The Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs will be sponsoring 20 special events during the month of June 2014 at the museums of the state of Delaware, and in partnership with the Lewes Historical Society. A full schedule of events is included below. With the exception of DeBraak tours, all programs are free and open to the public. For additional information, call 302-744-5055.
Administered by the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, the state of Delaware’s six museums—the New Castle Court House Museum, the John Dickinson Plantation, the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries, The Old State House, the Johnson Victrola Museum and the Zwaanendael Museum—tell the story of the First State’s contributions to the history and culture of the United States. Through displays, exhibits and special programs, the museums explore how the state’s distinctive physical environment, in combination with the people who came to live there, gave Delaware an identity that is different from any other place.
Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs special events, June 2014
Mondays, June 2, 9, 23 and 30, 2014
Lecture/tour of His Majesty’s Sloop DeBraak. Explore the history of the DeBraak which was capsized and lost off the Delaware coast on May 25, 1798. Program includes a trip to the hull facility in nearby Cape Henlopen State Park for a tour of the surviving section of the ship’s hull. Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. Programs at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Limited seating. Admission $10 in advance by reservation only through the Shop Delaware website. For additional information, call 302-645-1148.
Thursdays, June 5, 12, 19 and 26, 2014
“Thirsty on Thursdays.” Learn how to make cool 18th-century drinks including switchels, lemonade and tea. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Program 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Museum open 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.
Saturday, June 7, 2014
“Music of Faith.” In keeping with the Dover Presbyterian Church’s 300th Anniversary celebration, guided tours will explore some of Victor Records’ many recordings of hymns 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. 302-744-5055.
Saturday, June 7, 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. 302-744-5055.
Saturday, June 7, 2014
“From the Delaware State to the State of Delaware.” Inter-active program examines Delaware’s Second Constitutional Convention, held at the Dover Presbyterian Church in 1792, which laid the groundwork for the state’s constitution of today. At this assembly the president of the Delaware State became the governor and the Delaware State became the state of Delaware. First Saturday in the First State program. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Program at 1 p.m. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5055.
Saturday, June 7, 2014
“Sacred Music.” Performance by the Sacred Music Consortium of Dover. First Saturday in the First State program. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Concert at 3 p.m. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5055.
Friday and Saturday, June 13 and 14, 2014
Separation Day. Celebration marking the 237th anniversary of Delaware’s separation from Great Britain and Pennsylvania and the formation of the Delaware State. Programs include activities at the New Castle Court House Museum. Downtown New Castle. Times TBA. 302-323-4453 or 302-545-1650.
Saturday, June 14, 2014
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.–3:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.
Sunday, June 15, 2014
“16th Annual Chautauqua Tent Show: ‘With Malice Toward None…Delaware Life During the Civil War.’ ” Programs begin at Noon and culminate at 7 p.m. when Daisy Century of the American Historical Theatre portrays abolitionist and Union spy Harriet Tubman. Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. 302-645-1148.
Monday, June 16, 2014
“16th Annual Chautauqua Tent Show: ‘With Malice Toward None…Delaware Life During the Civil War.’ ” Programs begin at Noon 1 p.m. and culminate at 7 p.m. when Patricia Troilo of the American Historical Theatre portrays Civil War nurse and founder of the American Red Cross Clara Barton. Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. 302-645-1148. Note time change.
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
“16th Annual Chautauqua Tent Show: ‘With Malice Toward None…Delaware Life During the Civil War.’ ” Concert by blues band Dr. Harmonica & Rockett 88. Stango Park, 111 Adams Ave., Lewes. 7 p.m. 302-645-1148.
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
“16th Annual Chautauqua Tent Show: ‘With Malice Toward None…Delaware Life During the Civil War.’ ” Programs begin at Noon 1 p.m. and culminate at 7 p.m. when Robert Gleason of the American Historical Theatre portrays President Abraham Lincoln. Lewes Historical Society complex, 110 Shipcarpenter St., Lewes. 302-645-7670. Note time change.
Thursday, June 19, 2014
“16th Annual Chautauqua Tent Show: ‘With Malice Toward None…Delaware Life During the Civil War.’ ” Programs begin at Noon 1 p.m. and culminate at 7 p.m. when David Scott Taylor of the American Historical Theatre portrays poet and Civil War nurse Walt Whitman. Lewes Historical Society complex, 110 Shipcarpenter St., Lewes. 302-645-7670. Note time change.
Saturday, June 21, 2014
“Shall Faithfully Serve!” Program explores indentured servitude and tradesmen associated with the home of the “Penman of the Revolution.” John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Program 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m. Museum open 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. 302-739-3277. Note: Program cancelled.
Exhibits and displays, June 2014
In addition to special programming, the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs is presenting the following exhibits and displays:
Thru July 31, 2014
“An Illegal Activity: The Underground Railroad in Delaware.” Exhibit explores the First State’s role in the Underground Railroad by showcasing Thomas Garrett and Samuel D. Burris and the actions they took in following their consciences rather than the law. Presented in partnership with the Underground Railroad Coalition of Delaware. First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries, Delaware Public Archives building, 121 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Dover. Mon.–Fri., 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Sat., 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Sun., 1:30-4:30 p.m. 302-744-5055.
Ongoing
“Archaeology of the New Castle Court House.” The exhibit highlights the many phases of archaeological investigations at the New Castle Court House including artifacts representing over 300 years of continuous use of the building. New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. Wed.–Sat., 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. 302-323-4453.
Ongoing
“Delaware and the War of 1812.” Exhibit examines the service and sacrifice of Delawareans of 1812 to 1815, and the important role that the state played in a conflict that helped shaped the development of the United States. Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. Wed.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. from Nov. 1–March 31. Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Sun., 1:30–4:30 p.m. from April 1–Oct. 31. 302-645-1148.
Ongoing
“Dress for Success: The Edwardian Gentlemen’s Wardrobe and Accessories.” Display of objects of adornment, fashion and accessories for male grooming from the time period depicted in the Downton Abbey television series. From the collections of the state of Delaware. Legislative Hall, 411 Legislative Ave., Dover. Limited visitation hours; call 302-739-9194 before planning a visit.
Ongoing
“Emeline Hawkins: Her Journey From Slavery to Freedom on the Underground Railroad.” Exhibit chronicles the compelling story of Emeline Hawkins and her family and their 1845 odyssey on the Underground Railroad from slavery in Maryland, through Delaware to freedom in Pennsylvania. New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. Wed.–Sat., 10 a.m.–3:30 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. Wed.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. from Nov. 1–March 31. Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Sun., 1:30–4:30 p.m. from April 1–Oct. 31. 302-645-1148.
Ongoing
“Simple Machines.” Exhibit demonstrating the six “simple machines”—incline ramp, screw, wedge, pulley, lever and wheel —that constitute the elementary building blocks of which all complicated machines are composed. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Wed.–Sat., 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.
Ongoing
“Simple Pleasures: Picnic, Play and Dance.” Display of original Edwardian and roaring 20s fashions that reflect the spirit of the liberated “modern” woman as depicted in the Downton Abbey television series. 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. 302-744-5055.
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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
