Historical Affairs programs in November 2022

(DOVER, Del. — Oct. 24, 2022) — The Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs will be sponsoring eight special programs during the month of November 2022. A full schedule is included below. Admission is free and open to the public, but reservations are required for some programs. Go to the following link for additional information and reservation instructions: https://history.delaware.gov/2022/09/27/division-programs-november-2022/.

Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs special programs, November 2022

Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 5 and 6, 2022
“18th Century Market Fair.” Day-long series of programs harkens back to 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 Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ Old State House, located at 25 The Green, will celebrate the fair on Nov. 5 with quill-pen writing throughout the day and the theatrical production “Reminiscences of the Life and Times of Dr. James Tilton” at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. featuring Historic-Site Interpreter Steven Mumford portraying Delawarean Dr. James Tilton who served as United States surgeon general during the War of 1812. First Saturday in the First State event sponsored by the First State Heritage Park. The Green, Dover. Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. For additional information, call the First State Heritage Park at 302-739-9194 or The Old State House at 302-744-5054 or mailto:OSHmuseum@delaware.gov.

Photo of Old State House Historic-Site Interpreter Steven Mumford
Old State House Historic-Site Interpreter Steven Mumford will portray Dr. James Tilton as part of the 18th Century Market Fair on Nov. 5, 2022.

 

Friday, Nov. 11, 2022
Concert by Paul and Begoña.Flamenco and Latin music. Presented in partnership with the Delaware Friends of Folk. Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. 7:30 p.m. 302-744-5054 or mailto:OSHmuseum@delaware.gov.

Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022
“Veterans Walking Tours.” Brian Cannon, former lead interpreter for the New Castle Court House Museum, will conduct 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 Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ New Castle Court House Museum. Tours depart at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. from Immanuel Episcopal Church, 100 Harmony St., New Castle. Free but registration required. mailto:Cynthia.Snyder@delaware.gov. 302-323-4453.

Photo of Immanuel Episcopal Church on the Green
Veterans Walking Tours will depart from Immanuel Episcopal Church in New Castle on Nov. 12, 2022.

Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022
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. Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. 10 a.m.–4:15 p.m. 302-645-1148 or mailto:zmuseum@delaware.gov.

Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022
“Hollywood History at the Court House: ‘Dragonwyck.’ ” Screening of the 1946 film “Dragonwyck” starring Vincent Price and Gene Tierney, plus a brief presentation by New Castle Court House Site Supervisor, Cindy Snyder, on patroonship in America. Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. Film at 6:30 p.m. mailto:Cynthia.Snyder@delaware.gov. 302-323-4453.

Friday, Nov. 18, 2022
“Delaware’s First Communities.” Virtual program in which Nena Todd, site supervisor of The Old State House, and Theo Braunskill of the Lenape Indian Tribe of Delaware, explore the rich history of communities that have resided in Delaware for thousands of years and still remain today, despite centuries of trauma and erasure. Hear how they have survived. Presented in celebration of National Native American Heritage Month. Program streamed live via Zoom. 4 p.m. Free but registration required. 302-645-1148 or mailto:zmuseum@delaware.gov.

Lenape Indian Tribe of Delaware logo

 

Friday, Nov. 18, 2022
“Well Seasoned Heirlooms.” In this virtual series, historic-site interpreter Kimberly Fritsch of the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ New Castle Court House Museum shines a spotlight on the practices, recipes and women throughout Delaware history as they speak to us through their food. Cookbooks became a way for women to pass along their legacy and convey a sense of what was important in their culture, daily lives and, even, weather occurrences and events of the time. Program streamed live via Zoom. Noon. Free but registration required. 302-323-4453 or mailto:NCCHmuseum@delaware.gov.

Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022
Cooch’s Bridge Historic Site: Touring the homestead. Join historical interpreters for this introductory program on the history of the Cooch’s Bridge homestead. Learn about some of the individuals who lived on the property, how they shaped the land around them and how the location’s landscape contributed to national history. Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ Cooch’s Bridge Historic Site, 961 S. Old Baltimore Pike, Newark. Tours at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Limit 20 visitors per tour. Free but reservations required. 302-922-7116 or mailto:CBmuseum@delaware.gov.

Photo of the Cooch's Bridge homestead
Tours of the Cooch’s Bridge homestead will take place on Nov. 19, 2022.

Remaining division programs in October 2022

In addition, the division will be presenting the following programs during the remainder of October. Go to the following link for additional information and reservation instructions: https://history.delaware.gov/2022/09/01/hca-programs-october-2022/.

Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2022
Public workshop on the development of an interpretive plan for the Cooch’s Bridge Historic Site. Input sought in creating a publicly accessible and community-focused experience for the Newark location that includes the focal point of Delaware’s only Revolutionary War land battle. Workshop streamed live via Zoom. 6-8 p.m. Free but registration required. 302-922-7116 or mailto:CBmuseum@delaware.gov.

Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022
William Penn Day. Day-long series of programs commemorating the 340th anniversary of Penn’s disembarkment at New Castle, his first landing in the New World. Activities include “Tea with Mrs. Penn,” 17th century cooking, speakers, music and more. Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Free admission. 302-323-4453 or mailto:NCCHmuseum@delaware.gov.

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 and special programs, 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 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 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


‘William Penn Day’ in New Castle on Oct. 29, 2022

(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


Zwaanendael Museum Offers ‘Mysteries Of History’ Tours

(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


Buena Vista Fall Event On Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022

-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.


John Dickinson Plantation’s 2022 ‘18th Century Trades Day’

(DOVER, Del. — Sept. 26, 2022) — On Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022, visitors to the home of the “Penman of the Revolution” will explore Colonial-era job opportunities during the “18th Century Trades Day” that will take place between 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ John Dickinson Plantation located at 340 Kitts Hummock Road in Dover, Delaware. All activities are free and open to the public. For additional information, call 302-739-3277.

“18th Century Trades Day” will provide opportunities to learn about traditional carpentry and candle dipping; preserving food in a smokehouse; dyeing fabric 1700s-style; and observing the power of a musket being fired.

The John Dickinson Plantation, Delaware’s first National Historic Landmark, was the boyhood home of John Dickinson, a founding father of the United States, a framer and signer of the U.S. Constitution and “Penman of the Revolution.” Dickinson wrote eloquently about freedom and liberty for all while continuing to hold human beings in bondage. The plantation shares the stories of the Dickinsons; the tenant farmers; the trades people; the indentured servants; and the free and enslaved people who lived, labored and died on the land. Administered by the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, the museum is a partner site in the First State National Historical Park.


The John Dickinson Plantation 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.

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