(DOVER, Del.—Jan. 15, 2016)—In celebration of the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., three of the museums of the State of Delaware will be offering special programs during January 2016. Admission to all three programs is free and open to the public.

On Monday, Jan. 18, 2016, between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., The Old State House, located at 25 The Green in Dover, will present special interpretive tours that focus on three compelling stories of courageous Delawareans whose fight for freedom and equality began at the Old State House. The trilogy begins with “Lost by One Vote,” the story of Delaware’s nearly successful attempt to end slavery in the state through President Lincoln’s Compensated Emancipation Plan of 1862, while “The Summers Story,” part two of the trilogy, explores the circumstances of James Summers, a free-black father who bought the freedom of his two children. The final segment of the trilogy explores the life of Delaware’s famous Underground Railroad conductor Samuel D. Burris. For additional information, call 302-744-5054.

Also on Monday, Jan. 18, 2016, between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., the Johnson Victrola Museum, located at 375 S. New St.in Dover, will present “The Struggle,” guided tours that explore the lives of African-American vocalists and Civil Rights activists Paul Robeson and Marian Anderson, accompanied by 78-rpm recordings of those artists played on authentic Victor Talking Machines. For additional information, call 302-739-3262.

Finally, on Tuesday, Jan. 19 at 7 p.m., the New Castle Court House Museum, located at 211 Delaware St. in New Castle, will screen the 2002 documentary film, “Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: A Historical Perspective.” This revealing documentary uses rare and largely unseen film footage and photographs to explore King’s life and the development of his philosophies, set against the backdrop of the Civil Rights Movement. Admission to the film is free but, due to space restrictions, reservations are recommended by calling 302-323-4453.

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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

-Listing of museum events through May 2016 also included-

(DOVER, Del.—Jan. 8, 2016)—On Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016 at 2 p.m., the Zwaanendael Museum, located at 102 Kings Highway in Lewes, Del. will host the program “Preservation 50— “I Cannot Tell a Lie, It was Almost a Big Blue: Historic Preservation and Archaeology at Ferry Farm, George Washington’s Boyhood Home,” a lecture by Paul Nasca, Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ curator of archaeology. The lecture will explore preservation through archaeology and the actions taken in Virginia that impacted the historic preservation of one of the nation’s iconic places. It is presented as part of the division’s celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the passage of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. The program will take place on the museum’s 2nd floor (entry via staircase; no elevator). Admission is free but, due to space restrictions, reservations are required by calling 302-645-1148 no later than Jan. 15, 2016.

George Washington was six years old in 1738 when his family moved to a farm in Stafford County, Va. The Washingtons called this place the Home Farm but it later became known as Ferry Farm because people crossed the Rappahannock River on a ferry from the farm to the town of Fredericksburg. In 1996, the Kenmore Association (now known as the George Washington Foundation) saved the property from commercial development and in July 2008, archaeologists finally located and excavated the remains of the Washington family’s house whose location had previously been unknown.

Preservation50 is the United States’ multi-year celebration of the 50th anniversary of the passage of the National Historic Preservation Act. The Act has transformed the face of communities from coast to coast as it established the legal framework and incentives to preserve historic buildings, landscapes and archaeology. Preservation50 reveals the great value that historic preservation delivers to the American people. Its aim is to build a community that leads preservation for the next 50 years.

Paul Nasca has served as the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ curator of archaeology since June 1, 2015. He holds degrees in anthropology from the College of William and Mary (master’s) and the State University of New York at Buffalo (bachelor’s). His experience includes work as an archaeologist/collections manager for the City of Alexandria, Va.; as a staff archaeologist for the George Washington Foundation in Fredericksburg, Va.; as an archaeological conservator for the College of William and Mary; and as a field technician for the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and the Old Fort Niagara Association. His article, “Washington’s Boyhood Home,” was published in Smithsonian Magazine in 2008.

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 facade gable with carved stonework and decorated shutters. The museum’s exhibits and presentations provide a showcase for Lewes-area maritime, military and social history.

Following is a schedule of Zwaanendael-Museum-sponsored special events through May 2016. All listed programs take place at the Zwaanendael Museum located at 102 Kings Highway, Lewes, Del. Museum hours from Nov. 1 to March 31 are Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. From April 1 to Oct. 31, museum hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; and Sunday, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. All listed programs are free and open to the public. For additional information, call 302-645-1148.

Zwaanendael Museum special events through May 2016

 Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016
“Preservation50—‘I Cannot Tell a Lie, It was Almost a Big Blue: Historic Preservation and Archaeology at Ferry Farm, George Washington’s Boyhood Home.’ ” Lecture by Paul Nasca, Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ curator of archaeology, on Preservation Through Archaeology and the actions taken in Virginia that impacted the historic preservation of one of the nation’s iconic places. Presented in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the passage of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966.2 p.m. Due to space restrictions, reservations are required by calling 302-645-1148 no later than Jan. 15, 2016.

Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016
“Painting a Portrait: Crystals and Hoodoo Aboard the H.M.S. DeBraak.” African-American History Month presentation by Fran Mahon on African religious practices in the 18th century and the possibility that some of the crew members aboard the British warship that sank off the Delaware coast in 1798 may have been of African descent. 2 p.m. Due to space restrictions, reservations are required by calling 302-645-1148 no later than Feb. 5, 2016.

Saturday, Feb. 13, 2016
“Preservation50—‘Preserving History of the African American Culture in Delaware: New Found Stories from Sussex County.’ ” Presentation by historian Bev Laing and researcher Carlton Hall of the State Historic Preservation Office on newly found documentation of stories of African-American life in 19th and 20th century Delaware. Presented in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the passage of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. 2 p.m. Due to space restrictions, reservations are required by calling 302-645-1148 no later than Feb. 12, 2016.

Saturday, March 12, 2016
“Preservation50—‘The National Register of Historic Places Program: A Profile of Sussex County’s Listings.’ ” Madeline Dunn, National Register coordinator for the State Historic Preservation Office, will explain the program and its eligibility requirements. Presented in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the passage of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. 2 p.m. Due to space restrictions, reservations are required by calling 302-645-1148 no later than March 11, 2016.

Thursday–Saturday, April 7–16, 2016
Lewes Tulip Celebration. City-wide series of activities including tours and displays at the Zwaanendael Museum. Sponsored by the Lewes Chamber of Commerce. Downtown Lewes. 302-645-8073.

Saturday, April 16, 2016
Dutch-American Friendship Day. Discover Delaware’s Dutch roots and learn how that connection is alive today. 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 30, 2016
King’s Day. Celebration of the birthday of King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands in a program that will also explore royal titles and Delaware’s Dutch connection.10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 28, 2016
Fifth Annual Zwaanendael Maritime Celebration: “A Sailor’s Life for Me.” Maritime-themed activities, games, displays by local organizations and more. 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Zwaanendael Museum 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.

Ongoing
“Discovering Delaware’s Maritime Past.” Display explores the DeBraak, a shipwrecked 18th-century British warship including a photo of the hull recovery, reproductions of items aboard ship, and a model of the vessel.

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.

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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

(DOVER, Del.—Jan. 7, 2016)—The New Castle Court House Museum, located at 211 Delaware St. in New Castle, Del., will be presenting two history-related programs during the month of January 2016.

On Wednesday, Jan. 13 at 7 p.m., historical interpreter Bob Vander Decker will present the first lecture of a year-long series entitled “The Founding of America in One Year” which will examine important local and national events that led to the creation of the United States. In the Jan. 13 program, Vander Decker will explore the period of 1603 to 1699 when the east coast of North America was experiencing a wave of European colonization. Admission to the lecture is free and open to the public.

On Tuesday, Jan. 19 at 7 p.m., the museum will screen the 2002 documentary film, “Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: A Historical Perspective.” This revealing documentary uses rare and largely unseen film footage and photographs to explore King’s life and the development of his philosophies, set against the backdrop of the Civil Rights Movement. Admission to the film is free but, due to space restrictions, reservations are recommended by calling 302-323-4453.

One of the oldest and most historic courthouses in the United States, the New Castle Court House (main section built in 1732) served as Delaware’s first court and state capitol. Here in 1776, New Castle, Kent and Sussex counties declared their independence from Pennsylvania and England creating the Delaware State. The museum features tours and exhibits that illustrate Delaware’s unique boundaries, law and government and the Underground Railroad.

In addition to the January programs, the museum is currently featuring the exhibit “Emeline Hawkins: Her Journey From Slavery to Freedom on the Underground Railroad” which 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; and Sculpture by Charles Parks, a 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.

The New Castle Court House Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Sunday from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. For additional information, call 302-323-4453.

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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

(DOVER, Del.—Dec. 18, 2015)—The Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs will be hosting 12 special events during the month of January 2016 at the museums of the state of Delaware. A full schedule is included below. All programs are free and open to the public.

Highlights of the month include “Fiber Arts Fridays,” a four-part series of programs taking place between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Jan. 8, 15, 22 and 29 at the John Dickinson Plantation, located at 340 Kitts Hummock Road in Dover. During each week of the series, visitors will have an opportunity to learn about a different fiber-arts discipline including weaving, spinning and knitting.

On Saturday, Jan. 2 at 1 p.m., The Old State House, located 25 The Green in Dover, will present “Tales Tombstones Tell,” in which storyteller Ed Okonowicz examines the rich history found on grave markers in Delaware. The day’s activities will also include guided tours of the display “Delaware Mourns Lincoln: A Demonstration of Love and Sorrow.”

Finally, on Saturday, Jan. 16 at 2 p.m., the Zwaanendael Museum, located at 102 Kings Highway in Lewes, will present “I Cannot Tell a Lie, It was Almost a Big Blue: Historic Preservation and Archaeology at Ferry Farm, George Washington’s Boyhood Home,” a lecture by Paul Nasca, Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ curator of archaeology, on Preservation Through Archaeology and the actions taken in Virginia that impacted the historic preservation of one of the nation’s iconic places. The program is presented as part of the division’s celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the passage of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. Admission to the lecture is free but, due to space restrictions, reservations are required by calling 302-645-1148 no later than Jan. 15, 2016.

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 displays, exhibits and special programs, the museums explore how the state’s distinctive physical environment, in combination with the people who came to live there, gave Delaware an identity that is different from any other place. Go to the following for a comprehensive, long-term calendar of museum events.

Special events at the museums of the state of Delaware, January 2016

Saturday, Jan. 2, 2016
“Music to Pray To; Music to Rejoice To.” Hear original 78rpm recordings of inspirational music 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. 2, 2016
“Tales Tombstones Tell.” Storyteller Ed Okonowicz examines the rich history found on grave markers in Delaware. The day’s activities will also include guided tours of the display “Delaware Mourns Lincoln: A Demonstration of Love and Sorrow.” First Saturday in the First State program. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Storytelling at 1 p.m. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5054.

Fridays, Jan. 8, 15, 22 and 29, 2016
“Fiber Arts Fridays.” Four-part series in which visitors will learn about a different fiber-art each week including weaving, spinning, knitting and other fabric arts. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Program 11–3 p.m. Museum open 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Free admission. 302-739-3277.

Saturday, Jan. 9, 2016
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, Jan. 13, 2016
“The Founding of America in One Year.” Lecture by historical interpreter Bob Vander Decker. Part one of a year-long series that examines important local and national events that led to the founding of the United States. New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. 7 p.m. 302-323-4453.

Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016
“Preservation 50—‘I Cannot Tell a Lie, It was Almost a Big Blue: Historic Preservation and Archaeology at Ferry Farm, George Washington’s Boyhood Home.’ ” Lecture by Paul Nasca, Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ curator of archaeology, on Preservation Through Archaeology and the actions taken in Virginia that impacted the historic preservation of one of the nation’s iconic places. Presented in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the passage of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. Program 2 p.m. Museum open 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations are required by calling 302-645-1148 no later than Jan. 15, 2016.

Monday, Jan. 18, 2016
“Courage and Freedom.” In commemoration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, guided tours will focus on three compelling stories of courageous Delawareans whose fight for freedom and equality began at the Old State House. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5054.

Monday, Jan. 18, 2016
“The Struggle.” In commemoration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, guided tours focus on African-American vocalists and Civil Rights activists Paul Robeson and Marian Anderson, accompanied by 78rpm recordings of those artists played on authentic Victor Talking Machines. Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New St., Dover. 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-739-3262.

Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2016
“Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: A Historical Perspective.” Screening of the 2002 documentary film that explores King’s life and the development of his philosophies, set against the backdrop of the Civil Rights Movement. New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. 7 p.m. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations are recommended by calling 302-323-4453.

Exhibits and displays, January 2016
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. 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
“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. 302-744-5054.

Ongoing
“Discovering Delaware’s Maritime Past.” Display explores the DeBraak, a shipwrecked 18th-century British warship including a photo of the hull recovery, reproductions of items aboard ship, and a model of the vessel. 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
“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. Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Sun., 1:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. 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.” 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.

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.

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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

(DOVER, Del.—Dec. 17, 2015)—The five state museums administered by the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs (the John Dickinson Plantation, the Johnson Victrola Museum, the New Castle Court House Museum, The Old State House and the Zwaanendael Museum) and the First State Heritage Park (including the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries, the John Bell House and Legislative Hall) will be closed all day on Thursday, Dec. 24, 2015 (Christmas Eve) and Friday, Dec. 25, 2015, (Christmas Day). All of the sites will return to their normal operating hours on Saturday, Dec. 26, 2015.

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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