking our state has achieved.”

The BFS program is more than an annual assessment. Throughout the year, League staff will work actively with state officials and advocacy leaders to help Delaware identify and implement the programs, policies and campaigns that will improve conditions for bicyclists.

“We are excited and encouraged to see real progress in states like California, Minnesota and Utah,” said Andy Clarke, president of the League of American Bicyclists. “Overall, we still see a lot of opportunity to realize the huge potential of bicycling to promote health, economic development, and quality of life.”

Learn more about the BFS program at www.bikeleague.org/content/states.

About the Bicycle Friendly America Program

The Bicycle Friendly Community, Bicycle Friendly State, Bicycle Friendly Business and Bicycle Friendly University programs are generously supported by program partner Trek Bicycle. Learn more about the Bicycle Friendly America program at www.bikeleague.org/bfa.

About the League of American Bicyclists

The League of American Bicyclists is leading the movement to create a Bicycle Friendly America for everyone. As leaders, our commitment to listen and learn, define standards and share best practices to engage diverse communities and build a powerful unified voice for change. For more information or to support the League, visit www.bikeleague.org.

# # #

-Listing of plantation events through August 2014 also included-

During the month of May 2014, the John Dickinson Plantation, located at 340 Kitts Hummock Rd. in Dover, Del., will present four special Saturday programs that explore different aspects of everyday life as it would have been lived during the 18th century when John Dickinson was in residence at the property. The site will also be open for visitation and tours between 10 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Admission is free. For additional information, call 302-739-3277.

On May 3, between 10 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., the plantation will be participating in the 81st Annual Dover Days Festival with a series of activities including tours, colonial games and hearth cooking utilizing 18th-century recipes; while on May 10, between 1 and 3 p.m., demonstrations by the Thistledown Fiber Arts Guild will be presented including spinning, weaving, knitting and other fabric arts. On May, 17, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., the site will host Herb Day at the John Dickinson Plantation in which visitors will learn about 18th-century uses for herbs and create a sachet to take home. Finally, on May 24, between 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., visitors will have an opportunity to experience the fun, exercise and competition of battledore and shuttlecock, an early game similar to that of modern badminton.

The John Dickinson Plantation was the boyhood home and country estate of John Dickinson, one of the founding fathers of the United States, signer of the U.S. Constitution and “Penman of the Revolution.” The plantation features Dickinson’s original 1740 brick home, reconstructed farm buildings and a log’d dwelling, surrounded by rich agricultural lands stretching down to the banks of the St. Jones River.

Following is a schedule of plantation events through August 2014. All programs take place at the John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover, Del. The property is open Wednesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Times for special programs are indicated. Admission is free for all events listed. For additional information, call 302-739-3277.

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 all complicated machines are composed.

Saturday, May 3, 2014
Dover Days at the John Dickinson Plantation. Activities include tours, colonial games and hearth cooking utilizing 18th-century recipes. 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

Saturdays, May 10, June 14, July 12 and Aug. 9, 2014
Demonstrations by the Thistledown Fiber Arts Guild. Program explores spinning, weaving, knitting and other fabric arts. 1–3 p.m.

Saturday, May 17, 2014
Herb Day at the John Dickinson Plantation. Visitors will learn about 18th century uses for herbs and create a sachet to take home. 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 24, 2014
Battledore and Shuttlecock Day at the John Dickinson Plantation. Experience the fun, exercise and competition of battledore and shuttlecock, an early game similar to that of modern badminton. 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Thursdays, June 5, 12, 19 and 26, 2014
“Thirsty on Thursdays.” Learn how to make cool 18th-century drinks including switchels, lemonade and tea. 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Thursday, June 12, 2014
“Benjamin Rush.” Robert Gleason of the American Historical Theatre portrays the noted Philadelphia physician Benjamin Rush, one of the founding fathers of the United States. Part of the Friends of the John Dickinson Mansion annual meeting. Annual meeting at 5 p.m. Benjamin Rush at 5:30 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public but, due to seating limitations, reservations are required by calling 302-739-3277.

Saturday, June 21, 2014
“Shall Faithfully Serve!” Program explores indentured servitude and tradesmen associated with the home of the “Penman of the Revolution.” 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Note: Program cancelled.

Wednesdays, July 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30, 2014
Hands On History. Visitors will experience 18th-century history by participating in a different demonstration each week. Hands-on demonstrations will include sachet making, paper marbling, paper quilling, plantation journal-making and plaster casting. 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Wednesdays, Aug. 6, 13, 20 and 27, 2014
“Weaving Wednesdays.” Indoor, staff-led program in which visitors will learn how to weave a blanket or rag rug. 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 9, 2014
“Raiding the Mansion—Plundering the House of all its Provisions.” Learn about the Tory raid on the plantation’s mansion house through a special tour, and through examination of letters and primary documents. 10:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

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