Division Museums Closed; Special Programs Postponed

Logo for the Division of Historical and Cultural AffairsDOVER – In accordance with Delaware Gov. John Carney’s declaration of a State of Emergency, the five museums administered by the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs will be closed beginning on March 24, 2020 and their programs postponed until further notice. The State of Emergency was declared in order to safeguard public health and help control the spread of the coronavirus.

Following are links to information about the division’s five museums. Staff members will be available to answer questions via telephone during the State of Emergency.

Gov. Carney’s State of Emergency also applies to the Buena Vista conference center and other state-owned historical sites managed in partnership with community organizations.


“Painting Party @ The Pole Shed” to take place at New Castle, Del.’s Buena Vista Conference Center on June 23, 2015

(DOVER, Del.–June 12, 2015)–One of Delaware’s most historic estates will host a painting party from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 23, 2015. The event will take place in the pole shed of the Buena Vista Conference Center located at 661 S. Dupont Highway (Route 13), in New Castle, Del. Tickets for the event are $39 and are available in advance only at the Painting Parties, LLC website (http://www.painting-parties.com/6-23—buena-vista-conference-center.html). No tickets will be sold at the door. For additional information, call 302-323-4430.

“Painting Party @ The Pole Shed” will feature a professional artist from Painting Parties, LLC who will provide guests with step-by-step instruction in creating their own versions of the painting “Peaceful Path.” Participants will then be able to take their paintings home with them.

No art experience is necessary for the painting party and all supplies will be provided including paints, brushes, canvases, aprons and easels. The only thing that visitors need to bring is a fun attitude! In addition to art instruction, guests will be treated to a wide variety of passed appetizers, desserts and soft drinks provided by Newark’s Caffé Gelato. A cash bar will be available for beer and wine.

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

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Contact:
Jim Yurasek
Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs
Phone: 302-736-7413
E-mail: Jim.Yurasek@delaware.gov
Web: http://history.delaware.gov


Desiree Williams promoted to site manager of Buena Vista Conference Center

Desiree Williams has recently been promoted to the position of site manager of the Buena Vista Conference Center located at 661 S. Dupont Highway in New Castle, Del. Called “the perfect wedding location” by Delaware Bride Magazine, Buena Vista features “lush grounds, cozy accommodations and luxe décor” that are utilized for a wide variety of functions including business gatherings and government meetings as well as receptions, parties and celebrations.

Williams has worked in the administration of Buena Vista since April 2014 having previously served as an administrator with the Delaware Department of State. Originally from New York City, she attended Delaware State University on a full scholarship, graduating in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in mass communications and public relations.

“It’s been one of my career objectives to work in the field of event planning, and managing a beautiful site like this [Buena Vista] is a dream come true for me,” noted Williams. As site manager, her responsibilities include maintaining the historical integrity of the mansion, conducting tours for potential brides and clients, assisting with planning and logistical details for events and weddings, maintaining the property’s social media sites, creating marketing and promotional strategies to increase visitation, and managing staff members who serve the more than 10,000 guests that attend events at the conference center each year.

Commenting on Williams’ service, Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs Director Tim Slavin noted, “Desiree is a wonderful addition to our team. She is customer-focused and has made Buena Vista one of the finest sites in Delaware for meetings and special events. We look forward to great things with Desiree as our site manager.”

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

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Contact:
Jim Yurasek
Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs
Phone: 302-736-7413
E-mail: Jim.Yurasek@delaware.gov
Web: http://history.delaware.gov


Experience one of Delaware’s most historic homes in “A Taste of Buena Vista” on Feb. 27, 2015

(DOVER, Del.—Feb. 19, 2015)—On Friday, Feb. 27, 2015, from 6 to 9 p.m., one of Delaware’s most historic homes will host an evening of guided tours, refreshments and music during the program “A Taste of Buena Vista” that will take place at the Buena Vista mansion located at 661 S. Dupont Highway (Route 13), in New Castle, Del. Tickets for the event are $5 (free for children 10-years-old and under), and are available in advance only at the Shop Delaware website. (Go to http://shop.delaware.gov and click the “events” link). No tickets will be sold at the door. For additional information, call 302-323-4430.

“A Taste of Buena Vista” will feature guided tours of the historic mansion, plus hors d’oeuvres from Newark’s Caffe Gelato and a variety of coffee options from Pike Creek Roasterie presented by Penn’s Place Coffee Shop in New Castle. Live harp music will be performed throughout the evening’s festivities.

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

Taste of Buena Vista poster

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Contact:
Jim Yurasek
Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs
Phone: 302-736-7413
E-mail: Jim.Yurasek@delaware.gov
Web: http://history.delaware.gov