Historical Affairs Programs In January 2023

(DOVER, Del. — Dec. 19, 2022) — The Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs will sponsor two special programs during the month of January 2023. A full schedule is included below. Admission is free and open to the public, but reservations are required for the second program. Go to the following link for additional information and reservation instructions: https://history.delaware.gov/2022/12/07/hca-programs-january-2023/.

Photo of Meghan Cary
Meghan Cary will perform at The Old State House on Jan. 13, 2023.

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

Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023
New Year’s Day. All division-administered museums will be closed.

Monday, Jan. 2, 2023
New Year’s Day state holiday. All division-administered museums will be closed.

Friday, Jan. 13, 2023
Concert by Meghan Cary. Singer/songwriter. Presented in partnership with the Delaware Friends of Folk. Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. 7:30 p.m. Free admission. 302-744-5054 or mailto:OSHmuseum@delaware.gov.

Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023
“Welcome to the Zwaanendael Museum.” Virtual introduction highlighting what the Zwaanendael Museum does and what to expect in 2023. Program streamed live via Zoom. 4 p.m. Free but registration required. 302-645-1148 or mailto:zmuseum@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
Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs
Phone: 302-577-5170
E-mail: Jim.Yurasek@delaware.gov
Web: http://history.delaware.gov


2022 Delaware Day Adventure Begins December 1

Submit photos — and win prizes — during the Delaware Day Adventure, Dec. 1–17, 2022

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 December 7. Visitors who explore the five museums, managed by the State of Delaware, between Dec. 1 and Dec. 17 and submit photos of their visits will get a chance to win a prize. Admission is free to all sites!

Known as “Delaware Day,” the Dec. 7 holiday marks the moment in 1787 when Delaware became the first among the colonies to ratify the U.S. Constitution, giving it enduring 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 de.gov/delawareday

Locations of the Delaware Day Adventure include:

Each location will have Delaware Day Adventure signage with a QR code posted from Dec. 1 through 17. All photos must be submitted through the Delaware Day Adventure webpage before 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 17, 2022. Winners will be notified by Dec. 23, 2022.

For questions about the Adventure, contact Daniel Citron, the Historic Sites Team Manager for the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, at museums@delaware.gov.

To learn more about the history of Delaware Day, click here.


Historical Affairs programs in December 2022

(DOVER, Del. — Nov. 22, 2022) — The Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs will be sponsoring seven special programs during the month of December 2022. A full schedule is included below. Admission is free and open to the public, but reservations are required for some programs. Go to the following link for additional information and reservation instructions: https://history.delaware.gov/2022/11/01/hca-programs-december-2022.

Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs special programs, December 2022

Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022
“Hospitality Night.” Holiday program in which the museum will be decorated for the season by the Sussex Gardeners utilizing oyster shells and other nautical items on the theme “Gifts From the Sea.” Other activities will include historical interpreters, demonstrations, music and seasonal refreshments. Presented in partnership with the Lewes Chamber of Commerce. Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. 5–8 p.m. 302-645-1148 or mailto:zmuseum@delaware.gov.

Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022
“Tour Zwaanendael Museum.” Enjoy the museum’s festive holiday-décor created by the Sussex Gardeners utilizing oyster shells and other nautical items on the theme “Gifts From the Sea.” Event held in conjunction with the Lewes Historical Society’s Holiday Tour of Lewes. Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. 302-645-1148 or mailto:zmuseum@delaware.gov.

Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022
“Who Were the Signers: Delaware’s Ratification Document.” In recognition of Delaware Day, guided tours will focus on the stories of some of the men who signed Delaware’s ratification document 235 years ago. Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. 302-744-5054 or mailto:OSHmuseum@delaware.gov.

Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2022
“Hollywood History at the Court House: ‘Knickerbocker Holiday.’ ” Screening of the 1944 film “Knickerbocker Holiday” and a brief presentation by New Castle Court House Site Supervisor, Cindy Snyder, on Peter Stuyvesant. Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. Film at 6:30 p.m. 302-323-4453. For reservations, email mailto:Cynthia.Snyder@delaware.gov.

Friday, Dec. 9, 2022
Concert by Last Chance. Folk music. Presented in partnership with the Delaware Friends of Folk. Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. 7:30 p.m. Free admission. 302-744-5054 or mailto:OSHmuseum@delaware.gov.

Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022
“Spirit of Christmas in New Castle.” One of the best preserved Colonial-era towns in America features a day-long series of events including tours of decorated historic homes, re-enactments, programs at museums including the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ New Castle Court House Museum, crafts, musical entertainment and more. Downtown New Castle. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. 302-328-3279.

Friday, Dec. 16, 2022
“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. Cookbooks became a way for women to pass along their legacy and convey a sense of what was important in their culture, daily lives and, even, weather occurrences and events of the time. Program streamed live via Zoom. Noon. Free but registration required. 302-323-4453 or mailto:NCCHmuseum@delaware.gov.

Saturday, Dec. 24, 2022
Christmas Eve. All division-administered museums will be closed.

Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022
Christmas Day. All division-administered museums will be closed.

Monday, Dec. 26, 2022
Christmas Day state holiday. All division-administered museums will be closed.

Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022
New Year’s Eve. All division-administered museums will be open.

Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023
New Year’s Day. All division-administered museums will be closed.

Monday, Jan. 2, 2023
New Year’s Day state holiday. All division-administered museums will be closed.

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


Historical Affairs programs in November 2022

(DOVER, Del. — Oct. 24, 2022) — The Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs will be sponsoring eight special programs during the month of November 2022. A full schedule is included below. Admission is free and open to the public, but reservations are required for some programs. Go to the following link for additional information and reservation instructions: https://history.delaware.gov/2022/09/27/division-programs-november-2022/.

Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs special programs, November 2022

Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 5 and 6, 2022
“18th Century Market Fair.” Day-long series of programs harkens back to an era when The Green served as the focal point of life in Dover as historical interpreters explore the goods, wares and political attitudes of the 1700s. The Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ Old State House, located at 25 The Green, will celebrate the fair on Nov. 5 with quill-pen writing throughout the day and the theatrical production “Reminiscences of the Life and Times of Dr. James Tilton” at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. featuring Historic-Site Interpreter Steven Mumford portraying Delawarean Dr. James Tilton who served as United States surgeon general during the War of 1812. First Saturday in the First State event sponsored by the First State Heritage Park. The Green, Dover. Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. For additional information, call the First State Heritage Park at 302-739-9194 or The Old State House at 302-744-5054 or mailto:OSHmuseum@delaware.gov.

 

Friday, Nov. 11, 2022
Concert by Paul and Begoña.Flamenco and Latin music. Presented in partnership with the Delaware Friends of Folk. Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. 7:30 p.m. 302-744-5054 or mailto:OSHmuseum@delaware.gov.

Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022
“Veterans Walking Tours.” Brian Cannon, former lead interpreter for the New Castle Court House Museum, will conduct walking tours highlighting New Castle soldiers’ graves from the Revolutionary War through the Vietnam War, and relating little-known stories of these exceptional veterans. Presented by the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ New Castle Court House Museum. Tours depart at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. from Immanuel Episcopal Church, 100 Harmony St., New Castle. Free but registration required. mailto:Cynthia.Snyder@delaware.gov. 302-323-4453.

Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022
Dutch-American Heritage Day. Celebrate the anniversary of Nov. 16, 1776, when an American warship sailed into the harbor of the Dutch island of St. Eustatius in the West Indies and was greeted by a friendly salute, the first ever given by a foreign power to the flag of the newly-independent United States. Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. 10 a.m.–4:15 p.m. 302-645-1148 or mailto:zmuseum@delaware.gov.

Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022
“Hollywood History at the Court House: ‘Dragonwyck.’ ” Screening of the 1946 film “Dragonwyck” starring Vincent Price and Gene Tierney, plus a brief presentation by New Castle Court House Site Supervisor, Cindy Snyder, on patroonship in America. Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. Film at 6:30 p.m. mailto:Cynthia.Snyder@delaware.gov. 302-323-4453.

Friday, Nov. 18, 2022
“Delaware’s First Communities.” Virtual program in which Nena Todd, site supervisor of The Old State House, and Theo Braunskill of the Lenape Indian Tribe of Delaware, explore the rich history of communities that have resided in Delaware for thousands of years and still remain today, despite centuries of trauma and erasure. Hear how they have survived. Presented in celebration of National Native American Heritage Month. Program streamed live via Zoom. 4 p.m. Free but registration required. 302-645-1148 or mailto:zmuseum@delaware.gov.

Lenape Indian Tribe of Delaware logo

 

Friday, Nov. 18, 2022
“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. Cookbooks became a way for women to pass along their legacy and convey a sense of what was important in their culture, daily lives and, even, weather occurrences and events of the time. Program streamed live via Zoom. Noon. Free but registration required. 302-323-4453 or mailto:NCCHmuseum@delaware.gov.

Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022
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 October 2022

In addition, the division will be presenting the following programs during the remainder of October. Go to the following link for additional information and reservation instructions: https://history.delaware.gov/2022/09/01/hca-programs-october-2022/.

Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2022
Public workshop on the development of an interpretive plan for the Cooch’s Bridge Historic Site. Input sought in creating a publicly accessible and community-focused experience for the Newark location that includes the focal point of Delaware’s only Revolutionary War land battle. Workshop streamed live via Zoom. 6-8 p.m. Free but registration required. 302-922-7116 or mailto:CBmuseum@delaware.gov.

Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022
William Penn Day. Day-long series of programs commemorating the 340th anniversary of Penn’s disembarkment at New Castle, his first landing in the New World. Activities include “Tea with Mrs. Penn,” 17th century cooking, speakers, music and more. Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Free admission. 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
Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs
Phone: 302-577-5170
E-mail: Jim.Yurasek@delaware.gov
Web: http://history.delaware.gov


‘William Penn Day’ in New Castle on Oct. 29, 2022

(DOVER, Del. — Oct. 17, 2022) — On Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022, the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ New Castle Court House Museum, located at 211 Delaware St. in New Castle, Delaware, will present “William Penn Day,” a day-long series of activities commemorating the 340th anniversary of Penn’s Oct. 27, 1682 disembarkment at New Castle, his first landing in the New World. Admission for all programs is free and open to the public. For additional information, call 302-323-4453 or mailto:NCCHmuseum@delaware.gov.

William Penn Day 2022 schedule of activities

  • Tours of the New Castle Court House Museum and William Penn display. 10 and 11 a.m.
  • “The Life and Cookery of Gulielma Penn.” Presentation by historical interpreter Kim Fritch on William Penn’s first wife including recipes from her 17th-century cookbook. 1 p.m.
  • “Tea with Mrs. Hannah Penn.” Jean Norvell portrays Hannah Penn, the proprietor of Pennsylvania’s second wife, as she discusses her life with William in America. English tea provided by the Mercury Café and Tea House. 3 p.m.
  • “Music in the Time of William Penn.” Performance by a string ensemble from the Music School of Delaware. 5 p.m.

Built in 1732, the New Castle Court House is one of the oldest active courthouses in the United States and was Delaware’s first state capitol. Here in 1776, New Castle, Kent and Sussex Counties declared their independence from Pennsylvania and England creating the Delaware State. During its nearly 300 years of history, this National Historic Landmark has played many pivotal roles in the political, social and commercial life of both New Castle and Delaware. The museum is a partner site in the First State National Historical Park.

The New Castle Court House Museum is administered by the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, an agency of the State of Delaware. The division enhances Delaware’s quality of life by preserving the state’s unique historical heritage, fostering community stability and economic vitality and providing educational programs and assistance to the general public on Delaware history. The division’s diverse array of services includes operation of five museums which are accredited by the American Alliance of 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.

-End-

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