Deadline approaching for small business owners to apply for downtown Dover program

The deadline to apply for Dover’s Unlock the Block program is fast approaching.

July 9 is the final day to put in an application for the initiative, which seeks tenants for select vacant commercial properties on or adjacent to Loockerman Street in downtown Dover.

Unlock the Block is looking for successful business owners, working from their basement or kitchen table, who want their first brick-and-mortar location or entrepreneurs who already have a location in the region and want to launch a second.

Watch a video on what makes downtown Dover a great place to open a business.

Tenants will be selected through a pitch competition on July 26, with winners announced Aug. 15.

Those selected for the program may receive a combination of financial incentives and technical assistance including fee waivers and free business consulting services.

Unlock the Block is the result of a partnership among several organizations including the Division of Small Business (Downtown Delaware program), the Downtown Dover Partnership, City of Dover, Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce, Kent Economic Partnership, First State Community Loan Fund and NCALL. It is an initiative through Restoring Central Dover, a Comprehensive Neighborhood Revitalization Plan.

For more information on the five properties available for lease through the program, visit www.downtowndoverpartnership.com.

Click here to apply for Unlock the Block.

Statements from Governor Carney and Secretary of State Bullock on the Completed Federal Review of Wilmington Port Agreement

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney and Secretary of State Jeffrey Bullock on Thursday issued the following statements on completion of the federal review of a deal to expand the Port of Wilmington, done by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), a panel comprised of military, homeland security, and federal law enforcement officials, among others. The CFIUS review found that the port agreement is “not a covered transaction,” reflecting the consensus of front-line agencies charged with ensuring the protection and security of the United States. No further review is required.

“This is a significant step forward in finalizing our agreement with Gulftainer, which will protect and create good-paying, blue collar jobs at one of Delaware’s most important employment centers,” said Governor John Carney. “This expansion will result in significant new investment at the Port of Wilmington, and help stabilize families and communities that rely on those jobs. I want to thank members of the General Assembly again for their support of this agreement, and their partnership in our efforts to strengthen Delaware’s economy.”

“The more than a dozen federal agencies that make up CFIUS have completed their review of our plans to grant Gulftainer a concession to operate the Port of Wilmington and greatly expand its capacity and capabilities over the coming years,” said Secretary of State Jeff Bullock, Chairman of the Diamond State Port Corporation. “As a result, the specifics of the concession agreement are ‘not a covered transaction’ under section 721 of the Defense Production Act and there is no need for further review. This is the best response we could have received and clears the way for us to finalize our contract with Gulftainer over the summer.”

In March, Governor Carney announced the agreement with Gulftainer to lease the Port of Wilmington from the State, construct a new container shipping facility on the Delaware River, and significantly expand jobs at the Port over the next decade. Under terms of the agreement, Gulftainer’s subsidiary GT USA would make annual royalty payments to the State of Delaware reaching an estimated $13 million over the next decade. The company also would agree to invest more than $580 million in the Port over the next nine years, including approximately $410 million for a new container facility at DuPont’s former Edgemoor site, which was acquired by the Diamond State Port Corporation (DSPC) in 2016. Final terms of the agreement are currently under review by the DSPC Board of Directors.

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The Mezzanine Gallery to Exhibit Jason Weaver: Works on Paper

On view from July 6-27, 2018
Free closing reception on Friday, July 27 at 5 p.m.

Wilmington, Del. (June 26, 2018) – Jason Weaver: Works on Paper, an exhibition showing a range of work from academic figure studies to people in contemporary street settings, will be on view in the Mezzanine Gallery from July 6-27, 2018. A free closing reception to meet the artist will be held on Friday, July 27 from 5-7 p.m.

Weaver’s main subject matter is the human form and he typically works in charcoal, chalk or graphite on paper.

Weaver says, “I enjoy the challenge of capturing a mood. The overall goal is to bring the viewer in, and even if for a moment, relate it to the subject. The human form has a sort of organic symmetry that is difficult to capture but is rewarding when it strikes a chord with the viewer.”

Learn more about Weaver with our YouTube Meet the Artist video series.

The Mezzanine Gallery is open to the public weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is located in the Carvel State Office Building, 820 N. French Street, Wilmington.

Image: Burner, 22″ x 30″, Charcoal, 2017

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Contact: Leeann Wallett, Program Officer, Communications and Marketing
302-577-8280, leeann.wallett@delaware.gov

The Delaware Division of the Arts, a branch of the Delaware Department of State, is dedicated to cultivating and supporting the arts to enhance the quality of life for all Delawareans. Together with its advisory body, the Delaware State Arts Council, the Division administers grants and programs that support arts programming, educate the public, increase awareness of the arts, and integrate the arts into all facets of Delaware life. For more information about the Delaware Division of the Arts, visit arts.delaware.gov or call 302-577-8278.

Delaware Senate passes concurrent resolution recognizing the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums

(DOVER, Del.—June 22, 2018)—On June 21, 2018, the Delaware Senate passed Concurrent Resolution 76 recognizing the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs for achieving accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums, the highest recognition afforded to museums in the United States. The division manages the state’s five museums and its archaeological and historic-objects collections.

Speaking from the Senate floor, the resolution’s primary sponsor, state Sen. Nicole Poore, commended the division for its commitment to excellence and its dedication to upholding the highest national standards in the museum field. Division Director Tim Slavin, in turn, praised the division’s staff and volunteers for their hard work in making accreditation possible. The resolution now moves to the state House of Representatives for consideration.

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 general public on Delaware history and heritage. 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.

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Contact:
Jim Yurasek
Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs
Phone: 302-739-7787
E-mail: Jim.Yurasek@delaware.gov
Web: http://history.delaware.gov

Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs to sponsor 19 special events during July 2018

(DOVER, Del.—June 21, 2018)—During the month of July 2018, the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs will be sponsoring 19 special programs at sites across the state. A full schedule is included below. Except where noted, all programs are free and open to the public.

Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs special events, July 2018

Tuesday–Saturday, July 3–7, 2018
“Quill Pen Week.” Drop-in program in celebration of Independence Day provide s instruction in quill-pen writing so that visitors can learn how to write like a “signer.” John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Activities 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Museum open 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.

Wednesday, July 4, 2018
Independence Day. All museums of the State of Delaware will be open: The Johnson Victrola Museum, open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; The Old State House, open 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; the John Dickinson Plantation, New Castle Court House Museum and the Zwaanendael Museum, open 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5054.

Wednesday, July 4, 2018
“Independence Day at The Old State House.” Screenings of “Thunder and Rain,” a film about Caesar Rodney’s historic ride for independence. At 2 and 4 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. 302-744-5054.

Wednesday, July 4, 2018
“Stars and Stripes.” In celebration of Independence Day, guided tours explore some of Victor Records’ many recordings of patriotic music accompanied by 78-rpm records played on authentic Victor Talking Machines. Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New St., Dover. 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-739-3262.

July 4, 2018
“Fourth of July in Historic New Castle.” Ceremony featuring keynote speaker Brian Cannon, lead interpreter for the New Castle Court House Museum, at 1:30 p.m., followed at 2 p.m. by the pealing of bells across historic New Castle and the nation as part of “Let Freedom Ring!,” a commemoration of the birth of American independence. Immanuel Episcopal Church, 100 Harmony St., New Castle. Free admission. 302- 328-2413.

Thursdays, July 5, 12, 19 and 26, 2018
“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. 9 a.m. Limited seating. Admission $10 (cash or check only). For reservations, e-mail hca_zmevents@delaware.gov or call 302-645-1148.

Saturday, July 7, 2018
“Independence Day at The Old State House.” All-day screening of the film “Thunder and Rain” about Caesar Rodney’s historic ride to Philadelphia to break the tie for the Declaration of Independence. First Saturday in the First State program. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5054.

Saturday, July 7, 2018
“Stars and Stripes.” Guided tours explore some of Victor Records’ many recordings of patriotic music accompanied by 78-rpm records 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. 302-739-3262.

Thursday, July 12, 2018
“Hamilton.” Audience-participation program by historic-site interpreter Tom Welch on the life and legacy of Alexander Hamilton. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. 5:30 p.m. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations are recommended by calling 302-744-5054.

Saturday, July 14, 2018
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. 302-739-3277.

Saturday, July 14, 2018
“Mysteries at the Museum: ‘Blood Diamond: The Murder of Ebe Lynch.’ ” Created by museum staff, this theatrical murder-mystery is based on an actual incident that took place in Lewes in 1916 in which shots were fired and Ebe Lynch, a prominent local postmaster and president of the Lewes baseball team, was found dead. Museum visitors will serve as detectives, meeting suspects and evaluating clues to determine who committed this heinous crime. Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. Outdoor program at 2 p.m. on the museum’s grounds. Guests should bring lawn chairs. Museum open 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Rain date: Friday, July 20 at 2 p.m. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations for the play are required by calling 302-645-1148 no later than July 13, 2018.

Wednesday, July 18, 2018
“An Immigrant Story: Crossing the Atlantic in a 17th Century Sailing Ship.” Presentation by Jean Norvell on what life would be like for a two-month crossing of the Atlantic Ocean from Europe to the New World. New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. 7 p.m. 302-323-4453.

Saturday, July 28, 2018
“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. 5 p.m. Limited seating. Admission $10 (cash or check only). For reservations, e-mail hca_zmevents@delaware.gov or call 302-645-1148.

Exhibits and displays, July 2018
In addition to special programming, the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs is sponsoring the following exhibits and displays. Admission is free and open to the public:

Opening July 7, 2018
“Delaware Railroads: Elegant Travel and Timely Transport.” Exhibit explores the history of rail travel and transport in the First State emphasizing the New Castle and Frenchtown Railroad (1832), the Delaware Railroad (1852), the Junction and Breakwater Railroad (1857) and the Queen Anne’s Railroad (1896). 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
“Drawing America to Victory: The Persuasive Power of the Arts in World War I.” Online exhibit revolves around 27 World War I posters from the collections of the State of Delaware.

Ongoing
“Five Stories.” Display explores the varied lives of people who lived on the plantation including Dickinson family members, tenant farmers, tradesmen, free blacks, indentured servants and enslaved individuals. John Dickinson Plantation Welcome Center, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Oct. 1–March 31: Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. April 1–Sept. 30: Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Sun., 1:30–4:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.

Ongoing
“Letters From a Farmer in Pennsylvania.” Online exhibit explores the life of Founding Father John Dickinson on the 250th anniversary of the publication of his essays that described Colonial American grievances with the British government.

Ongoing
“New Castle: Three Forts, One Community.” Exhibit examines the 17th-century struggle for control of New Castle by the Dutch, Swedes and English, and the strongholds that they built to maintain their power. 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
“The Old State House: A True Restoration 1976-2016.” Display explores preservation work that has been conducted since Delaware’s first state capitol building was restored to its original appearance in 1976. 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
“Rose Color to Gold to Glowing Red: Orville and Ethel Peets in Paris 1913-1914.” Exhibit featuring paintings and painting materials used by the noted Delaware artists Orville Houghton Peets and Ethel Canby Peets. Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. Nov. 1–March 31: Wed.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. April 1–Oct. 31: Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Sun., 1:30–4:30 p.m. 302-645-1148.

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

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, school programs and hands-on activities, 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 comprehensive, long-term calendar of division-sponsored events.