(DOVER, Del. — Jan. 23, 2023) — During the month of February 2023, the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs will be sponsoring 11 special events. Eight of these events will be presented in commemoration of Black History Month, an annual observance celebrating the invaluable contributions that the African American community has made to the culture and history of the United States. 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/2022/12/28/hca-black-history-month-2023/.

Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs programs, February 2023

Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023
“Struggles for Equality — ‘Ending Erasure: The African Burial Ground.’ “ Black History Month program about the site that is believed to be the final resting place for enslaved and free Black men, women and children who died on the John Dickinson Plantation. Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Programs at 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. 302-744-5054 or mailto:OSHmuseum@delaware.gov.

Saturday, Feb. 4, 2022
“Ending Erasure: Recognizing African Americans in the Cultural Landscape.” Program in which Vertie Lee, Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ curator of education, and Gloria Henry, site supervisor of the John Dickinson Plantation, discuss the site’s African Burial Ground and its Plantation Stories Project. Presented by the Hockessin Historical Society. Hockessin Public Library, 1023 Valley Road, Hockessin. Noon. Free but reservations suggested. 302-239-5160.

Friday, Feb. 10, 2023
“Segregated Sands” and “Recapturing Black Beaches” information session. Virtual presentation discussing the Zwaanendael Museum’s online exhibit “Segregated Sands” and the oral history project “Recapturing Black Beaches.” Program streamed live via Zoom. 4 p.m. Free but registration required. 302-645-1148 or mailto:zmuseum@delaware.gov.

Friday, Feb. 10, 2023
Concert by singer/songwriter J.D. Webb. Folk, rock and blues. 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, Feb. 11, 2023
“Struggles for Equality — ‘The Letter of the Law.’ “ Black History Month program in which Juliette Wurm, lead historic-site interpreter at the New Castle Court House Museum, explores the bias and racism written in the laws of Delaware from the American Revolution to Reconstruction and how those laws were enforced. Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Programs at 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. 302-744-5054 or mailto:OSHmuseum@delaware.gov.

Monday, Feb. 13, 2023
“Enslavement and the Underground Railroad in Delaware: Stories from Below the Canal.” Presentation on some of the Underground Railroad Coalition of Delaware’s current projects including a new video, “The Tilly Escape,” about one of Harriet Tubman’s rescue missions in the Seaford, Del. area, and the search for the African Burial Ground at Dover’s John Dickinson Plantation. Laurel Public Library, 101 E. Fourth St., Laurel. 5 p.m. 302-875-3184.

Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023
“Struggles for Equality — ‘An Uphill Battle: The Unfulfilled Promise of the Civil War 1865-1896.’ “ At the end of the Civil War, great change seemed promised with the first federal civil rights acts and amendments. Why instead did the nation descend into segregation? In this Black History Month program, Lead Historic-Site Interpreter Gavin Malone explores the constitutional amendments, the first federal civil rights acts, Delaware’s political climate and reactions to federal legislation ending with the Plessy decision. 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, Feb. 24, 2023
“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. 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, Feb. 25, 2023
“Struggles for Equality — ‘The Letter of the Law.’ “ Black History Month program in which Lead Historic-Site Interpreter Juliette Wurm explores the bias and racism written in the laws of Delaware from the American Revolution to Reconstruction and how those laws were enforced. Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. Noon. 302-323-4453 or mailto:NCCHmuseum@delaware.govv.

Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023
“Struggles for Equality — ‘The Evolution of Black Recorded Music: ‘The Rock-n-Roll Soul.’ “ Black History Month multimedia presentation examines the roles played by Chuck Berry, Little Richard, James Brown, Fats Domino, Sister Rosetta Tharpe and the Detroit-based Motown Records in establishing soul music, rock and roll, and rhythm and blues. Program will feature biographies, musical recordings and video clips from the 1940s through the 1960s. 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.

Sunday, Feb. 26, 2023
“Thar She Blows! Whaling on the High Seas.” Program by Delaware Humanities speaker Steve Renzi on whaling in America and particularly the whaling industry in Delaware with the Wilmington Whaling Company. 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.

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

-Part of Dover, Del.’s citywide Black History Month celebration-

(DOVER, Del. — Jan. 17, 2023) — Beginning on Feb. 4 and continuing each Saturday through Feb. 25, 2023, the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ Old State House, located at 25 The Green in Dover, Delaware, will present four programs as part of the series, “Struggles for Equality.” The series is held in coordination with the city of Dover’s celebration of Black History Month, an annual observance that recognizes the invaluable contributions that the African-American community has made to the culture and history of the United States. Admission to the series is free and open to the public. For additional information, call 302-744-5054 or mailto:OSHmuseum@delaware.gov.

“Struggles for Equality” schedule

Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023
“Ending Erasure: The African Burial Ground.” Annie Fenimore, John Dickinson Plantation lead historic-site interpreter, will discuss the complex history of the Plantation’s African Burial Ground, believed to be the final resting place for enslaved and free Black men, women and children who died on the site. Archaeological research led to the identification of the burial ground in March of 2021. The program shares the historical context and archaeological research surrounding this significant piece of Delaware’s African American history. 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023
“The Letter of the Law.” Juliette Wurm, New Castle Court House Museum lead historic-site interpreter, will discuss the bias and racism written into the laws of Delaware from the American Revolution to Reconstruction and how those laws were enforced. 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023
“An Uphill Battle: The Unfulfilled Promise of the Civil War 1865-1896.” At the end of the Civil War, great change seemed promised with the first federal civil rights acts and amendments. Why instead did the nation descend into segregation? In this program, Gavin Malone, Old State House lead historic-site interpreter, explores the constitutional amendments, the first federal civil rights acts, Delaware’s political climate and reactions to federal legislation ending with the Plessy decision. 1 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023
“The Evolution of Black Recorded Music: The Rock-n-Roll Soul.” Multimedia presentation examines the roles played by Chuck Berry, Little Richard, James Brown, Fats Domino, Sister Rosetta Tharpe and the Detroit-based Motown Records in establishing rhythm and blues, soul and rock and roll music. Program will feature biographies, musical recordings and video clips from the 1940s through the 1960s. 1 p.m.

Completed in 1791, The Old State House is one of the earliest state-capitol 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.

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

(DOVER, Del. — Dec. 19, 2022) — The Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs will sponsor two special programs during the month of January 2023. A full schedule is included below. Admission is free and open to the public, but reservations are required for the second program. Go to the following link for additional information and reservation instructions: https://history.delaware.gov/2022/12/07/hca-programs-january-2023/.

Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs special programs, January 2023

Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023
New Year’s Day. All division-administered museums will be closed.

Monday, Jan. 2, 2023
New Year’s Day state holiday. All division-administered museums will be closed.

Friday, Jan. 13, 2023
Concert by Meghan Cary. Singer/songwriter. 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. Free admission. 302-744-5054 or mailto:OSHmuseum@delaware.gov.

Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023
“Welcome to the Zwaanendael Museum.” Virtual introduction highlighting what the Zwaanendael Museum does and what to expect in 2023. Program streamed live via Zoom. 4 p.m. Free but registration required. 302-645-1148 or mailto:zmuseum@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

For arts programming and projects taking place during
fiscal year 2024 (September 2023 – August 2024)

Wilmington, Del. (December 2, 2022) – The Delaware Division of the Arts has opened its annual online application process for grants for arts programming and projects taking place during fiscal year 2024 (September 2023 – August 2024). Applications will be submitted through the smARTDE online system and are due by 4:30 p.m. EST on Tuesday, March 1, 2023.

The guidelines for all grant programs are available online at arts.delaware.gov/grant-overview. Past and new applicants should read the guidelines carefully as updates may have been made and contact Division staff with any questions. A list of the Division staff members who manage the grants process, including their responsibilities and contact information, is available at the end of this release.

In FY23, the Division of the Arts awarded 115 grants for a total of $2.9 million to eligible Delaware based organizations.  You can read more here.

New to smARTDE? View the login instructions for smARTDE and watch the 30-minute demonstration video.

New Requirement This Cycle: Organization grant applications require a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Obtaining your UEI could take a minimum of 30 days. Read more about obtaining a UEI to begin the process today. CLICK HERE

Below are the Division’s grants programs and their respective deadlines. Please visit arts.delaware.gov/grant-overview/ to access the full guidelines for each program and a description of the grant review process. Some organizational grants are available throughout the year on a rolling deadline basis. 

Grants for Delaware Arts Organizations:

General Operating Support (GOS) – support of annual operating expenses to ensure that year-round participation in the arts is available to the people of Delaware. This grant category utilizes a three-year application cycle. Full applications are due every three years, with Interim Applications due in the “off” years. March 1 deadline.

Arts Stabilization Fund (ASF) – support for improvements to facilities owned (or under long-term lease) and operated by the organization. ASF grants are funded through the Division’s participation in the Arts Consortium of Delaware, Inc. (ArtCo) endowment. March 1 deadline.

Education Resource (EDR) – grants to strengthen standards-based arts education projects, programs, and activities that utilize the arts education resources of the Delaware arts community or strengthen arts organizations’ capacity to serve as professional development resources for teaching artists and educators. March 1 deadline.

StartUp – financial support, training, and consultation to develop and strengthen the management capacity of emerging arts organizations, or those new to the Division, so that they can operate in a sustainable manner. Completion of the StartUp program is a prerequisite for emerging organizations seeking General Operating Support. Letter of intent due January 15. If LOI accepted, March 1 deadline.

Arts Access – provides up to $1,000 to support the presentation of performing, visual, literary, media, or folk arts in communities throughout the state. Rolling deadline.                        

Grants for Delaware Community-Based Organizations (CBOs):

Project Support – support of arts programs provided by CBOs that assist in the growth of a vibrant cultural environment by encouraging the continued development of arts activities in communities throughout the state. March 1 deadline.

Arts Access – provide up to $1,000 to support the presentation of performing, visual, literary, media, or folk arts in communities throughout the state. Rolling deadline.

Grants for Delaware Schools and School Districts:

Artist Residency – grants for residencies with visual, literary, performing or media artists working with students in the classroom or in professional development workshops with teachers. Rolling deadline.

Education Resource (EDR) – grants to strengthen standards-based arts education projects, programs, and activities that utilize the arts education resources of the Delaware arts community or strengthen arts organizations’ capacity to serve as professional development resources for teaching artists and educators. March 1 deadline.

TranspARTation – grants that support transportation costs up to $500 per field trip for schools to travel to Delaware arts and cultural institutions and venues for students to attend arts performances, events, and exhibits. Rolling deadline.

Grants for Delaware Individual Artists:

Artist Fellowship – support of individual artists in their work as visual, performing, media, folk, and/or literary artists. Download the smARTDE Instructions to learn how to log in and navigate the system. Application opens Spring 2023 with an August 1 deadline.

Artist Opportunity Grant – grants up to $1,000 in support of individual artists with unique professional and artistic development or presentation opportunities. Quarterly deadlines.

For questions regarding any of these programs, please contact the appropriate Division contact below:

About the Delaware Division of the Arts
The Delaware Division of the Arts, a branch of the Delaware Department of State, is committed to supporting the arts and cultivating creativity to enhance the quality of life in Delaware. Together with its advisory body, the Delaware State Arts Council, the Division administers grants and programs that support arts programming, educate the public, increase awareness of the arts, and integrate the arts into all facets of Delaware life. Funding for Division programs is provided by annual appropriations from the Delaware General Assembly and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. For more information about the Delaware Division of the Arts, visit arts.delaware.gov or call 302-577-8278.

Contact: Andrew Truscott, Program Officer, Marketing and Communications
302-577-8280, Andrew.Truscott@delaware.gov

(DOVER, Del. — Nov. 22, 2022) — The Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs will be sponsoring seven special programs during the month of December 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/2022/11/01/hca-programs-december-2022.

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

Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022
“Hospitality Night.” Holiday program in which the museum will be decorated for the season by the Sussex Gardeners utilizing oyster shells and other nautical items on the theme “Gifts From the Sea.” Other activities will include historical interpreters, demonstrations, music and seasonal refreshments. Presented in partnership with the Lewes Chamber of Commerce. Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. 5–8 p.m. 302-645-1148 or mailto:zmuseum@delaware.gov.

Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022
“Tour Zwaanendael Museum.” Enjoy the museum’s festive holiday-décor created by the Sussex Gardeners utilizing oyster shells and other nautical items on the theme “Gifts From the Sea.” Event held in conjunction with the Lewes Historical Society’s Holiday Tour of Lewes. Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. 302-645-1148 or mailto:zmuseum@delaware.gov.

Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022
“Who Were the Signers: Delaware’s Ratification Document.” In recognition of Delaware Day, guided tours will focus on the stories of some of the men who signed Delaware’s ratification document 235 years ago. Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. 302-744-5054 or mailto:OSHmuseum@delaware.gov.

Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2022
“Hollywood History at the Court House: ‘Knickerbocker Holiday.’ ” Screening of the 1944 film “Knickerbocker Holiday” and a brief presentation by New Castle Court House Site Supervisor, Cindy Snyder, on Peter Stuyvesant. Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. Film at 6:30 p.m. 302-323-4453. For reservations, email mailto:Cynthia.Snyder@delaware.gov.

Friday, Dec. 9, 2022
Concert by Last Chance. Folk 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. Free admission. 302-744-5054 or mailto:OSHmuseum@delaware.gov.

Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022
“Spirit of Christmas in New Castle.” One of the best preserved Colonial-era towns in America features a day-long series of events including tours of decorated historic homes, re-enactments, programs at museums including the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ New Castle Court House Museum, crafts, musical entertainment and more. Downtown New Castle. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. 302-328-3279.

Friday, Dec. 16, 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, Dec. 24, 2022
Christmas Eve. All division-administered museums will be closed.

Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022
Christmas Day. All division-administered museums will be closed.

Monday, Dec. 26, 2022
Christmas Day state holiday. All division-administered museums will be closed.

Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022
New Year’s Eve. All division-administered museums will be open.

Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023
New Year’s Day. All division-administered museums will be closed.

Monday, Jan. 2, 2023
New Year’s Day state holiday. All division-administered museums will be closed.

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