Just in time for the holidays, the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) announces the seasonal release of available five-digit license plates starting Monday, November 8, 2021. Beginning that day, a limited number of five-digit license plates will be made available to the public through our new online tag reservation system on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Please visit www.dmv.de.gov and select the READ MORE link in the Five-Digit Tag Release section to access the link to reserve a five-digit plate beginning Monday, November 8, 2021.

License plate numbers cannot be reserved in advance, by phone, by email or in person. The promotion will run only as long as license plate supplies last, from November 8th through December 17th. Customers are only eligible for one five-digit plate per driver’s license or ID and must meet residency requirements.

Important information about reserving your five-digit plate:

• There is one plate reservation per DL/ID allowed during this process. If more than one plate is reserved for an individual or entity, each additional reservation will be canceled by the DMV. Plates will be reserved and held at DMV until February 28, 2022, at which time all unclaimed reserved plates from this release will be re-allocated.
• All five-digit tags will be blue and gold. If choosing to upgrade your plate to black and white stainless steel or porcelain, the cost is $120 ($115 for the plate and $5 for the additional sticker). This upgrade can be completed during your visit to any Delaware DMV, or online through the Delaware Historic Plate Company. Upgrades can be completed any time after updating your title with the DMV to reflect an eligible tag number.
• The division also offers a variety of background plates which can be ordered to display your five-digit tag number. The cost of a background plate ranges from $15 – $50 and available options are displayed online and at each DMV location.
• Five-digit plates can be placed on cars or pickup trucks registered up to 10,000 pounds or less.
• Customers are responsible for all applicable transfer fees.
• Once you reserve your five-digit plate, you will receive a confirmation email with detailed instructions; please make sure that you have all your required documentation before heading to the selected DMV. You will need to bring the email confirmation and the drivers license or ID that was used for the reservation. The title must be in the same name as the DL or ID. The individual must meet residency requirements.
• Your confirmation email will contain the assigned five-digit plate; plates are issued on a first come, first served basis automatically through the online system.

The Division will provide up to $400,000 in matching funds to its FY2022 arts organization grantees in conjunction with the event

Wilmington, Del. (November 3, 2021) – The Delaware Division of the Arts is proud to support the arts sector through Delaware’s largest day of giving, Do More 24 Delaware, on March 3-4, 2022. For the second year, the Division will provide up to $400,000 in matching funds to its FY2022 arts organization grantees in conjunction with the statewide giving day event. The Division’s “stretch pool” funds will be awarded to grantees who fundraise through the domore24delaware.org website over the 24-hour fundraising period. Do More 24 Delaware is organized by United Way of Delaware and Spur Impact Association.

Thanks to the Division’s support in 2021, Do More 24 Delaware raised nearly $2 million from more than 10,000 unique donors for 400+ Delaware nonprofits in 24 hours. More than 40% of that total raised went to nonprofits in the arts sector. Division funds will again be allocated to its participating grantees in proportion to the donations they raise through the Do More 24 Delaware campaign. In 2021, OperaDelaware and Wilmington Ballet Academy of the Dance topped the Division’s fundraising leaderboards and raised the most money among the eligible nonprofits in the large and small divisions, respectively. Clear Space Theater Company and The Everett Theater received the most donations over the course of the event.

Kristin Pleasanton, Acting Director of the Delaware Division of the Arts states, “The data show that the public remains strongly supportive of the arts community and recognizes how important the arts are to our economy. Because arts organizations continue to be impacted by the pandemic, we expect that the ‘stretch pool’ incentive will again motivate their fundraising efforts and encourage individuals to stretch their donations a little further to support their favorite arts organizations.”

The Delaware Division of the Arts remains committed to supporting the arts and cultivating creativity to enhance the quality of life for all Delawareans. This partnership with Spur Impact, United Way of Delaware, and the Do More 24 Delaware planning team continues to provide a great opportunity to work together in fostering philanthropy in support of the arts.

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Contact: Kaitlin Ammon, Program Officer, Marketing and Communications
302-577-8280, kaitlin.ammon@delaware.gov

Image: OperaDelaware, Joe del Tufo, Moonloop Photography

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.

On view from November 5-24, 2021

Wilmington, Del. (November 1, 2021) – The Delaware Division of the Arts’ Mezzanine Gallery is pleased to present visual artist Denise Eno Ernest’s exhibition, In the Between, November 5-24, 2021. Ernest was named a 2021 Emerging Artist Fellow in Painting by the Delaware Division of the Arts. The artist will host a free opening reception on Friday, November 5 from 5-7 p.m.

Ernest’s work employs either three-dimensional forms attached to her paintings or mixed media to create a three-dimensional landscape. She integrates silk scarves, textiles and found objects with acrylic and metallic paint to build each piece. The juxtaposition of these materials, Ernest says, creates both a tension and vulnerability in her art. “The results are visual and tactile works in a language all my own.” One of the signature pieces in this exhibit, Prayer Tree In The Bleak Mid-Winter 2021, incorporates actual tree branches to represent trees in an abstract landscape.

Most pieces in this exhibition were generated as a result of her Division fellowship.

Learn more about Ernest and her upcoming exhibition with our YouTube Meet the Artist video series.

Image in banner: Prayer Tree In The Bleak Mid-Winter 2021, 2021, mixed media, 48 x 60 inches

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.  All visitors are required to wear face coverings and maintain 3 feet distance from other individuals not in their household.

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Contact: Kaitlin Ammon, Program Officer, Marketing and Communications
302-577-8280, kaitlin.ammon@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.

(DOVER, Del. — Oct. 18, 2021) — The Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs will be sponsoring a wide variety of activities during the month of November 2021 including, among others, a concert by singer/songwriter Sug Daniels, and programs celebrating Dutch American Heritage Day and National Native American Heritage Month. Several of these programs will be conducted in front of a live audience, while three will be streamed live on the internet with registration required. A full schedule is included below. All programs are free and open to the public. Go to the following for additional information and reservation instructions: https://history.delaware.gov/2021/10/06/hca-programs-november-2021/.

Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs programs, November 2021

Tuesdays, Nov. 2, 9 and 16; Fridays, Nov. 5, 12 and 19; Saturday, Nov. 20
Guided visitation to the African burial ground at the John Dickinson Plantation. Guided visitation leads participants to the African burial ground which is believed to be the final resting place for enslaved and free Black men, women and children who died on the plantation. Guests will engage with guides about the historical context and archaeological research of the site. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Programs at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Visitation recommendations: hat, closed-toed shoes, long pants clothing that accounts for current weather conditions, insect repellant and sunscreen. Admission free but reservations recommended by calling 302-739-3277.

Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021
“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 Old State House will celebrate the fair with quill-pen writing, consultations with an 18th century doctor and apothecary, and the theatrical production “The Doctors Are In” at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. featuring historic-site interpreters Dennis Fisher and Steven Mumford portraying Delaware doctors James Sykes and James Tilton. First Saturday in the First State event sponsored by the First State Heritage Park. The Green, Dover. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. 302-744-5054.

Friday, Nov. 12, 2021
“My Dear Douglass: The Story of Victor’s Forgotten Co-Founder.” Full length documentary, broadcast virtually, explores the life of Leon Forrest Douglass, a pioneer and inventor who revolutionized recorded music and the early motion picture industry. Though largely forgotten today, Douglass worked his way through the early phonograph era before co-founding the Victor Talking Machine Company with his partner and eventual life-long friend, Eldridge Reeves Johnson. Program streamed live via Zoom. Registration required. 6 p.m. For additional information, call 302-739-3262 or mailto:jvmuseum@Delaware.gov.

Friday, Nov. 12, 2021
Concert by Sug Daniels. Singer/songwriter. Presented in partnership with the Delaware Friends of Folk and the First State Heritage Park. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. 7:30 p.m. 302-744-5054.

Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021
“Whose Story? Heritage and History in St. Eustatius.” Virtual program in which Fran Mahon, a research fellow at the Preservation Society of Newport County (R.I.), discusses the implications and construction of heritage within the Caribbean, urging viewers to question how power is preserved, and through it, which histories are remembered. Presented in celebration of Dutch-American Heritage Day. Program streamed live via Zoom. Registration required. 5 p.m. For additional information, call 302-645-1148 or mailto:zmuseum@delaware.gov.

Friday, Nov. 19, 2021
“Nanticoke.” Virtual lecture by Sterling Street, coordinator for the Nanticoke Indian Museum in Millsboro, Del., who will discuss the history of the Nanticoke people and showcase artifacts from the museum’s collections. Presented in celebration of National Native American Heritage Month. Program streamed live via Zoom. Registration required. 4:30 p.m. For additional information, call 302-645-1148 or mailto:zmuseum@delaware.gov.

Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021
Bayberry candle workshop. Program examines bayberries and their use in creating bayberry candles. Presented in partnership with the St. Jones Reserve. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Workshop 1:30–3:30 p.m. Museum open 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations for the workshop are required by calling 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, 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 general 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:
Jim Yurasek
Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs
Phone: 302-577-5170
E-mail: Jim.Yurasek@delaware.gov
Web: http://history.delaware.gov

As part of a continuing effort to reduce emissions and be more environmentally friendly, the Delaware Transit Corp (DTC) is pleased to announce it has received a fourth Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grant of $3,539,640 to purchase additional electric buses that will grow DART First State’s alternative fuel fleet. The agency has now received more than $9.1 million through these grants to support the purchase of electric buses.

DART is currently running 16 electric buses statewide, with 4 additional buses going into service this fall. The 6 additional buses to be purchased with the latest grant will bring the fleet total to 26 electric buses, or about 10% of the current fixed route diesel buses.

Electric buses last longer, are cleaner, easier to maintain, produce zero emissions and offer the same capacity for riders compared to their diesel relatives. They produce 90 percent fewer particulates (hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions and 60 percent fewer oxides of nitrogen). One bus can travel up to 250 miles on a single charge. With fast charging stations throughout the state, buses can quickly recharge so they continue to run all day.

Delaware’s Congressional Delegation of Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons, along with Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester, (all D-Del.) have fought for funding to decrease carbon emissions and support electric vehicles and buses, and the infrastructure to support it.

“Through this grant from Federal Transportation Authority, the Delaware Transit Corp. will be able to purchase several additional electric buses for use throughout the state,” said Sens. Carper, Coons and Rep. Blunt Rochester. “Continued investments in electric vehicles, like the DART First State Electric Buses, will help move Delaware forward toward a more environmentally and energy-efficient state. We’re proud of DART for committing to a greener and cleaner future for Delaware and look forward to securing additional funding at the federal level to increase Delaware’s fleet of electric buses.”

Governor John Carney added, “Just last week, I signed Senate Bill 21, amending the Delaware Energy Act to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles by creating a more accessible charging-station infrastructure in the First State. I am proud that our state agencies are also adopting the use of electric vehicles, especially for public transportation that results in less air pollution from buses that operate continuously throughout the day.”

“The need for alternative modes of transportation grows daily as does the need for cleaner transportation. We are grateful for this grant and the opportunity continue to explore ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while continuing to provide the highest quality transportation services to the community,” said Secretary of Transportation Nicole Majeski.

The first FTA grant of $2,029,300 for the purchase of six electric buses are currently operating in and around Dover. The second grant of $1 million for the purchase of an additional ten electric buses operating in Wilmington and Rehoboth Beach. DTC received a third grant of $2.6 million for four electric buses to supplement the busy resort season in late summer of 2021.

The Delaware Transit Corporation, a subsidiary of the Delaware Department of Transportation, operates DART First State. For more information, please visit DartFirstState.com or call 1-800-652-DART. Real-Time Bus Information and DART Pass, the mobile fare payment option, are both available on the free DART Transit App (iOS and Android).