(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.

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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

DOVER, DE (Sept. 29, 2022) – October 2 marks the official start of the 2022-2023 influenza (flu) season. The flu vaccine plays a pivotal role in helping to avoid significant flu-related illnesses, including hospitalization and death. The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) believes it is vital for Delawareans to protect themselves and their loved ones by getting the flu vaccine as soon as possible, particularly given the ongoing battle against COVID-19 and a potentially active flu season ahead. The U.S. often looks to the experience of Australia and New Zealand in the Southern Hemisphere during their flu season in the summer as a possible signal of what we might face. This year, the countries had a particularly active flu season.

Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine each year. Children younger than 5, older adults, pregnant women, and those with chronic underlying medical conditions are most at risk for complications from the flu and are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated now. DPH also urges vaccination for those who live or work with infants under 6 months of age and those who live or work in congregant settings such as long-term care and correctional facilities. DPH wants the public to know that the flu vaccine can be administered at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine, which includes the new bivalent booster.

DPH is expanding its data collection and presentation capabilities this year.  For the first time, in a pilot of approximately 20 Influenza-Like Illness Network (ILI Net) Providers statewide, DPH will collect and report the results of rapid flu test results. In the past, DPH has reported only laboratory-confirmed cases, thereby limiting the picture of the actual incidence of flu in Delaware for a given flu season. Since DPH is increasing the amount of data it collects and shares, comparing the data with that of past years should be done cautiously. In addition to collecting rapid flu test results, DPH will begin collecting information on other respiratory viruses such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) to get an expanded view of the respiratory viruses circulating during the influenza season.  Later in October, DPH will make flu data available on the My Healthy Community data portal, much like it does for COVID-19.  Data will still be updated weekly as in the past, but information related to flu vaccination rates in the state will be provided for the first time. 

“The flu remains a serious health threat and we are already seeing influenza starting to circulate in advance of the official start of the season next week,” said Interim DPH Director Dr. Rick Hong. “The flu is contagious and has the ability to cause serious illness and even death. The vaccine is your best shot at reducing your risk of ending up in the hospital or worse. Despite recent decreases in COVID-19 cases, hospitals are still under strain, and Delawareans should continue to take steps to prevent emergency hospital visits, including getting the annual flu vaccine.” 

Since it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies against influenza virus infection to develop in the body, it is crucial to get vaccinated as early as possible to give your body time to build immunity. Getting the flu vaccine now will also protect people during the entire flu season. Find information about the flu and where to get it at flu.delaware.gov.

Flu vaccines are available at pharmacies (including in grocery stores), participating medical provider offices, Federally Qualified Health Centers (for their patients), and Division of Public Health clinics. While DPH no longer holds mass community flu clinics, it is offering flu vaccines at community-based locations where the DPH mobile units also provide additional health services. 

Flu symptoms come on suddenly and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headaches, body aches, chills, and fatigue. Some signs and symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are similar, including fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny or stuffy nose, headaches, and body aches, chills, and fatigue. Testing can effectively help you determine which illness you have. Children, older adults, and those with chronic underlying medical conditions are most at risk for complications from the flu and are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated now. 

Those sick with the flu should stay home from work, school, and other gatherings and not return until they have been free of fever – with a temperature less than 100 degrees F (37.8 degrees C), without the use of fever-reducing medications – for at least 24 hours. 

In addition, people with flu symptoms should avoid close contact with people in the household and stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water and other clear liquids. Over-the-counter medicines can provide symptom relief, but if you suspect you have influenza, call your doctor as they may decide to provide antiviral medications to help hasten recovery and prevent serious complications. Contacting your primary care provider is particularly important for those who feel very sick, are pregnant, or have chronic medical conditions. 

DPH will again share flu-related messaging through radio, print, and social media messaging and distribute a toolkit to schools, community-based organizations, and medical providers to help encourage flu vaccination through their networks.   

For more information about the flu and where to get vaccinated, visit flu.delaware.gov or call 1-800-282-8672. 

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The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), a division of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, is a nationally accredited public health agency recognized by the Public Health Accreditation Board for its outstanding dedication to driving change through innovation. DPH is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. 

Anyone who is deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf-Blind, or speech-disabled can contact DPH by first dialing 711 using specialized devices (i.e., TTY, TeleBraille, voice devices). The 711 service is free; to learn more about how it works, visit delawarerelay.com.

(DOVER, Del. — Sept. 28, 2022) — Beginning on Oct. 8 and continuing each Saturday through Oct. 29, 2022, the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ Zwaanendael Museum will offer “Mysteries of History” walking tours that explore the darker and more unusual aspects of Lewes, Delaware history. Tours leave from the museum, located at 102 Kings Highway in Lewes, at 2 p.m., and will visit local cemeteries. Enroute, visitors will learn about the history of the town, mysterious incidents at sea and local shipwrecks.

Admission to the tours is free but registration is required and limited to 12 participants per tour. Reservations may be made up to one day in advance of each tour by calling 302-645-1148 or mailto:zmuseum@delaware.gov.

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 façade 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. 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: 302-577-5170
E-mail: Jim.Yurasek@delaware.gov
Web: http://history.delaware.gov

-Free one-day-only affair showcases one of Delaware’s most historic estates-

(DOVER, Del. — Sept. 27, 2022) — The Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ Buena Vista: A Delaware Country Estate, located at 661 S. Dupont Highway (Route 13), southwest of New Castle, Delaware, will welcome visitors for a one-day-only fall event on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Activities will include lawn games, pumpkin painting, mansion tours, and outdoor painting sessions conducted by the Sunshine Plein Air Artists. Guests should bring their own lawn chairs or blankets, and are encouraged to pack picnic lunches and cameras to capture the autumn colors at one of Delaware’s most historic estates.

Admission to the event is free and open to the public. For additional information, call 302-323-4430. In case of inclement weather, the event may be postponed to the following day, Sunday, Oct. 9, during the same hours.

Buena Vista fall event schedule of activities

• Children’s games and pumpkin painting on the lawn. Guests are also invited to take photos at their leisure and to bring a picnic lunch. 10 a.m.– 3 p.m.
• Guided tours of the Buena Vista mansion. Limited to 20 participants per tour on a first-come, first-served basis. 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
• Two outdoor painting sessions led by the Sunshine Plein Air Artists. Limited to 20 participants per session on a first-come, first-served basis. Art supplies provided but participants must bring their own chairs. Session times to be determined

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/event center administered by the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs.

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