Category: Historical and Cultural Affairs

Submit photos and win prizes to celebrate Delaware Day between December 7-30, 2023

Delaware’s rich history will be celebrated with fun, adventure, and prizes this year in a contest that challenges visitors to explore an exciting statewide lineup of historic sites in December. This year’s Delaware Day Adventure contest is inspired by the state’s crucial role in the nation’s founding, celebrated each Dec. 7. Visitors who explore the five museums managed by the State of Delaware between Dec. 7 and Dec. 30 and submit photos of their visits will get a chance to win a prize.

Known as “Delaware Day,” the Dec. 7 holiday marks the moment in 1787 when Delaware became the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution, giving it fame as the “First State” in the nation.

Here are the rules of the Delaware Day Adventure contest, sponsored by the Delaware Department of State’s Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs and the Delaware Tourism Office:

Visitors who submit photos from all five sites, with at least one photo taken from inside, will be entered to win a grand prize, including a Delaware-themed prize pack.
Visitors who submit photos of at least two sites (either interior or exterior) will be entered to win other Delaware-themed prizes.

For full details and to enter, visit delawareday.delaware.gov/delaware-day-adventure-2023.

The locations of the Delaware Day Adventure include:

New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle, DE 19720
The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover, DE 19901
Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New St., Dover, DE 19904
John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Rd., Dover, DE 19901
Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE 19958

Each location will have a Delaware Day Adventure sign with a QR code posted from Dec. 7 through 30. All photos must be submitted through the Delaware Day Adventure webpage by 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 30, 2023. Winners will be notified by January 19, 2024.

For more information, visit delawareday.delaware.gov.

(DOVER, Del. — April 25, 2023) — Buena Vista: A Delaware Country Estate, located at 661 S. Dupont Highway (Route 13), southwest of New Castle, Delaware, will welcome visitors for a one-day-only spring event on Saturday, May 13, 2023 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Activities will include workshops by the Sunshine Plein Air Artists and tours of the house and gardens (first-come, first-served); self-guided trail walks; and the opportunity to plant a flower to take home. Guests are encouraged to bring picnic lunches and cameras to capture the glories of spring at one of Delaware’s most historic estates. Admission is free and open to the public. For additional information, call 302-323-4430.

The main section of the Buena Vista mansion was built between 1845 and 1847 by John M. Clayton, United States secretary of state from 1849 to 1850 under presidents Taylor and Fillmore, and United States senator from 1829 to 1836, 1845 to 1849, and 1853 until his death in 1856. The home later became the residence of C. Douglass Buck, governor of Delaware from 1929 to 1937 and United States senator from 1942 to 1948. Buena Vista and its grounds were donated to the State by the Buck family in 1965 and now serve as a conference/event center administered by the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs.

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 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:
Amy Golden-Shepherd
Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs
Phone: 302-608-5337
E-mail: amy.goldenshepherd@delaware.gov
Web: http://history.delaware.gov

(DOVER, Del. — April 18, 2023) — The Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs will be sponsoring 10 special programs during the month of May 2023. A full schedule is included below. Except where noted, all programs are free and open to the public. Reservations are required for some of the programs. Go to the following link for additional information and reservation instructions: https://history.delaware.gov/2023/03/28/hca-programs-may-2023/.

Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs special programs, May 2023

Saturday, May 6, 2023
Dover Days Festival. Celebration of Delaware history from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. featuring historical re-enactments, parade, maypole dancing, walking tours, pet parade, arts and crafts, music and more. Events are primarily based in downtown Dover locations including the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ Johnson Victrola Museum, and The Old State House where the Dover English Country Dancers will conduct demonstrations at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. 302-744-5054.

Saturday, May 6, 2023
Dover Days at Woodburn. The home of Delaware’s governor will be open for guided tours during this celebration of Delaware history. 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Woodburn: The Governor’s Residence, 151 Kings Highway S.W., Dover. 302-739-5656.

Saturday, May 6, 2023
Dover Days at the John Dickinson Plantation. Activities include tours and demonstrations on preserving food in the 18th century at the smokehouse. Part of the Dover Days Festival. Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. 302-739-3277 or mailto:JDPmuseum@delaware.gov.

Saturday, May 13, 2023
“Buena Vista Spring Event.” Enjoy a spring day at Buena Vista, built by former U.S. Secretary of State John M. Clayton in 1847. Activities include workshops by the Sunshine Plein Air Artists and tours of the house and gardens (first-come, first-served); self-guided trail walks; and the opportunity to plant a flower to take home. Photography and picnicking are welcome. Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ Buena Vista: A Delaware Country Estate, 661 S. Dupont Highway (Route 13), New Castle. 10 a.m.¬–3 p.m. 302-323-4430.

Saturday, May 13, 2023
Demonstrations by the Thistledown Fiber Arts Guild. Program explores spinning, weaving, knitting and other fabric arts. Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Event held in the mansion dining room. 1–3 p.m. 302-739-3277 or mailto:JDPmuseum@delaware.gov.

Saturday, May 20, 2023
“A Day in Old New Castle.” The oldest house and garden tour in the nation includes programs at the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ New Castle Court House Museum and the New Castle Green. Downtown New Castle. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Admission free at the New Castle Court House Museum. Admission charge at other venues. 302-322-5774.

Saturday, May 20, 2023
“Life at Sea” and “Wreck of the DeBraak.” Day-long series of activities exploring life at sea in the 18th century, plus an in-depth presentation on the sinking of H.M.S. DeBraak at 2 p.m. (weather dependent). Presented in conjunction with the Cape May-Lewes Ferry’s Maritime Day 2023. Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. 10 a.m.–4:15 p.m. Free admission. 302-645-1148 or mailto:zmuseum@delaware.gov.

Saturday, May 20, 2023
“Lost Off Lewes: The British Warship DeBraak.” Special tour explores the history, artifacts and surviving hull section of this 18th-century shipwreck. Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. 4 p.m. Limited seating. Admission $15 (cash or check only). For reservations, e-mail zmuseum@delaware.gov or call 302-645-1148.

Thursday, May 25, 2023
“Well Seasoned Heirlooms.” In this virtual series, Historic-Site Interpreter Kimberly Fritsch of the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ New Castle Court House Museum shines a spotlight on the practices, recipes and women throughout Delaware history as they speak to us through their food. Program streamed live via Zoom. Noon. Free but registration required. 302-323-4453 or mailto:NCCHmuseum@delaware.gov.

Saturday, May 27, 2023
“Cooch’s Bridge Historic Site: Touring the Homestead.” Join historical interpreters for this introductory program on the history of the Cooch’s Bridge homestead. Learn about some of the individuals who lived on the property, how they shaped the land around them and how the location’s landscape contributed to national history. Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ Cooch’s Bridge Historic Site, 961 S. Old Baltimore Pike, Newark. Tours at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Limit 20 visitors per tour. Free but reservations required. 302-922-7116 or mailto:CBmuseum@delaware.gov.

Remaining division programs in April 2023

In addition, the division will be presenting the following programs during the remainder of April. Go to the following link for additional information and reservation instructions: https://history.delaware.gov/2023/03/07/division-programs-in-april-2023/.

Wednesday, April 19, 2023
“Hollywood History at the Court House: ‘The Conspirator.’ ” Screening of the 2010 film “The Conspirator,” a historical drama of the story of Mary Surratt, the only female conspirator charged and executed for her participation in the Lincoln assassination. Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. 6:30 p.m. For reservations, email Cynthia.Snyder@delaware.gov.

Friday, April 21, 2023
“Earth Day — Horseshoe Crabs and You.” Earth Day program explores the history, uses and benefits of the horseshoe crab, Delaware Bay’s unofficial mascot. Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. 2 p.m. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations required by April 20. 302-645-1148 or mailto:zmuseum@delaware.gov.

Saturday, April 22, 2023
Christina River Watershed Cleanup. Celebrate Earth Day by volunteering for the 31st annual Christina River Watershed Cleanup. Cooch’s Bridge Historic Site’s Cooch-Dayett Mill, 904 Old Baltimore Pike, Newark. Other New Castle County sites also available. 8–11 a.m. Space is limited and registration required. 302-307-2757.

Saturday, April 22, 2023
“Celebrate Earth Day, BEE AWARE !” New Castle native, Thomas Lunt, owner of Ft. Casimir Honey Co. and Apiary, will speak on the importance of bees in the ecosystem and the need to save these pollinators. Products from the Ft. Casimir Honey Co. will be available for purchase. Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. 1 p.m. 302-323-4453 or mailto:NCCHmuseum@delaware.gov.

Friday, April 28, 2023
“Well Seasoned Heirlooms.” In this virtual series, Historic-Site Interpreter Kimberly Fritsch of the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ New Castle Court House Museum shines a spotlight on the practices, recipes and women throughout Delaware history as they speak to us through their food. Program streamed live via Zoom and on the New Castle Court House Museum’s Facebook page. Noon. Free but Zoom registration required. 302-323-4453 or mailto:NCCHmuseum@delaware.gov.

Saturday, April 29, 2023
“Cooch’s Bridge Historic Site: Touring the homestead.” Join historical interpreters for this introductory program on the history of the Cooch’s Bridge homestead. Learn about some of the individuals who lived on the property, how they shaped the land around them and how the location’s landscape contributed to national history. Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ Cooch’s Bridge Historic Site, 961 S. Old Baltimore Pike, Newark. Tours at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Limit 20 visitors per tour. Free admission but reservations required. 302-922-7116 or mailto:CBmuseum@delaware.gov.

Sunday, April 30, 2023
“Lafayette’s Farewell Tour.” Program by Dr. Patricia Maclay on the Marquise de Lafayette’s last tour in America in 1824 which included two stops in New Castle where he visited friends and was celebrated by the town. Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. 1:30 p.m. 302-323-4453 or mailto:NCCHmuseum@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 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.

Contact:
Jim Yurasek
Press Contact and Information Lead
Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs
Phone: 302-577-5170
E-mail: Jim.Yurasek@delaware.gov
Note: Yurasek will be retired from state service as of April 29, 2023. For inquiries after April 28, 2023, contact Amy Golden-Shepherd as below.

Amy Golden-Shepherd
Deputy Director
Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs
Phone: 302-608-5337
Email: amy.goldenshepherd@delaware.gov

(DOVER, Del. — April 3, 2023) — On Saturday, April 22, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the Archaeological Society of Delaware, will present the 2023 Delaware Archaeology and History Symposium which will highlight archaeological investigations and historical research for the state of Delaware and the surrounding region.

Presentations will include, among others, “Earthenware and Stoneware Production in the First State”; “Identity, Spirituality, and Community at the John Dickinson Plantation Based on the Collection From Block III”; “The ‘63-Year-Old’ Search for the Elusive Corbit Tannery in Odessa, DE”; and “American Indian Ceramics of Delaware.” Go to the following for a complete list of symposium sessions: https://history.delaware.gov/2023/03/10/archaeology-symposium-2023/.

The symposium will take place at The Old State House, located at 25 The Green in Dover, Delaware. Admission is free and open to the public. For additional information about the symposium, contact coordinator Luke Pickrahn at Luke.Pickrahn@delaware.gov or 302-736-7437. For Old State House information, call 302-744-5054 or mailto:OSHmuseum@delaware.gov.

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 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.

Contact:
Jim Yurasek
Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs
Phone: 302-577-5170
E-mail: Jim.Yurasek@delaware.gov
Web: http://history.delaware.gov

(DOVER, Del. — March 16, 2023) — The Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs will be sponsoring 13 special programs during the month of April 2023. A full schedule is included below. Admission is free and open to the public, but reservations are required for some of the programs. Go to the following link for additional information and reservation instructions: https://history.delaware.gov/2023/03/07/division-programs-in-april-2023/.

Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs special programs, April 2023

Friday–Sunday, April 1-16, 2023
Lewes Tulip Celebration. Series of activities at downtown Lewes locations including the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ Zwaanendael Museum, located at 102 Kings Highway, where tulip arrangements by the Sussex Gardeners will be displayed. Museum open Wed.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:15 p.m. 302-645-1148 or mailto:zmuseum@delaware.gov.

Friday, April 7, 2023
Good Friday. All division-administered museums will be open.

Saturday, April 8, 2023
Demonstrations by the Thistledown Fiber Arts Guild. Program explores spinning, weaving, knitting and other fabric arts. Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Event held in the mansion dining room. 1–3 p.m. 302-739-3277 or mailto:JDPmuseum@delaware.gov.

Saturday, April 8, 2023
“Dutch Poetry in the Park.” In conjunction with the Lewes Tulip Celebration, museum interpreters present a poetry reading and interpretation of the Spurring Verses detailing the 1662 Dutch settlement. Held outdoors in Zwaanendael Park located adjacent to the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. 2 p.m. 302-645-1148 or mailto:zmuseum@delaware.gov.

Sunday, April 9, 2023
Easter Sunday. All division-administered museums will be closed.

Saturday, April 15, 2023
“New Castle and the Lincoln Assassination Connection.” Brian Cannon, author and former lead interpreter at the museum, will recount the compelling story of President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination and New Castle resident Zachariah Gemmell’s part in the capture of John Wilkes Booth and the other conspirators. Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. 1 p.m. 302-323-4453 or mailto:NCCHmuseum@delaware.gov.

Saturday, April 15, 2023
“Candle-Making.” John Dickinson Plantation staff will provide information on historic lighting and present an opportunity for a hands-on experience with dipping candles. Participation is first come, first served and free to experience. Participants wishing to keep their dipped candles may do so at a fee of $10 for a pair or $5 for a single taper. Payment by cash only. First State Heritage Park, 43 The Green, Dover. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. 302-739-9194.