(DOVER, Del.—Oct. 23, 2019)—During the month of November 2019, the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs will be sponsoring 10 special programs at the museums of the State of Delaware. A full schedule is included below. Unless otherwise indicated, all programs are free and open to the public.

Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs special events, November 2019

Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019
“Some Like Classical.” Guided tours examine some of Victor Records’ earliest recordings of classical music 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.

Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019
“18th Century Market Fair.” Programs explore 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 special tours and 18th-century-style demonstrations. First Saturday in the First State event sponsored by the First State Heritage Park. The Green, Dover. Programs 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5054.

Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019
“Pocket to Petticoats.” Presentation on Colonial clothing by Sharyn Murray, retired Zwaanendael Museum historical interpreter. Part one of the four-part lecture series, “Seams From the Past.” Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. Program at 2 p.m. on the museum’s 2nd floor (entry via staircase; no elevator). Museum open 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations for the lecture are required by calling 302-645-1148 no later than Nov. 1, 2019.

Friday, Nov. 8, 2019
Concert by Lori Citro. Singer/songwriter/pianist 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.

Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019
“Veterans Walking Tours.” Brian Cannon, lead interpreter for the New Castle Court House Museum, will lead 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 New Castle Court House Museum. Tours depart at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. from Immanuel Episcopal Church, 100 Harmony St., New Castle. Free admission but reservations are requested by calling 302-323-4453.

Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019
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, Nov. 9, 2019
“A Stitch in History: Cross Stitch for Beginners.” Workshop by Madeline Golden, Zwaanendael Museum historical interpreter. Part two of the four-part lecture series, “Seams From the Past.” Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. Program at 2 p.m. on the museum’s 2nd floor (entry via staircase; no elevator). Museum open 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Admission fee of $10 includes materials for visitors to create their own cross stitch. Due to space restrictions, reservations for the workshop are required by calling 302-645-1148 no later than Nov. 2, 2019.

Monday, Nov. 11, 2019
Veterans Day. The following museums of the State of Delaware will be open: The Johnson Victrola Museum and The Old State House, open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; the John Dickinson Plantation, open 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. The New Castle Court House Museum and the Zwaanendael Museum, closed. 302-744-5054.

Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019
Bayberry candle workshops. Programs examine bayberries and their use in creating bayberry candles. Presented in partnership with the St. Jones Reserve. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Workshops to take place from 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 1:30–3:30 p.m. Museum open 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations for the workshop are required by calling 302-739-3277 no later than Nov. 15, 2019.

Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019
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. Activities will include “A Stitch in History: Cross Stitch for Beginners and Intermediate,” a workshop by Madeline Golden, Zwaanendael Museum historical interpreter. Part three of the four-part lecture series, “Seams From the Past.” Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. Cross stitch program at 2 p.m. on the museum’s 2nd floor (entry via staircase; no elevator). Museum open 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Admission fee for workshop is $10 which includes materials for visitors to create their own cross stitch. Due to space restrictions, reservations for the workshop are required by calling 302-645-1148 no later than Nov. 9, 2019.

Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019
“History A-Dressed.” A study of fashion and textiles from the Colonial era to the Victorian era by Abigail Davis, Zwaanendael Museum historical interpreter. Final segment of the four-part lecture series, “Seams From the Past.” Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. Program at 2 p.m. on the museum’s 2nd floor (entry via staircase; no elevator). Museum open 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations for the lecture are required by calling 302-645-1148 no later than Nov. 22, 2019.

Thursday, Nov. 28, 2019
Thanksgiving Day. All 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) will be closed. 302-744-5054.

Friday, Nov. 29, 2019
Day After Thanksgiving. All museums of the State of Delaware will be open: The Johnson Victrola Museum and The Old State House, open 9 a.m.–4:30 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.

Exhibits and displays, November 2019

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:

Nov. 13–Dec. 12, 2019
“Delaware Day Competition Display.” Works by participants in the Delaware Department of State’s 18th annual Delaware Day Fourth Grade Competition which challenges students to illustrate and explain the U.S. Constitution and the role played by Delawareans in the writing and ratification of the nation’s founding document. Legislative Hall, 411 Legislative Ave., Dover. Mon.–Fri., 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Free admission but passage through security checkpoint required. 302-744-4114.

Ongoing
“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. 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
“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 and 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 permanent capitol building in Dover 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
“The Path to Freedom: A History of the Underground Railroad in Delaware.” Exhibit explores Delaware’s role in the clandestine network that transported American slaves to freedom including the true journey of the Hawkins family from bondage in Maryland, through Delaware, to freedom in Pennsylvania. Part II of the display explores some of the challenges faced by Black Delawareans after the Civil War, and showcases Delaware trailblazers who helped break racial and gender barriers. 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. Free admission. 302-323-4453.

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.” Display 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.

Ongoing
“When Janie Comes Marching Home: Women’s Fight to Serve.” Display explores the participation of women in America’s armed conflicts from the Revolutionary War to the present, and their fight to be allowed to serve their country during wartime. Legislative Hall, 411 Legislative Ave., Dover. Mon.–Fri., 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Free admission but passage through security checkpoint required. 302-744-4114.

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.

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 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: 302-739-7787
E-mail: Jim.Yurasek@delaware.gov
Web: http://history.delaware.gov

 

Sharyn Murray will be conducting the program, “Pocket to Petticoats” on Nov. 2, 2019.

(DOVER, Del.—Oct. 22, 2019)—Historical clothing and textiles will be the subject of the four-part series, “Seams From the Past,” that will take place on succeeding Saturdays between Nov. 2 and 23, 2019 at the Zwaanendael Museum, located at 102 Kings Highway in Lewes, Del. A complete schedule is listed below. All programs begin at 2 p.m. on the museum’s 2nd floor (entry via staircase; no elevator). Admission to the Nov. 2 and Nov. 23 programs is free. Admission to each cross-stich workshop on Nov. 9 and 16 is $10. Because of space limitations, reservations for all programs are required by calling the museum at 302-645-1148.

Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019
“Pocket to Petticoats.” Presentation on Colonial clothing by Sharyn Murray, retired Zwaanendael Museum historical interpreter. Free admission. Reservations deadline: Nov. 1, 2019

Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019
“A Stitch in History: Cross-Stitch for Beginners.” Workshop by Madeline Golden, Zwaanendael Museum historical interpreter, on the form of embroidery in which X-shaped stitches are used to form a picture. Admission fee of $10 includes materials for visitors to create their own cross-stitch. Reservations deadline: Nov. 2, 2019

Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019
“A Stitch in History: Cross-Stitch for Beginners and Intermediate. Workshop by Madeline Golden, Zwaanendael Museum historical interpreter, on the form of embroidery in which X-shaped stitches are used to form a picture. Admission fee of $10 includes materials for visitors to create their own cross-stitch. Reservations deadline: Nov. 9, 2019

Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019
“History A-Dressed.” A study of fashion and textiles from the Colonial era to the Victorian era by Abigail Davis, Zwaanendael Museum historical interpreter. Free admission. Reservations deadline: Nov. 22, 2019

The Zwaanendael Museum was built in 1931 to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the state’s first European colony, Swanendael, established by the Dutch along Hoorn Kill (present-day Lewes-Rehoboth Canal) in 1631. Designed by E. William Martin (architect of Legislative Hall and the Hall of Records in Dover), the museum is modeled after the town hall in Hoorn, the Netherlands, and features a stepped facade gable with carved stonework and decorated shutters. The museum’s exhibits and presentations provide a showcase for Lewes-area maritime, military and social history. The museum is administered by the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, an agency of the State of Delaware.

-Activities to include five programs on American maritime history-

(DOVER, Del.—Sept. 19, 2019)—During the month of October 2019, the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs will be sponsoring 17 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, October 2019

Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019
“Enrico Caruso: The Man With the Orchid-Lined Voice.” In celebration of Italian Heritage Month, guided tours will highlight the career of famed operatic tenor Enrico Caruso accompanied by 78-rpm recordings of the artist 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.

Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019
“The Trial of Captain La Mort.” Inspired by the real history of pirates along the Delaware coastline, this historical theater production allows visitors to participate in the trial of a fictitious captain and pirate crew. Visitors are encouraged to dress in pirate attire. First Saturday in the First State program. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Performances at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations are required by calling 302-744-5054.

Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019
River Towns Fall Festival. Family oriented event in the historic Delaware River towns of New Castle and Delaware City featuring food trucks; craft beers; live music; children’s games, amusements and crafts; pumpkin and face painting; and a hay ride. New Castle events in Battery Park from Noon–5 p.m. The New Castle Court House Museum will be open for tours from 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Free shuttle between towns. 302-322-9802 or 302-323-4453.

Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019
“Delaware’s Naval Heroes and Their Battles.” Presentation by Bill Manthorpe, retired U.S. Navy captain and author. Part two of the four-part lecture series, “Delaware’s Maritime Heritage.” Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. Program at 2 p.m. on the museum’s 2nd floor (entry via staircase; no elevator). Museum open 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations for the lecture are required by calling 302-645-1148 no later than Oct. 4, 2019.

Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019
“Shakespeare, Poe and Fiends—A Night of Readings From the Dark Side.” Delaware Shakespeare presents dramatic readings for the Halloween season. New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. 7:30 p.m. Reservations required. Tickets $18 available online at www.delshakes.org. 302-323-4453.

Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019
“18th Century Trades Day.” Day-long series of activities explores occupations of the 1700s including preserving food in the smokehouse, dyeing fabric, carpentry, blacksmithing and making bricks out of clay. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. 10:30 a.m.–4 p.m. 302-739-3277.

Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019
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, Oct. 12, 2019
“The Battle of the Chesapeake.” Multi-media presentation by historic-site interpreter Tom Welch on how the French fleet under Adm. de Grasse paved the way for the surrender of Gen. Cornwallis at Yorktown and the ultimate victory for the American forces over the British. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. 1:30 p.m. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5054.

Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019
“Ships Named ‘Delaware.’ ” Presentation by Bill Manthorpe, retired U.S. Navy captain and author. Part three of the four-part lecture series, “Delaware’s Maritime Heritage.” Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. Program at 2 p.m. on the museum’s 2nd floor (entry via staircase; no elevator). Museum open 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations for the lecture are required by calling 302-645-1148 no later than Oct. 11, 2019.

Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019
“Shakespeare, Poe and Fiends—Readings From the Dark Side.” Delaware Shakespeare presents dramatic readings for the Halloween season. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. 3 p.m. Reservations required. Tickets $18 available online at www.delshakes.org. 302-744-5054.

Monday, Oct. 14, 2019
Columbus Day. The following museums of the State of Delaware will be open: The Johnson Victrola Museum and The Old State House, open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. The following museums will be closed: The John Dickinson Plantation, New Castle Court House Museum and the Zwaanendael Museum. 302-744-5054.

Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2019
Delaware State Review Board for Historic Preservation annual meeting. Agenda TBA. The Delaware Room, Delaware Public Archives, 121 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Dover. 10 a.m.–Noon. 302-736-7417.

Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019
“The Navy at Lewes and at the Cape.” Presentation by Bill Manthorpe, retired U.S. Navy captain and author. Final segment of the four-part lecture series, “Delaware’s Maritime Heritage.” Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. Program at 2 p.m. on the museum’s 2nd floor (entry via staircase; no elevator). Museum open 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations for the lecture are required by calling 302-645-1148 no later than Oct. 18, 2019.

Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019
Poetry reading by Jane Miller. New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St. New Castle. Program at 2 p.m. Museum open 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-323-4453.

Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019
Blackbird Creek Fall Festival. Family-friendly events include outdoor activities, hayrides, display booths, crafts and a hands-on potpourri demonstration by historic-site interpreters from the John Dickinson Plantation. Blackbird Creek Reserve, 801 Blackbird Landing Road, Townsend. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. 302-739-6377.

Friday, Oct. 25, 2019
“Lantern Tour of the Plantation.” Program explores the parties, games, and entertainment that would have abounded at the plantation during the nighttime in the 18th century. Activities will also include a wagon-ride guided-tour conducted by staff of the St. Jones Reserve exploring the nocturnal life of the estuary. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. 6:30–8 p.m. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations are required by calling the John Dickinson Plantation at 302-739-3277 no later than Oct. 22, 2019.

Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019
William Penn Day. Day-long series of programs commemorating the 337th anniversary of Penn’s disembarkment at New Castle, his first landing in the New World. New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. 10 a.m.–7 p.m. 302-323-4453.

Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019
“Mysteries of History.” Walking tours explore the unusual tombstones of St. Peter’s cemetery in Lewes. Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. Tours leaves from the museum at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Museum open 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations for the tours are required by calling 302-645-1148 no later than Oct. 25, 2019.

Exhibits and displays, October 2019
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:

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

Ongoing
“Letters From a Farmer in Pennsylvania.” Online exhibit explores the life of Founding Father John Dickinson and 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 permanent capitol building in Dover 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
“The Path to Freedom: A History of the Underground Railroad in Delaware.” Exhibit explores Delaware’s role in the clandestine network that transported American slaves to freedom including the true journey of the Hawkins family from bondage in Maryland, through Delaware, to freedom in Pennsylvania. Part II of the display explores some of the challenges faced by Black Delawareans after the Civil War, and showcases Delaware trailblazers who helped break racial and gender barriers. 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. Free admission. 302-323-4453.

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. 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
“Simple Machines.” Display 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. April 1–Sept. 30: Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Sun., 1:30–4:30 p.m. Oct. 1–March 31: Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.

Ongoing
“When Janie Comes Marching Home: Women’s Fight to Serve.” Display explores the participation of women in America’s armed conflicts from the Revolutionary War to the present, and their fight to be allowed to serve their country during wartime. Legislative Hall, 411 Legislative Ave., Dover. Limited visitation hours; call 302-739-9194 before planning a visit.

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.

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 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: 302-739-7787
E-mail: Jim.Yurasek@delaware.gov
Web: http://history.delaware.gov

(DOVER, Del.—Sept. 18, 2019)—Between Sept. 28 and Oct. 18, 2019, the Zwaanendael Museum, located at 102 Kings Highway in Lewes, Del., will present “Delaware’s Maritime Heritage,” a four-part lecture series presented by Bill Manthorpe, retired U.S. Navy captain and author. A complete schedule is listed below. All programs begin at 2 p.m. on the museum’s 2nd floor (entry via staircase; no elevator) and are free and open to the public. However, due to space restrictions, reservations are required by calling the museum at 302-645-1148.

“Delaware’s Maritime Heritage” schedule

Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019
“Creating the Navy on the Delaware.” Reservations deadline: Sept. 27, 2019

Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019
“Delaware’s Naval Heroes and Their Battles.” Reservations deadline: Oct. 4, 2019

Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019
“Ships Named ‘Delaware.’ ” Reservations deadline: Oct. 11, 2019

Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019
“The Navy at Lewes and at the Cape.” Reservations deadline: Oct. 18, 2019

William H. J. Manthorpe, Jr.
Bill Manthorpe is a retired U.S. Navy captain and government civilian senior executive. He retired in 1994 as the deputy director of Naval Intelligence, having served 40 years as an intelligence professional. During his government career, Manthorpe was a columnist and frequent contributor to the Naval Institute’s Proceedings magazine and was its 1991 author of the year. He also contributed articles to the Submarine Review and Comparative Strategy, and authored a chapter in one book on the Soviet navy and the introduction to another.

Upon retiring from the government, he spent five years at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory as a strategic consultant with the rank of professor, while also teaching leadership and management in the Engineering Management masters-degree program and the ROTC program. While there he was published in the APL Technical Digest. Coincidently, from 1995 until 2008, he taught leadership and management at the Joint Military Intelligence College and edited the college’s Defense Intelligence Journal.

Since retiring full time to the Delaware Coast in 1998, Manthorpe has been researching, writing and speaking on the naval and maritime history of Delaware. He has contributed articles to Pull Together, the publication of the Naval Historical Foundation, and to the Journal of the Lewes Historical Society. In addition, he has written a classified history of one aspect of naval intelligence for the Office of Naval Intelligence and Navy Archives as well as articles for the Naval War College Review and the Naval Intelligence Professional’s Quarterly.

 

The Zwaanendael Museum was built in 1931 to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the state’s first European colony, Swanendael, established by the Dutch along Hoorn Kill (present-day Lewes-Rehoboth Canal) in 1631. Designed by E. William Martin (architect of Legislative Hall and the Hall of Records in Dover), the museum is modeled after the town hall in Hoorn, the Netherlands, and features a stepped facade gable with carved stonework and decorated shutters. The museum’s exhibits and presentations provide a showcase for Lewes-area maritime, military and social history.

The Zwaanendael 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 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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President Lyndon B. Johnson (left) and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., two pivotal American leaders during the 1960s, will be portrayed by American Historical Theatre actor-historians on Sept. 19 as part of Lewes, Del.’s Chautauqua Tent Show.

-CORRECTION: Sept. 21 performance by the 60’s Revival Band begins at 5 p.m.; not 6 p.m.-

(DOVER, Del.—Sept. 3, 2019)—The white-hot crucible of events that was the 1960s—including the civil rights movement, the Vietnam War, the space program and rock ‘n’ roll—will be explored during the 21st annual Chautauqua tent show, “The 1960s in Delaware: A Decade of Turmoil and Transformation,” that will take place from Sept. 19 to 21, 2019 at the Lewes History Museum, located at 101 Adams Ave. in downtown Lewes, Del. A complete listing of activities is attached or may be accessed by going to https://history.delaware.gov/chautauqua/. Admission is free and open to the public. For additional information, call 302-645-1148 or 302-645-7670.

A unique mixture of education and entertainment, Lewes’ Chautauqua will be held under a large tent and will feature historical theater, music, film and lectures. Highlights of the three-day event include actor-historians from the American Historical Theatre portraying Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and President Lyndon B. Johnson on Thursday, Sept. 19; a screening of the documentary “Good Ol’ Freda” about the Beatles’ secretary on Friday, Sept. 20; and a concert/dance featuring the 60’s Revival Band on Saturday, Sept. 21. Visitors are encouraged to dress in their favorite ’60s fashions for the performance. CORRECTION: The time for the dance/concert by the 60’s Revival Band has been changed from 6–8 p.m. to 5–7 p.m.

Chautauqua takes its name from a series of adult education programs that were first held at a campsite on the shores of Lake Chautauqua in upstate New York during the late 19th century. Chautauquas spread throughout America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries bringing speakers, teachers, musicians, entertainers, preachers and specialists of the day to a wide cross-section of the nation’s rural and small-town population. Circuit Chautauquas (also known as Tent Chautauquas) were an itinerant manifestation of the movement. Programs would be presented in tents pitched in a field near town. After several days, the Chautauqua would fold its tents and move on to the next community. The popularity of Chautauquas peaked in the mid-1920s, after which radio, movies and automobiles brought about the gradual disappearance of the movement by the 1940s.

Reborn in the 1970s as a vehicle for humanities education, modern Chautauquas are often organized around a core program in which actor-historians portray celebrated historical figures, speaking and interacting with audiences. Modern Chautauquas have been presented annually in Delaware since 1999 featuring a wide variety of historical figures including Mark Twain, Woodrow Wilson, Teddy Roosevelt, Abraham Lincoln; Amelia Earhart; Dolley Madison; Eleanor Roosevelt; Edgar Allan Poe; the Lone Ranger; John Philip Sousa; and Delaware’s own Pvt. James Elbert, Maj. Allen McLane, F.O.C. Darley and Clifford Brown.

“The 1960s in Delaware: A Decade of Turmoil and Transformation” is co-sponsored by the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ Zwaanendael Museum, the Lewes Historical Society, and the Lewes Chamber of Commerce, and is partially funded by a grant from Delaware Humanities, a state program of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

The Zwaanendael 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.

 

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“The 1960s in Delaware: A Decade of Turmoil and Transformation”—21st annual Chautauqua tent show, Lewes, Del., Sept. 19 to 21, 2019

CORRECTED schedule as of Sept. 3, 2019

All activities take place at the Lewes History Museum, 101 Adams Ave. Lewes, Del. 302-645-7670.
Free admission for all activities.

Thursday, Sept. 19, 2019

“Preserving African-American History in Delaware: Highlighting Vibrant Communities Through Research and the ‘Green Book.’ ” Presentation by historian Carlton Hall of the Delaware State Historic Preservation Office on the “Green Book,” a travel and vacation guidebook for people of color during the segregation era. 11:45 a.m.

“Vietnam Mailbag.” Journalist Nancy E. Lynch, author of the award-winning book, “Vietnam Mailbag, Voices From the War: 1968-1972,” and Vietnam veteran Rick Lovekin share their experiences of the war from letters and correspondences from that period. 1 p.m.

“Deadly Storms of the Delmarva Coast.” Author and historian Michael Morgan will discuss the storms that have affected the coastline along Delmarva, among them, the Ash Wednesday nor’easter of 1962. 2:15 p.m.

“Dover International Speedway: 50th Anniversary of Racing at the Monster Mile.” Lecture by Mike Lewis, communications manager of Dover International Speedway. 3:30 p.m.

“Martin Luther King, A Man of Conscience.” Keith Henley of the American Historical Theatre portrays the noted civil rights leader. 6 p.m.

“Lyndon B. Johnson.” Bob Gleason of the American Historical Theatre portrays America’s 36th president. 7:15 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 20, 2019

“Fashioning America’s Space Suit—The Story of the Local Company That Outfits Our Astronauts.” Lecture by Bill Ayrey, retired quality manager and company historian for ILC, Dover. 1 p.m.

“Menhaden Industry in Lewes.” Lecture by Robert Kennedy, Lewes resident and director of the town’s Board of Public Works. 2:15 p.m.

“Governor Carvel of Delaware.” Lecture by Richard Carter, retired communications director for the Delaware state Senate, and former chairman of the Delaware Heritage Commission. 3:30 p.m.

Smooth Sound Dance Band. A component of the Milford Community Band playing songs of the 1960s. 6 p.m.

“Good Ol’ Freda.” Documentary film about the Beatles secretary. 7:15 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019

“We Came in Peace: 50 Years on the Moon.” Lecture by Eric Mease of Delaware Humanities. 1 p.m.

Radio Theater presented by the Possum Point Players of Georgetown, Del. 2:15 p.m.

“The Enduring Influence of 1960’s Fashion.” Lecture by Nancy Alexander, executive director of the Rehoboth Beach Historical Society. 3:30 p.m.

Concert/dance featuring the 60’s Revival Band. Visitors are encouraged to dress in their favorite ’60s fashions for the performance. 5 p.m. CORRECTION: The time for the dance/concert by the 60’s Revival Band has been changed from 6–8 p.m. to 5–7 p.m.

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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