DOVER – You don’t have to hibernate over the holidays this year if you get out and get moving in Delaware’s state parks. From “First Day Hikes,” to “Zoo Camp,” to “Stroller Rollers,” there is plenty to do and see in DNREC’s state parks over the winter break from Christmas Eve through New Year’s Day.

Children who love animals will be thrilled to attend Zoo Camp at the Brandywine Zoo on Dec. 27 and 28. During “Winter Wonders” half day camp, kids will find out all how animals survive during the winter– which ones stay awake, and those who sleep. On Dec. 28, the “Zoo Crew” can spend a half-day learning what it’s like to be a zookeeper. For more information about Zoo Camp, including programs, ages, fees, and registration visit https://BrandywineZoo.org/Camps.

Start your new year off right taking a “First Day Hike.” As a family, or on your own, experience the newest trail at Delaware’s newest state park, Auburn Heights State Park in Yorklyn, or take a “Stories of the Green Walking Tour,” at First State Heritage Park, or learn about “the Point,” the northeastern tip of Cape Henlopen State Park. Numerous other “First Day Hike” opportunities are offered in 10 other state parks throughout the state. For specific times and parks, visit https://www.destateparks.com/Programs or call: 302-739-9200.

Bellevue State Park is a haven paved with paths and lots of areas to explore nature with your toddlers, perfect for strollers, so enjoy “Stroller Rollers,” designed for children 12 months to three years old. Be introduced to the wonders of nature and expand your child’s cognitive and interactive skills as you venture through the park and learn how you, as parents, can facilitate early learning experiences to teach an appreciation of nature.

Attend the “Winter Break Out: Who Let the Snakes Out?” at Killens Pond State Park, and find out how park staff care for the amphibians and reptiles at the park’s Nature Center. Create some favorite meals to help our feathered friends throughout the winter at Cape Henlopen State Park during “Holiday for the Birds.” If you’ve picked up a few pounds during the holidays,“Walk It Off” at Bellevue State Park on Monday mornings. Information and charts to track your progress are available.

For more information about these and all of the many other programs going on in Delaware’s state parks over the holidays, visit https://www.destateparks.com/Programs or call: 302-739-9200.

Contact: Beth Shockley, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 48, No. 334

(DOVER, Del.—Nov. 26, 2018)—The Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs will be sponsoring 15 special events, including 10 winter-holiday-themed activities, between Nov. 29, 2018 and Jan. 5, 2019. A full schedule is included below. All programs are free and open to the public.

Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018
“Hospitality Night.” Holiday-themed program in which the museum will be decorated for the season by the Sussex Gardeners including luminarias lighting the entrance walkway. Activities will include historical interpreters, demonstrations, music and seasonal refreshments. Presented in partnership with the Lewes Chamber of Commerce. Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. 5–8 p.m. 302-645-1148.

Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018
“Tour Zwaanendael Museum.” Enjoy the museum’s festive holiday-décor created by the Sussex Gardeners. Event held in conjunction with the Lewes Historical Society’s Christmas Tour of Lewes. Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. 302-645-1148.

Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018
“Handmade for the Holidays.” Seasonal program in which visitors can create a journal for use in 2019. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Program 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Museum open 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.

Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018
“Holiday Celebrations in the Early 20th Century.” Christmas celebrations are a recent development in American history. Many traditions came with immigrants who arrived in the latter half of the 19th Century, and by the 20th Century had become mainstays of American life. In this program historic-site interpreter Latecia Prophet will educate and enlighten on how Delawareans, and many Americans, celebrated the holidays in the early 20th Century. First Saturday in the First State program. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Program at 11:30 a.m. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5054.

Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018
“White Christmas: A Tribute to Bing Crosby.” From his earliest days as a member of Paul Whiteman’s Orchestra to his years in film, radio and TV, Bing Crosby was one of the best-known entertainers of the 20th century. In this program, visitors can discover the story behind the man who recorded the best-selling holiday song of all time. First Saturday in the First State program. Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New St., Dover. Program at 1 p.m. in the museum’s 2nd floor gallery (entry via staircase; no elevator). Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-739-3262.

Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018
Delaware Day awards ceremony. Event honors participants in the Delaware Department of State’s 17th annual Delaware Day Fourth Grade Competition which challenges students to create displays that help illustrate and explain the U.S. Constitution and the role played by Delawareans in the writing and ratification of the nation’s founding document. Delaware Public Archives, 121 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Dover. 10 a.m. 302-744-5000.

Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018
“Spirit of Christmas in New Castle.” One of the best preserved Colonial-era towns in America features tours of decorated historic homes, re-enactments, programs at museums including the New Castle Court House Museum, crafts, musical entertainment and more. Downtown New Castle. Festivities begin at 10 a.m. and conclude at 5 p.m. with the annual Christmas tree lighting at Market Square. 302-328-3279.

Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018
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.–4:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.

Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018
Lecture on Lightship Overfalls. Program on the history of lightships and of Lewes’ own Lightship Overfalls presented by author, instructor and Overfalls guide Wayne Kirklin. Part of “Across the Ages to the Edge of the Sea,” a lecture series exploring the history of the Lewes area from the 17th to the 20th centuries. Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. Program at 2 p.m. on the museum’s 2nd floor (entry via staircase; no elevator). Museum open 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations for the lecture are required by calling 302-645-1148 no later than Dec. 7, 2018.

Friday, Dec. 14, 2018
Concert by Kyle Offandani. ‎ Folk music. Presented in partnership with the Delaware Friends of Folk and the First State Heritage Park. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. 7:30 p.m. 302-744-5054.

Saturday, Dec. 15, 2018
Buena Vista Holiday Open House. One-day-only event featuring self-guided tours of one of Delaware’s most historic homes decorated for the holidays plus a hands-on activity for children and adults. Refreshments provided. Buena Vista: A Delaware Country Estate, 661 S. Dupont Highway (Route 13), New Castle. 10 a.m.–1 p.m. 302-323-4430.

Saturday, Dec. 15, 2018
“Handmade for the Holidays.” Seasonal program in which visitors can create a gift tag with paper quilling. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Program 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Museum open 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.

Saturday, Dec. 22, 2018
“Handmade for the Holidays.” Seasonal program in which visitors can design a tile for the holidays. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Program 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Museum open 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.

Monday, Dec. 24, 2018
Christmas Eve. All 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) will be closed. 302-744-5054.

Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2018
Christmas Day. All 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) will be closed. 302-744-5054.

Monday, Dec. 31, 2018
New Year’s Eve. The following museum of the State of Delaware will be open: The Old State House, open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. The John Dickinson Plantation, Johnson Victrola Museum, New Castle Court House Museum and the Zwaanendael Museum will be closed. 302-744-5054.

Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019
New Year’s Day. All 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) will be closed. 302-744-5054.

Saturday, Jan. 5, 2019
“Ringing in the New Year With Jazz.” Guided tours explore the sound of classic jazz and the role that the Victor Talking Machine Company played in bringing the New Orleans sound to music lovers across the globe, accompanied by 78-rpm 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. 302-739-3262.

Saturday, Jan. 5, 2019
“Divided Delaware.” In 1787, Delaware became the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution. Afterwards, the state grew increasingly divided. This in-depth presentation will analyze three important moments where division prevented great social change from occurring in Delaware: the state’s effort to end slavery before the Civil War; the ratification of the 13th, 14th and 15th amendments; and Delaware’s chance to be the final state to ratify the 19th Amendment. 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. 302-744-5054.

Exhibits and displays
In addition to special programming, the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs is sponsoring the following exhibits and displays. Admission is free and open to the public:

Ongoing
“The Path to Freedom: A History of the Underground Railroad in Delaware.” Display explores Delaware’s role in the clandestine network that transported American slaves to freedom including the true journey of the Hawkins family from bondage in Maryland, through Delaware, to freedom in Pennsylvania. New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Sun., 1:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-323-4453.

Ongoing
“When Janie Comes Marching Home: Women’s Fight to Serve.” Display explores the participation of women in America’s armed conflicts from the Revolutionary War to the present, and their fight to be allowed to serve their country during wartime. Legislative Hall, 411 Legislative Ave., Dover. Limited visitation hours; call 302-739-9194 before planning a visit.

Ongoing
“Delaware Railroads: Elegant Travel and Timely Transport.” Exhibit explores the history of rail travel and transport in the First State emphasizing the New Castle and Frenchtown Railroad (1832), the Delaware Railroad (1852), the Junction and Breakwater Railroad (1857) and the Queen Anne’s Railroad (1896). Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. Nov. 1–March 31: Wed.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. April 1–Oct. 31: Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Sun., 1:30–4:30 p.m. 302-645-1148.

Ongoing
“Drawing America to Victory: The Persuasive Power of the Arts in World War I.” Online exhibit revolves around 27 World War I posters from the collections of the State of Delaware.

Ongoing
“Five Stories.” Display explores the varied lives of people who lived on the plantation including Dickinson family members, tenant farmers, tradesmen, free blacks, indentured servants and enslaved individuals. John Dickinson Plantation Welcome Center, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Oct. 1–March 31: Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. April 1–Sept. 30: Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Sun., 1:30–4:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.

Ongoing
“Letters From a Farmer in Pennsylvania.” Online exhibit explores the life of Founding Father John Dickinson on the 250th anniversary of the publication of his essays that described Colonial American grievances with the British government.

Ongoing
“New Castle: Three Forts, One Community.” Exhibit examines the 17th-century struggle for control of New Castle by the Dutch, Swedes and English, and the strongholds that they built to maintain their power. New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Sun., 1:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-323-4453.

Ongoing
“The Old State House: A True Restoration 1976-2016.” Display explores preservation work that has been conducted since Delaware’s first permanent capitol building in Dover was restored to its original appearance in 1976. 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. 302-744-5054.

Ongoing
Sculpture by Charles Parks. Display of works by the noted Wilmington artist featuring historical and political figures including a Minute Man, and presidents Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford and George W. Bush. New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 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. April 1–Oct. 31: Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Sun., 1:30–4:30 p.m. Nov. 1–March 31: Wed.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 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 many more-complicated machines are composed. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Oct. 1–March 31: Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. April 1–Sept. 30: Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Sun., 1:30–4:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.

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, school programs and hands-on activities, 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 comprehensive, 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 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: 302-739-7787
E-mail: Jim.Yurasek@delaware.gov
Web: http://history.delaware.gov

(DOVER, Del.—Nov. 1, 2018)—On Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018 at 2 p.m., The Old State House, located at 25 The Green in Dover, Del., will present “Over There and Back Again!,” a first-person performance in which lead historic-site-interpreter Gavin Malone will portray a World War I veteran discussing the differences in American society between the 1910s and the early 1920s, the end of the time period known as the Progressive Era. Admission to the program is free and open to the public. For additional information, call 302 -744-5054.

During the first decades of the 20th century, the United States underwent significant changes due, in large part, to the effects of a rapidly industrializing economy. Activists of the Progressives Era sought to address the problems resulting from industrialization by promoting ideas of morality, economic reform, efficiency and social welfare. Among others, the era saw the culmination of the temperance and women’s suffrage movements, as well as the nation’s profound transformation as a result of its involvement in World War I.

Historian Gavin Malone has served as a historic-site-interpreter at The Old State House and the Johnson Victrola Museum since 2012. The holder of master’s degrees in both history and teaching, Malone is an avid researcher who has been involved in the development of many of the museums’ educational programs and historical-theater presentations including, “The Minstrel Boy: the Life and Times of John McCormick,” “Play That Old Time Music: Victor Records and the Early Days of Country Music,” “Over There: World War I and the Victor Talking Machine Company,” “The Evolution of Black Recorded Music,” “Prohibition: Delaware and the 18th and 21st Amendments,” “Let’s Get Ready to Rumble: William Penn and Lord Baltimore,” “Sherlock Holmes: The Case of the Empty Glass” and many more.

Completed in 1791, The Old State House is one of the earliest state-house buildings in the United States, serving as the home of Delaware’s legislature until 1933 when the General Assembly moved to larger quarters in Legislative Hall. The venerable structure now appears as it would have in the late 1700s during the United States’ critical early years as a nation. It features a courtroom, governor’s and county offices and chambers for the state’s Senate and House of Representatives. The building is situated on Dover’s historic Green, a public area designated by William Penn in 1683. The Green is a partner site of the First State National Historical Park.

The Old State House 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: 302-739-7787
E-mail: Jim.Yurasek@delaware.gov
Web: http://history.delaware.gov

Dover – DNREC’s First State Heritage Park’s 18th Century Market Fair recreates the sights and sounds of eagerly anticipated events, and allows visitors to leave the 21st century behind for a few hours free of charge from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3, on The Green. In the 1700s, The Green was the center of life in Dover, and the site of annual autumn market fairs. In past years at the fair, nearly 5,000 visitors chatted with living history characters, watched traditional artisans at work, and enjoyed comical interactive performances – all with an 18th-century twist.

Signora Bella – the Great Italian Equilibrist – brings to life the tradition of the travelling performer in the 1700s, as she juggles knives and flaming torches, while balancing on a rope and a giant ball. Back by popular demand will be “Dr. Balthazar and his Marvelous Miracle Medicine Show.” Dr. Balthazar offers audiences a “magical miracle medicine that cures everything from a common cold to death of two weeks’ standing,” as he engages audience members in his performance. Rick Shuman, will demonstrate how to use a spring pole lathe to young and old, as well as offering his wares for sale. Basket weaving, spinning, and silhouette making are also among the trades visitors can see.

Returning this year will be Professor Horn’s Punch and Judy Puppet Show, performing on the second floor of the Dover Century Club. This fun-filled show captures the wonder and pure imagination of childhood. Professor Horn’s celebrated show is known to incite gales of laughter from audiences of all ages. Children adore the amazing feats, slapstick comedy, and variety entertainments, and parents enjoy the nostalgic excitement this quintessential puppet show conjures from their own childhoods.

A recognized expert in early American glassblowing and a purist, Knightengale’s Rest presents Gilson’s glassblowing as a trade, as well as other sundry items. Learn about the tricks and techniques for making reproduction 17th and 18th century glassware, and perhaps purchase some of his wares. In addition, the Lewes Historical Society will be back again this year. The group has done extensive research, and will present everyone’s favorite treat – chocolate. Visitors can view a demonstration of the 18th century chocolate-making process and literally “taste the past.”

Children can enjoy the many hands-on activities, engage in a military muster with the 1st Delaware Regiment or visit the free photo booth, where visitors can have their picture taken with fun props from the colonial era to create their Market Fair memories. Children will also have the opportunity to make slate buttons as was done in the 18th century.

To add to the historic atmosphere, fiddler Rick Hudson will be wandering The Green as the Market Fair Minstrel, playing his merry tunes. The Dover English Country Dancers will be both demonstrating and encouraging people to participate.

Modern day photographers can join in the competition to capture the best pictures in the Market Fair Instagram Photo contest. Winners will receive a 2019 Delaware State Parks Pass and the chance to be used in promotional material for Market Fair 2019.

The Dover Century Club will be transformed into the Market Fair Inn, offering delicious pulled pork and chicken sandwiches, beef hot dogs, home-style soups, vegetarian chili, autumn sweet treats, and beverages for purchase. In addition, the club’s garden study group will sell beautiful, handmade wreathes and table décor, with all proceeds benefiting the club’s youth scholarship and building funds. Old World Breads from Lewes will be offering sweet treats for sale, including their famous shortbread and molasses cookies for the first time this year.

Admission to Market Fair is free. The event is rain or shine and will move to indoor locations around The Green in the event of inclement weather. Information about all the demonstrators and entertainers appearing at Market Fair can be found at www.destateparks.com/history/firststateheritage.

On Saturday, Nov. 4, three other local events will be held. From 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., the Biggs Museum of American Art will be hosting “Happy Birthday, Biggs Museum!” Visit www.biggsmuseum.org for more information. In addition, the city of Dover will host a special Veteran’s Parade through downtown. The Delaware General Assembly, the Delaware Commission of Veteran’s Affairs, and the Delaware Heritage Commission will host a dedication for a new monument on the grounds of Legislative Hall honoring Delaware Women in the Military. The event will be held at noon following the parade.

The First State Heritage Park is Delaware’s first urban “park without boundaries,” linking historic and cultural sites in the city that has been the seat of state government since 1777. The park is a partnership of state agencies under the leadership of DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation, working in collaboration with city and county government, nonprofit organizations and the private sector.

Media Contact: Sarah Zimmerman, DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation, First State Heritage Park, 302-739-9194 or sarah.zimmerman@delaware.gov.

DOVER –DNREC’s First State Heritage Park’s most popular event returns to The Green this Halloween season. During the park’s “Dark Dover” program, visitors will witness firsthand chilling true stories, and encounter characters whose legends have left their sinister imprint on The Green in Dover.

Eighteenth-century judge Samuel Chew and the murdered servant Cooch Turner are just two of the specters who will appear on this most unusual tour through the Dover Green. Unusual twists include an unexpected re-telling of the “Poison Candy Murder” tale from the point of view of the victim’s deceitful and philandering husband, who attempts to clear his name. The mid-20th-century “Lonely Hearts” murder case adds a grisly but humorous touch to the tour.

To find out what lurks in the shadows, join the First State Heritage Park by moonlight on Fridays, Oct. 19 and 26. The hour-long program is presented at 7 p.m. and again at 8:30 p.m. Admission is $10 per person. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Call 302-739-9194 to reserve your spot. Tours will meet at the John Bell House on The Green in Dover.

The First State Heritage Park is Delaware’s first urban “park without boundaries,” linking historic and cultural sites in the city that has been the seat of state government since 1777. The park is a partnership of state agencies under the leadership of DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation, working in collaboration with city and county government, nonprofit organizations and the private sector.

Contact: Sarah Zimmerman, DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation, First State Heritage Park, 302-739-9194 or sarah.zimmerman@delaware.gov.

Vol. 48, No. 269