Historical Affairs’ Women’s History Month 2023 programs

(DOVER, Del. — Feb. 14, 2023) — The Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs will be sponsoring eight special events during the month of March 2023. Six of these events will be presented in celebration of National Women’s History Month. 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/2023/01/31/division-celebrates-womens-history-month-2023/.

Designated by joint resolutions of the United States House of Representatives and Senate and proclaimed by the American president, National Women’s History Month is an opportunity to honor and celebrate women’s lives and historic achievements. Each year, National Women’s History Month employs a unifying theme and recognizes national honorees whose work and lives testify to that theme. For 2023, the theme is “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories,” a recognition of women, past and present, who have been active in all forms of media and storytelling including print, radio, television, stage, screen, blogs, podcasts, news and social media. This theme honors women in every community who have devoted their lives and talents to producing art and news, pursuing truth and reflecting society decade after decade.

Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs programs, March 2023

Saturday, March 4, 2023
“Stories of the Dauntless Women of the War of 1812.” Women’s History Month lecture by Historic-Site Interpreter Susan Emory exploring the brave women from America, England and Canada who played important roles in the war effort. Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. 1 p.m. 302-744-5054 or mailto:OSHmuseum@delaware.gov.

Friday, March 10, 2023
Concert by Isabel Angela and the Hazel Ravens. Folk/Americana/country rock. Women’s History Month program 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.

Thursday, March 16, 2023
“Women on Ships.” Women’s History Month program explores the history of females who sailed the seven seas, from pirates to captains’ wives. Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. 2 p.m. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations required by March 15. 302-645-1148 or mailto:zmuseum@delaware.gov.

Saturday, March 18, 2023
“The Kidnapping of Bathsheba Bungy.” Women’s History Month dramatic performance by Valarie Petty Boyer Ph.D. exploring the story a free, African American girl from New Castle who was kidnapped and taken to Maryland to be sold into slavery, and her subsequent rescue and retribution. Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. 1 p.m. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations requested by calling 302-323-4453 or mailto:NCCHmuseum@delaware.gov.

Sunday, March 19, 2023
“The Big House.” Women’s History Month program by Delaware Humanities speaker Steve Renzi on the New Castle County Workhouse at Greenbank which employed the first female prison guards in the United States. Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. 1:30 p.m. 302-323-4453 or mailto:NCCHmuseum@delaware.gov.

Friday, March 24, 2023
“Well Seasoned Heirlooms.” Women’s History Month program in which 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. Program streamed live via Zoom and on the New Castle Court House Museum’s Facebook page. Noon. Free but Zoom registration required. 302-323-4453 or mailto:NCCHmuseum@delaware.gov.

Saturday, March 25, 2023
“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 admission but reservations required. 302-922-7116 or mailto:CBmuseum@delaware.gov.

Saturday, March 25, 2023
“A Delaware Mystery: The Disappearance of Little Horace Marvin Jr.” Brian Cannon, author and former lead-interpreter at the museum, will recount the tragic story and sensational national manhunt for the four-year-old child who disappeared from his Kitts Hummock, Del. farm home in 1907. Marvin’s disappearance would be the most publicized missing child story until the Lindbergh kidnapping exactly 25 years later. Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. 1 p.m. 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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

“Civil War Band of Brothers” virtual program from The Old State House on Oct. 22, 2020

–Program to be presented free via Zoom; registration required–

(DOVER, Del. — Oct. 14, 2020) — In recognition of the Delaware heroes who fought in the American Civil War, Dover, Del.’s Old State House will present “Civil War Band of Brothers: Four Men of the First Delaware Regiment” on Thursday Oct. 22, 2020 at 6 p.m. NOTE: Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the program will not be conducted in front of a live audience but will instead be streamed live via Zoom.

The Civil War has captured Americans’ imaginations for more than 150 years since the conflict’s conclusion in 1865. In this lecture, created by Old State House historical interpreters, viewers will have an opportunity to learn about the true stories of four men — a doctor, a chaplain, a soldier and an Irish immigrant — who served in the Union Army’s First Delaware Volunteer Infantry Regiment which participated in some of the bloodiest battles of the war including Antietam, Fredericksburg and Gettysburg.

“Civil War Band of Brothers: Four Men of the First Delaware Regiment” is free and open to its first 100 registrants. Viewers MUST REGISTER for the program by going to the following sign-up link: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_wtXbL062QMeD1r-xP9E1eg. For additional information, contact The Old State House at 302-744-5054. Go to the following for information on how to join a Zoom meeting.

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: 302-608-5326
E-mail: Jim.Yurasek@delaware.gov
Web: http://history.delaware.gov

“Cyber Seafaring”: Zwaanendael Museum’s Virtual Maritime-History Series, Oct. 1–3, 2020

-All activities to be presented free via Zoom; registration required-

(DOVER, Del.—Sept. 21, 2020)— Between Oct. 1 and 3, 2020, Lewes, Del.’s Zwaanendael Museum will present “Cyber Seafaring,” a four-part series of presentations on the Lewes/Cape Henlopen region’s maritime history. NOTE: Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Cyber Seafaring programs will not be conducted in front of a live audience but will instead be streamed live via Zoom.

Each of the programs is free but viewers MUST REGISTER for each individual program by going to the following: https://history.delaware.gov/2020/09/17/cyber-seafaring-2020/. Viewership is limited to the first 100 registrants for each program. For additional information, contact the Zwaanendael Museum via e-mail at HCA_ZMevents@delaware.gov or by telephone at 302-645-1148.

“Cyber Seafaring” schedule

Thursday, Oct. 1, 2020 at 3:30 p.m.
“Menhaden Fishing in Lewes”
Local historian Robert Kennedy will cover the last 30 years of the Lewes based, largest commercial menhaden fishing operation in the world. It will include what menhaden are, how they were caught, how they were processed and the myriad products that include menhaden as an essential ingredient.

Friday, Oct. 2, 2020 at 11 a.m.

“Diving Into History, A Look at Maritime Archaeology”
Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs archaeologist Stephanie Soder will present the history and methods of maritime archaeology, and discuss work completed on Delaware’s famous (and infamous) wrecks.

Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020 at 11 a.m.
“The Wreck of the DeBraak”
Join the staff of the Zwaanendael Museum as they share the history of the British warship DeBraak from the day it sank to the day it was salvaged. Learn about the complexities of an 18th century sailor’s life and of shipwreck preservation.

Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020 at 3:30 p.m.
“Fort Miles, 50 Years of Service”
Tyler Dreiblatt, interpretive programs manager for the Fort Miles Museum and Historic Area, will explore how the Cape Henlopen stronghold protected the Delmarva region for half a century by preparing for German battleships, Soviet submarines, the threat of nuclear war and more.

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 museum is administered by the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, an agency of the State of Delaware.

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Contact:
Jim Yurasek
Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs
Phone: 302-608-5326
E-mail: Jim.Yurasek@delaware.gov
Web: http://history.delaw

Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs sponsors 14 special events during February 2020

-Eight of the programs celebrate African American History Month-

(DOVER, Del.—Jan. 22, 2020)—During the month of February 2020, the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs will be offering 14 special events at sites across the state. Eight of these events will be presented in commemoration of African American History Month, an annual observance celebrating the invaluable contributions that the black community has made to the culture and history of the United States. A full schedule is included below. Except where noted, all programs are free and open to the public.

Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs special events, February 2020

Saturday, Feb. 1, 2020

“Lost By One Vote.” Inter-active historical theater presentation that features the pros and cons of Lincoln’s Compensated Emancipation Plan of 1862 that would have abolished slavery in Delaware and the nation. Presented in celebration of African American History Month. 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.

Saturday, Feb. 1, 2020

“The Big Bang.” Screening and discussion of episode one of the three-part PBS documentary “American Epic” which explores how the ordinary people of America were given the opportunity to make records for the first time. Presented in celebration of African American History Month. First Saturday in the First State program. Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New St., Dover. Screenings at 10 a.m., Noon and 2 p.m. in the 2nd floor gallery (entry via staircase; no elevator). Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-739-3262.

Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020

“The Summers Family: A Generational Story.” African American History Month guided tours explore the true story of the manumission (granting of freedom) of two slave children—Ruth and Thomas Summers—which took place in 1797 in the Kent County Recorder of Deeds office, located in what is now called The Old State House. The children were manumitted by their own father, James Summers, a free African American, who had obtained them from their former owner. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5054.

Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020

“Blood and Soil.” Screening and discussion of episode two of the three-part PBS documentary “American Epic” which explores how the ordinary people of America were given the opportunity to make records for the first time. Presented in celebration of African American History Month. Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New St., Dover. Screenings at 10 a.m., Noon and 2 p.m. in the 2nd floor gallery (entry via staircase; no elevator). Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-739-3262.

Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020

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.

Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2020

“With Malice Toward None: Abraham Lincoln in Words and Pictures.” Historian Dan Pritchett will discuss Lincoln’s love of language and his ability to use words to influence and inspire people and to transform the nation. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. 6 p.m. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Free admission. 302-744-5054.

Friday, Feb. 14, 2020

Concert by Ronn McFarlane. Lute player 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, Feb. 15, 2020

“African Americans on the Eastern Shore.” Lecture by Jim Blackwell of the Seaford Museum exploring Eastern Shore history, slavery, the Ross family and Harriet Tubman. Presented in celebration of African American History Month. Lewes Public Library, 111 Adams Ave., Lewes. 2 p.m. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations are required by calling 302-645-1148 no later than Feb. 14, 2020. Note: Due to overwhelming demand, the venue for this program has been changed from the Zwaanendael Museum to the Lewes Public Library.

Saturday, Feb. 15, 2020

“Out of the Many, the One.” Screening and discussion of the final episode of the three-part PBS documentary “American Epic” which explores how the ordinary people of America were given the opportunity to make records for the first time. Presented in celebration of African American History Month. Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New St., Dover. Screenings at 10 a.m., Noon and 2 p.m. in the 2nd floor gallery (entry via staircase; no elevator). Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-739-3262.

Saturday, Feb. 15, 2020

The African American Experience in Delaware.” Historic-site interpreter Dennis Fisher explores Delaware’s rich African American culture, history and legacy from the 18th to the 20th century. 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.

Monday, Feb. 17, 2020

Presidents Day. The following museums of the State of Delaware will be open: The Johnson Victrola Museum and The Old State House, open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. The following museums will be closed: The John Dickinson Plantation, the New Castle Court House Museum and the Zwaanendael Museum. 302-744-5054.

Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020

“Revisiting the Founding Era.” Presentation by Bob Vander Decker, historical interpreter for the New Castle Court House Museum and Boy Scouts of America district leader. Presented in partnership with the New Castle Public Library. Boy Scouts can earn requirements for several scout-related merit badges by attending the program. Girl Scouts and all interested youths (ages 12-18) are also welcome. New Castle Public Library, 424 Delaware St., New Castle. Program 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. followed by a tour of the New Castle Court House Museum at 1:30 p.m. Lunch provided. Free admission but registration required by calling the library at 302-328-1995 or the museum at 302-323-4453.

Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020

“The Women’s Suffrage Movement: Below the Color-Line.” African American History Month program by historian Syl Woolford explores the struggle for women to gain the right to vote and the role played by black women in the movement. 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.

Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020
“Coffee, Cross Stitch and Conversation.” Stitch-along program with guidance from museum historical interpreter and cross stitcher Madeline Golden. One of two original patterns featuring the Zwaanendael Museum will be available for participants as they enjoy refreshments and conversation while working on their chosen design. Appropriate for both beginners and advanced cross stitchers. 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. Admission fee of $10 includes materials for visitors to create their own cross stitch. Due to space restrictions, reservations for the workshop are required by calling 302-645-1148 no later than Feb. 15, 2020.

Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020
“George Washington’s Unique Skill in Picking Top Talent.” Presentation by Dr. Sam Hoff of Delaware State University and museum historical interpreter Tom Welch on the men that Washington chose to serve in the military, in his spy networks, in his Cabinet and on the Supreme Court. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Program at 2 p.m. Museum open 1:30–4:30 p.m. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations are suggested by calling 302-744-5054.

Exhibits and displays, February 2020

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
“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 and 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
“The Path to Freedom: A History of the Underground Railroad in Delaware.” Exhibit 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. Part II of the display explores some of the challenges faced by African-American Delawareans after the Civil War, and showcases Delaware trailblazers who helped break racial and gender barriers. 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. Free admission. 302-323-4453.

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. 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
“Simple Machines.” Display 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.

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. Mon.–Fri., 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Free admission but passage through security checkpoint required. 302-744-4114.

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