(DOVER, Del.—May 14, 2015)—During the month of June 2015, the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs will be offering 22 special programs at sites across the state. Except where noted, programs are free and open to the public. For additional information, call 302-744-5055.

Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs special events, June 2015

Mondays, June 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, 2015
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 by reservation only through the Shop Delaware website (go to http://shop.delaware.gov and click the “Tours” link). For additional information, call 302-645-1148.

Thursdays, June 4, 11, 18 and 25, 2015
“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 6, 2015
Free lecture/tour of His Majesty’s Sloop DeBraak for U.S. military members and their families. 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 9 a.m. and Noon. Limited seating. Tours for current and former members of the U.S. military and their families only. Admission free by reservation only through the Shop Delaware website (go to http://shop.delaware.gov and click the “Tours” link). For additional information, call 302-645-1148.

Saturday, June 6, 2015
“Bring Your Partners: Learn the Art of Old English Country Dancing.” Inter-active program in which visitors will discover the style that was the precursor to square dancing. First Saturday in the First State program. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Programs at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5055.

Saturday, June 6, 2015
“The Golden Age of Jazz.” Here tunes from the hottest era in jazz music played on authentic Victor Talking Machines and join in on popular dances from that time. First Saturday in the First State program. Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New St., Dover. Programs at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5055.

Friday and Saturday, June 12 and 13, 2015
Separation Day. Celebration marking the 238th 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. Friday, 5–10 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.–10 p.m. 302-323-4453 or 302-545-1650.

Saturday, June 13, 2015
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.

Friday, June 19, 2015
“The Doctor Is In.” Living-history theatrical performance by Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs historical interpreter Dennis Fisher exploring the life and times of Dr. James Sykes, an 18th to 19th-century Dover physician. Partnership between the division and the Dover Public Library. Dover Public Library, 35 Loockerman Plaza, Dover. 7 p.m. 302-736-7030.

Sunday, June 21, 2015
17th Annual Chautauqua Tent Show: “Discovering Delaware’s Maritime Past.” Programs begin at Noon and culminate at 7:15 p.m. when David Scott Taylor of the American Historical Theatre performs “Gideon Olmstead—Adventures of a Sea Captain During the Revolution.” Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. 302-645-1148.

Monday, June 22, 2015
17th Annual Chautauqua Tent Show: “Discovering Delaware’s Maritime Past.” Programs begin at Noon and culminate at 7:15 p.m. when Daisy Century of the American Historical Theatre performs “Phyllis Phillis Wheatley’s Voyage to Britain” which explores an episode in the life of the first published African-American poet. Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. 302-645-1148. Note spelling correction.

Tuesday, June 23, 2015
17th Annual Chautauqua Tent Show: “Discovering Delaware’s Maritime Past.” Concert by the Skinny Leg Pete Band performing soul, funk, blues and rock ‘n’ roll. Stango Park, 111 Adams Ave., Lewes. 7 p.m. 302-645-1148.

Tuesday, June 23, 2015
“Painting Party @ The Pole Shed.” Aided by an art instructor, guests at one of Delaware’s most historic estates will help to create the “Peaceful Path” painting while enjoying food and beverages provided by Caffé Gelato. Buena Vista Conference Center, 661 S. Dupont Highway (Route 13), New Castle. 6–8:30 p.m. Admission $39 in advance. For tickets, go to http://www.painting-parties.com/6-23—buena-vista-conference-center.html. For information, call 302-323-4430.

Wednesday, June 24, 2015
17th Annual Chautauqua Tent Show: “Discovering Delaware’s Maritime Past.” Programs begin at Noon and culminate at 7:15 p.m. when Christian Johnson of the American Historical Theatre portrays William Augustus Newell founder of U.S. Life-Saving Service. Lewes Historical Society complex, 110 Shipcarpenter St., Lewes. 302-645-7670.

Thursday, June 25, 2015
17th Annual Chautauqua Tent Show: “Discovering Delaware’s Maritime Past.” Programs begin at Noon and culminate at 7:15 p.m. when Kim Hanley of the American Historical Theatre portrays first lady Abigail Adams discussing trade and embargoes during the American Revolution. Lewes Historical Society complex, 110 Shipcarpenter St., Lewes. 302-645-7670.

Exhibits and displays, May 2015
In addition to special programming, the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs is sponsoring the following exhibits and displays:

 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. 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. Free admission. 302-645-1148.

Ongoing
“Delaware Mourns Lincoln: A Demonstration of Love and Sorrow.” Utilizing graphics, clothing and memorabilia, the display explores how Delawareans expressed their deep sorrow upon the death of President Abraham Lincoln on April 15, 1865. 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.

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
Items from the permanent collections. Designed by the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, the exhibit includes items from the permanent collections of the Laurel Historical Society including images from the Waller Photographic Collection. Laurel Heritage Museum, Mechanic St., Laurel. Mon.–Fri., 8 a.m.–Noon. 302-875-9319 or 302-875-1344.

Ongoing Thru spring 2015
“Middletown Goes To War.” Designed by the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, the exhibit spotlights the contributions of Middletown’s veterans from the Revolutionary War to the present. Middletown Historical Society, 216 N. Broad St., Middletown. Fri., 9 a.m.–3 p.m. First Sat. of each month, 9 a.m.–Noon. Third Wed. of each month, Noon–4 p.m. Other times by appointment. 302-378-7466. Note change in closing date.

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. Mon.–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. 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. Wed.–Sat., 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.

Ongoing
“World War II Through the Lens of William D. Willis.” Designed by the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, the display features photographs taken in Western Europe from 1943-45. 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.

  -End-

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

(DOVER, Del.—May 4, 2015)—On Saturday, May 9, 2015, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the Archaeological Society of Delaware, will present “The Early Colonial Delaware Valley—An Archaeological Symposium.” Now in its eighth year, the symposium is dedicated to building a regional-level dialog that can identify the uniqueness of the cultures that existed in the Delaware Valley during the early period of European colonization. A schedule of symposium activities is included below. Go to the following for complete program descriptions.

The symposium will take place at the New Castle Court House Museum located at 211 Delaware St. in New Castle, Del. Admission is free and open to the public. For additional information, contact Craig Lukezic at craig.lukezic@delaware.gov or call 302-736-7407.

Schedule of events

8:45 a.m.          Introduction
Craig Lukezic, symposium coordinator and archaeologist, Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs

9 a.m.               New Archaeological Research for the Lost Corbit Tannery
John Bansch, volunteer coordinator of archaeology projects, Historic Odessa Foundation

9:45 a.m.          Thomas Noxon: Building Appoquinimink Hundred
Bruce A. Bendler, adjunct professor of history, University of Delaware

10:30 a.m.        Testing Taste in a Community of Faith: Some Implications of Colonial Quaker Aesthetics and Consumer Patterns
John P. McCarthy, cultural preservation specialist, Delaware State Parks

11 a.m.–1 p.m. Lunch

1 p.m.              Discovery and Recovery of Eleven Colonial Burials from Avery’s Rest, Sussex County, Delaware
Daniel R. Griffith, Archaeological Society of Delaware

1:45 p.m.          Carter’s Alley: A Case Study in the Evolution of Colonial Philadelphia
Meagan Ratini and Kevin C. Bradley, John Milner Associates, a Commonwealth Cultural Resources Group, Inc. company.

2:15 p.m.          Service Learning Archaeology at Old Swedes Church
Presentations by students of the Department of Anthropology, University of Delaware

2:45 p.m.          Digging at the Surface: Historic Graffiti, Inscription, and the Liminality of Text at Holy Trinity Church (Old Swedes) in Wilmington, Delaware, 1698-1870
Michael J. Emmons, Jr., research assistant, Center for Historic Architecture and Design, University of Delaware

3:30 p.m.          The Origins of Indian Trade Silver: Lenape Brooches from Southeastern Pennsylvania
Marshall Joseph Becker, professor of anthropology emeritus, West Chester University

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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

-Eight programs presented in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the end of the American Civil War-

 (DOVER, Del.—April 22, 2015)—The Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs will be sponsoring 10 special programs from April 23 through May 2015 at sites in downtown Dover, Del. All programs are free and open to the public. For additional information, call 302-744-5055.

In keeping with the theme of the 2015 Dover Days Festival, eight programs and a display will be presented in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the end of the American Civil War and the death of President Abraham Lincoln including historical interpreters portraying the 16th president and author Louise May Alcott, a play about two Confederate soldiers imprisoned at Fort Delaware, programs on Delaware Gov. William H.H. Ross and two Civil War diarists, and the display “Delaware Mourns Lincoln: A Demonstration of Love and Sorrow.” In addition to its Civil-War-related programming, the division will sponsor activities in commemoration of Memorial Day on May 25, 2015, and a display of World-War-II-era photographs.

A complete listing of the division’s downtown-Dover offerings through May 2015 is provided below. All events are free and open to the public. For additional information, call 302-744-5055.

Division-sponsored programs in downtown Dover, April 23 through May 2015

Thursday, April 23, 2015
“Women’s Words: Delaware’s Civil War Diarists.” Lecture brings to life the Civil-War-era diaries of Delawareans Elizabeth Dorsey and Anna Ferris. Part of the History Coffee-Hour Lecture Series. The Old State House, 25 The Green. 5:30 p.m.

Sunday, April 26, 2015
“Abraham Lincoln.” Living-history performance in which Robert Gleason of the American Historical Theatre portrays President Abraham Lincoln. Part of the Dover Days Festival. The Old State House, 25 The Green. Program at 1 p.m. Museum open 12:30–4:30 p.m.

Wednesday, April 29, 2015
“Governor Ross of Delaware: Southern Sympathizer.” Claudia Leister, director of the Milford Museum will discuss the events and attitudes of the 19th-century Delaware governor. Part of the Dover Days Festival. The Old State House, 25 The Green. 7 p.m.

Thursday, April 30, 2015
“Louisa May Alcott.” Living-history performance in which Pat Jordan of the American Historical Theatre portrays the American novelist Louisa May Alcott, best known for her book “Little Women.” Part of the Dover Days Festival. The Old State House, 25 The Green. 7 p.m.

Saturday, May 2, 2015
“Sounds of War: Patriotic Music.” Guided tours examine music’s influence during America’s wars when patriotic songs were composed throughout the nation. Hear music played on authentic Victor Talking Machines that was popularized during the Civil War and later recorded by the Victor Talking Machine Company. Part of the Dover Days Festival. Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New St., Dover. 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 2, 2015
“Fried Okra: Civil War Era Music.” Performance by Rick Hudson and Friends. Part of the Dover Days Festival. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Programs at Noon and 2 p.m. Program 12–1:45 p.m. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Note change in program start time.

Saturday, May 2, 2015
“Two Civil War Soldiers.” Historical play about two Confederate soldiers captured at the battle of Gettysburg and subsequently imprisoned at Fort Delaware. Part of the Dover Days Festival, Dover Century Club, 40 The Green, Dover. Part of the Dover Days Festival. Dover Century Club, 40 The Green, Dover. 1 p.m.

Saturday, May 2, 2015
“Fried Okra: Civil War Era Music.” Performance by Rick Hudson and Friends. Part of the Dover Days Festival. Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New St., Dover. Program 2–3:45 p.m. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Note: Recently added program.

Monday, May 25, 2015
“Victor’s Music of Summer.” Jump into summer with hit songs from the past played on authentic Victor Talking Machines. Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New St., Dover. 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Monday, May 25, 2015
“Stories of Freedom and Courage.” Special guided tours focus on the unique stories of freedom and equality that impacted Delaware citizens. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Division-sponsored displays in downtown Dover

Ongoing
“Delaware Mourns Lincoln: A Demonstration of Love and Sorrow.” Utilizing graphics, clothing and memorabilia, the display explores how Delawareans expressed their deep sorrow upon the death of President Abraham Lincoln on April 15, 1865. 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.

Ongoing
“World War II Through the Lens of William D. Willis.” Designed by the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, the display features photographs taken in Western Europe from 1943-45. 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.

-End-

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

 -Listing of plantation events through October 2015 also included-

(DOVER, Del.—April 21, 2015)—On Saturday, May 2, 2015, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Dover Days Festival visitors will have an opportunity to enjoy colonial games, hearth cooking utilizing 18th-century recipes and special tours at the John Dickinson Plantation, located at 340 Kitts Hummock Road in Dover, Del. Admission to the day’s activities is free and open to the public. For additional information, call 302-739-3277.

Boyhood home and country estate of John Dickinson, one of the founding fathers of the United States, signer of the Constitution and “Penman of the Revolution,” the John Dickinson Plantation features the Dickinson family’s original 1740 brick home, reconstructed farm buildings and a log’d dwelling, surrounded by rich agricultural lands stretching down to the banks of the St. Jones River.

The 81st Annual Dover Days Festival, which will take place from May 1 to 3, 2015, is a weekend-long celebration of the First State’s capital city featuring a wide variety of activities held in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the end of the American Civil War, plus historical re-enactments, parade, maypole dancing, walking tours, pet parade, arts and crafts, carnival rides, music and more. The festival is held on the first full weekend in May on The Green and Legislative Mall, two beautiful outdoor parks in Dover’s historic downtown district. Admission to Dover Days is free and open to the public, and free parking is readily available.

Following is a schedule of John Dickinson Plantation events through October 2015. The property is open Wednesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Times for special programs are indicated. Admission is free for all events listed. For additional information, call 302-739-3277.

John Dickinson Plantation special events through October 2015

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.

Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Earth Day at the John Dickinson Plantation. Explore the plantation’s natural beauty, enjoy tours of the colonial-revival garden and create a scented sachet 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 2, 2015
Dover Days at the John Dickinson Plantation. Activities include tours, Colonial games and hearth cooking utilizing 18th-century recipes. Part of the Dover Days Festival.

Saturdays, May 9, June 13, July 11, Aug. 8, Sept. 12 and Oct. 10, 2015
Demonstrations by the Thistledown Fiber Arts Guild. Program explores spinning, weaving, knitting and other fabric arts. 1–3 p.m.

Thursdays, June 4, 11, 18 and 25, 2015
“Thirsty on Thursdays.” Learn how to make cool 18th-century drinks including switchels, lemonade and tea. 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Wednesdays, July 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, 2015
“Watercolor Wednesdays.” Explore the hues of the John Dickinson mansion, learn about 18th-century paint colors and paint a scene.11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Thursdays, Sept. 3, 10, 17 and 24, 2015
“Taper Thursdays.” Learn to make your own candle and help the plantation dip 200 candles that John Dickinson would have required from his tenants as part of their leases. 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015
“Smoked, Pickled and Salted for Survival.” Learn how smoked, pickled and salted meats helped stretch food reserves in the winter, and participate in pickling meats with brine and smoking meats in the plantation’s smokehouse. 11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 23, 2015
“Lantern Tours of the Plantation.” Programs explore the parties, games, dances and entertainment that would have abounded at the plantation during the nighttime in the 18th century. Activities will also include wagon-ride guided-tours conducted by staff of the St. Jones Reserve exploring the nocturnal life of the estuary. Programs 6–7 p.m. and 7:30–8:30 p.m. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations for the tours are required by calling the St. Jones Reserve at 302-739-3436 no later than Oct. 22.

-End-

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

(DOVER, Del.—April 20, 2015)—On Wednesday, April 29, 2015 at 7 p.m., the New Castle Court House Museum, located at 211 Delaware St. in New Castle, Del., will present “Freemasons in the Civil War,” a program by museum historic-site interpreter David Price. The program will explore the participation of members of the world’s oldest and largest fraternal organization in the battles of First Manassas, Shiloh, Antietam, Gettysburg and Appomattox; as well as a story about Col. John Singleton Mosby and the draft lottery of 1864. Admission is free and open to the public. For additional information, call 302-323-4453.

David Price, a 32nd degree Freemason and life-long history-enthusiast, has served as a historic-site interpreter at the New Castle Court House Museum since 2011 after completing a long career with General Motors. In addition to his work at the museum, the Newark, Del. resident has served as both a first- and third-person interpreter at Fort Delaware, among several other locations, and has conducted numerous lectures and performances based on his research of the American Civil War.

 -End-

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