-Long-term listing of museum events also included-

(DOVER, Del.—Oct. 31, 2014)—During the month of November 2014, the Zwaanendael Museum, located at 102 Kings Highway in Lewes, Del., will present two special programs focusing on different aspects of Delaware history. For additional information, call 302-645-1148.

On Saturday, Nov. 8, at 2 p.m., the museum will present “Delaware’s Decades—the 1970s: ‘Coastal Zone Act of 1971,’ ” a lecture by Kevin Coyle, principal planner for the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, on the landmark state-legislation that limited industrial development in Delaware’s coastal areas.The program is the 1970s chapter of “Delaware Decades,” an eight-part series of lectures exploring successive decades in Delaware’s history from the 1930s to the 2000s. Admission to the event is free and open to the public but, due to space restrictions, reservations are required by calling the museum at 302-645-1148 no later than Nov. 6, 2014.

On Saturday, Nov. 15 at 2 p.m., the museum will celebrate Dutch-American Heritage Day with a lecture by Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs archaeologist Craig Lukezic on the Dutch loss of New Amstel (now New Castle, Del.) to the English in 1664. In addition to the lecture, the museum will be featuring Dutch-related activities between 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. including crafts, a display of interesting Dutch facts, the proclamation of Dutch-American Heritage Day and a Power Point presentation on the “First Salute” to the flag of the United States. Admission is free and open to the public.

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.

Zwaanendael Museum exhibits and presentations provide a showcase for Lewes-area maritime, military and social history. Current exhibits include “A Seaborne Citizenry: The DeBraak and Its Atlantic World” which tells the DeBraak story, and “Delaware and the War of 1812” which examines the service and sacrifice of Delawareans of 1812 to 1815, and the important role that the state played in a conflict that helped shape the development of the United States as a nation.

Following is a long-term schedule of Zwaanendael-Museum-sponsored special events. Unless otherwise noted, all programs take place at the Zwaanendael Museum located at 102 Kings Highway in Lewes, Del. Museum hours from Nov. 1 to March 31 are Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. From April 1 to Oct. 31, museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; and Sunday, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Admission is free for all events listed. For additional information, call 302-645-1148.

Saturday, Nov. 8, 2014
“Delaware’s Decades—the 1970s: ‘Coastal Zone Act of 1971.’ ” Lecture by Kevin Coyle, principal planner for the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, on the landmark state-legislation that limited industrial development in Delaware’s coastal areas. Part five of an eight-part series exploring decades in Delaware’s history. 2 p.m. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations are required by calling 302-645-1148 no later than Nov. 6, 2014.

Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014
Dutch-American Heritage Day. Learn about the contributions that the Netherlands has made to the economic, social, political and cultural life of Delaware and the United States. Program will include a lecture by Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs archaeologist Craig Lukezic on the fall of New Amstel (now New Castle, Del.) in 1664. Lecture at 2 p.m. Additional program 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 4, 2014
“Hospitality Night.” 1920s holiday-themed program featuring festive décor, music, demonstrations and seasonal refreshments. 6–9 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 6, 2014
“Tour Zwaanendael Museum.” Enjoy the museum’s festive holiday-décor. Event held in conjunction with the Lewes Historical Society’s Christmas Tour of Lewes. 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015
“Delaware’s Decades—the 1980s: ‘Salvage of His Majesty’s Sloop DeBraak.’ ” Lecture by Claudia Leister, executive director of the Milford Museum. Part six of an eight-part series exploring decades in Delaware’s history. 2 p.m. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations are required by calling 302-645-1148 no later than Jan. 5, 2015.

Saturday, Feb. 14, 2015
“Delaware’s Decades—the 1990s.” Program description TBA. Part seven of an eight-part series exploring decades in Delaware’s history. 2 p.m.Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations are required by calling 302-645-1148 no later than Feb.2, 2015.

Saturday, March 14, 2015
Delaware’s Decades—the 2000s. Lecture by Bill Ayrey, lab manager and company historian from ILC Dover, who will discuss the future of space travel and space suits from the early 2000s to the present. Eighth and final installment of a series exploring decades in Delaware’s history. 2 p.m. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations are required by calling 302-645-1148 no later than March 2, 2015.

Thursday–Saturday, April 9–11, 2015
Lewes Tulip Festival. City-wide series of activities celebrating Lewes’ Dutch heritage including Dutch games, crafts and a display of Delftware ceramics at the Zwaanendael Museum. Sponsored by the Lewes Chamber of Commerce. Downtown Lewes. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. 302-645-8073.

Saturday, April 18, 2015
Dutch-American Friendship Day. Discover Delaware’s Dutch roots and learn how that connection is alive today.10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 25, 2015
King’s Day. Celebration of the birthday of King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands in a program that will also explore royal titles and Delaware’s Dutch connection. 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

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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

In accordance with Title 7, Chapter 54, Section 5406(b) of the Delaware Code, the Director of the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, Department of State, hereby gives notice of the discovery of unmarked human skeletal remains near Hawks Nest Circle in Lewes, Sussex County. The remains were discovered during construction work on private property.

The number of graves, and the age, gender and ethnicity of the individuals is uncertain. At least three burials are present. Initial study indicates that at least one of the individuals is of European or African descent. The dates of the burials are unknown, but are most likely to be between 1670 and 1900. The Woolgast, Clark, Clement, Oldman, Jacobs, Clarke, Phillips, Thomas, Burton, Wolfe, Gibbons and Willard families owned the land during this time period, but there may have been undocumented inhabitants.

Any persons who have reason to believe they may be next-of-kin to these individuals or have evidence that they have relatives buried in this location should contact the Director, Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, 21 The Green, Dover, DE 19901-3611; telephone 302-736-7400; weekdays between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.; no later than Dec. 3, 2014.

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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

(Wilmington, DE) – In his weekly message, Governor Markell highlights the State’s efforts to support and recognize great teachers and their impact on overall student success.
“We all know how important teachers are to our children’s academic success,” said Governor Markell. “By giving great teachers the tools they need to be successful and by fairly rewarding their contributions in our schools, we’ll keep Delaware moving forward.”
Every week, the Governor’s office releases a new Weekly Message in video, audio, and transcript form. The message is available on:

YouTube: http://youtu.be/WhIMbDelRnc
Delaware.Gov: http://governor.delaware.gov/podcast_video.shtml
By email: Please contact our press team to subscribe to our press list
Facebook: www.facebook.com/governormarkell
Twitter: www.twitter.com/governormarkell

You can view the Governor’s Weekly Message Transcript: Supporting Great Educators Who Strengthen Our Schools

We all know how important teachers are to our children’s academic success. So to give our students the best possible education, we’ve got to celebrate and support great educators. That’s why my favorite event of the year is our annual State Teacher of the Year ceremony, where we recognize the state’s top educators and highlight their work as models for strengthening our schools. This year’s winner is Megan Szabo, who teaches middle school science at Postlethwait in the Caesar Rodney School District. Megan has risen to the challenge of not only helping her students, but also supporting her peers. She is a lead science teacher, head coach of the school’s Science Olympiad, and advisor to the National Junior Honor Society. Her students say her hands-on activities instill a love of learning and science. Just as Megan, and educators like her, inspire their students, they should also inspire our state’s leaders to listen and respond to their needs. Conversations with our state’s top teachers have highlighted the need to better attract and retain great educators, including those who pursue administrative positions because they can’t advance their careers while staying in the classroom. That’s why I’ve committed to raising starting salaries and giving teachers a path to increase their earnings by being leaders in their schools. Teacher input has also inspired us to improve educator preparation programs and support professional learning communities where teachers meet to discuss the progress of their students and the most effective lessons. And I’m proud of the recent increase in state funding for technology in our classrooms. By giving great teachers the tools they need to be successful and by fairly rewarding their contributions in our schools, we’ll keep Delaware moving forward.

(DOVER, Del.—Oct. 22, 2014)—The state of Delaware’s three downtown Dover museums—The Old State House, the Johnson Victrola Museum and the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries—will be presenting nine special programs during the month of November 2014. Events will be held at each of the museums on Nov. 1 in conjunction with First Saturday in the First State; on Nov. 4 in celebration of Election Day; and on Nov. 11 in commemoration of Veteran’s Day. All programs are free and open to the public. For additional information, call 302-744-5055.

November programs at the state of Delaware’s downtown Dover museums

Saturday, Nov. 1, 2014
“Man’s Best Friend.” Guided tours explore one of the most celebrated canines in the world—Nipper, the dog who adorns the Victor trademark, “His Masters Voice.” Programs will also include original Victor recordings 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.

Saturday, Nov. 1, 2014
“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 appearances by historical re-enactors. Sponsored by the First State Heritage Park. The Green, Dover. 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 1, 2014
“An Illegal Activity.” Utilizing the exhibit “An Illegal Activity: The Underground Railroad in Delaware” as a backdrop, guided tours will explore Delaware’s crucial role in the Underground Railroad and on two Delaware leaders who aided in this “freedom enterprise.” First Saturday in the First State program. First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries, Delaware Public Archives building, 121 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Dover. Tours at 10 a.m., Noon and 2 p.m. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Tuesdays, Nov. 4 and 11, 2014
“The People’s House.” In honor of Election Day, guided tours will explore the significance of The Old State House and the many state and county governmental functions that were conducted there between 1791 and 1933. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2014
“Swing.” In celebration of Election Day, guests will be treated to the sounds of Swing music as recorded by Victor Records on 78-rpm disks and played on authentic Victor Talking Machines. Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New St., Dover. 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Tuesdays, Nov. 4 and 11, 2014
“An Illegal Activity.” Utilizing the exhibit “An Illegal Activity: The Underground Railroad in Delaware” as a backdrop, guided tours will explore Delaware’s crucial role in the Underground Railroad and on two Delaware leaders who aided in this “freedom enterprise.” First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries, Delaware Public Archives building, 121 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Dover. Tours at 10 a.m., Noon and 2 p.m. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2014
“The Victors of World War I: The Power of Music.” In celebration of Veterans Day, this lively program will examine music’s influence during World War I when patriotic songs were being composed throughout America. Hear 78-rpm recordings of this inspirational music played on authentic Victor Talking Machines, and explore how the Victor Talking Machine Company’s Camden, N.J. factory led the fight to make the world safe for democracy. Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New St., Dover. 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

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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