The Delaware Public Archives was proud to join with Nanticoke Indian Tribe Chief Natosha Norwood Carmine, members of the Delaware General Assembly, and more than 125 guests and friends as they unveiled a new Delaware historical marker on Monday, November 15, 2021. The new Indian Mission School historical marker details the school that was founded by the Nanticoke Indian Tribe that established the school in the 1920s, and is located on the Nanticoke Indian Center grounds in Millsboro, Delaware.

Photos from the Dedication:

Terry Sammons of the Lenapé Indian Tribe of Delaware

-Events to feature the Lenapé Indian Tribe of Delaware-

(DOVER, Del.—Aug. 19, 2019)—Native American culture, with a spotlight on the Lenapé Indian Tribe of Delaware, will be celebrated with a series of activities on Sept. 2, 7 and 14, 2019 at The Old State House, located at 25 The Green; and the Johnson Victrola Museum, located at 375 S. New St.; both in downtown Dover, Del. Events will include music, drumming, dancing, crafts and lectures. A detailed schedule of events follows. Admission is free and open to the public. For additional information, call 302-744-5054 or visit https://history.delaware.gov/lenape2019.

Celebrate Native American culture schedule of events
In addition to the special programs noted below, the Johnson Victrola Museum and The Old State House will be open for visitation from 9 a.m.to 4:30 p.m. on each of the following days.

Monday, Sept. 2, 2019
Elected Chief Dennis Coker of the Lenapé Indian Tribe of Delaware. Chief Coker will discuss the tribe’s history and its continuing presence in Delaware. The Old State House. 1 p.m.

Monday, Sept. 2, 2019
“The Importance of Regalia in Native American Culture.” Native American flutist Bo Harris returns to the museum to discuss “regalia” or traditional clothing in Native American ceremonies. Johnson Victrola Museum. Program at 2:30 p.m. in the museum’s 2nd floor gallery (entry via staircase; no elevator).

Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019
“Celebrating Native American Music.” The flute is one of the most popular instruments in Native American music. Renowned flute maker Bob Willasch will demonstrate how to make the instruments and visitors will have an opportunity to decorate their own versions. First Saturday in the First State program. Johnson Victrola Museum. Programs at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. in the museum’s 2nd floor gallery (entry via staircase; no elevator).

Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019
“Today’s Lenapé: An Archaeologist Considers Material Aspects of Contemporary Lenapé Culture.” Delaware State Parks archaeologist John McCarthy will discuss uses of the material world to express identity and values in contemporary Lenapé culture including places that are important to the tribe; the importance of regalia and the pow-wow tradition; and traditions of family, hospitality and more. First Saturday in the First State program. The Old State House. 1 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019
“Celebrating Lenapé Heritage.” Ninth annual event featuring the Lenapé Indian Tribe of Delaware as they celebrate their culture and long existence in Delaware through art, displays, demonstrations and music. The Old State House. 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

The 2019 events celebrating Native American culture are presented by the Lenapé Public Program Committee which is comprised of members of the Lenapé Indian Tribe of Delaware and staff of the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs.

The Old State House and the Johnson Victrola Museum are 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.

-End-

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

-Part one of the “Across the Ages to the Edge of the Sea” lecture series-

(LEWES, Del.—Oct. 10, 2018)—On Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018 at 2 p.m., the Zwaanendael Museum, located at 102 Kings Highway in Lewes, Del., will present “The Lenapé Indian Tribe of Delaware,” a lecture by Theo Braunskill, Lenapé citizen and Elders Council member, and Nena Todd, manager of the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ downtown Dover museums. The program will explore Native American lifeways, culture, challenges and successes—both past and present. Braunskill will also discuss her experiences growing up Lenapé in Delaware.

The program is the first installment of “Across the Ages to the Edge of the Sea,” a seven-part series exploring the history of the Lewes, Del. area from the 17th to the 20th centuries. The program will be held on the museum’s 2nd floor (entry via staircase; no elevator). Admission is free but, due to space restrictions, reservations are required by calling the museum at 302-645-1148 no later than Oct. 19, 2018.

The Lenapé Indian Tribe of Delaware is a state-recognized Native American tribe with an unbroken history of hundreds of years of settlement and continued residency in the vicinity of the town of Cheswold, Del. Formerly known as the Moors (or Indians) of Kent County, Del., the tribe traces its ancestry to the Lenape, also known as the Leni Lenape, Lenni Lenape and Delaware people, whose historical homeland included present-day New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware along the Delaware River and Bay watershed, New York City, western Long Island and the Lower Hudson Valley.

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 the complete schedule for the “Across the Ages to the Edge of the Sea” series. All programs in the series begin at 2 p.m. on the museum’s 2nd floor (entry via staircase; no elevator) and are free and open to the public. However, due to space restrictions, reservations are required by calling the museum at 302-645-1148.

“Across the Ages to the Edge of the Sea”
Schedule as of Oct. 10, 2018

Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018
Lecture on the Lenapé Indian Tribe of Delaware. Program by Theo Braunskill, Lenapé citizen and Elders Council member, and Nena Todd, manager of the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ downtown Dover museums. Reservations must be made no later than Oct. 19, 2018.

Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018
Lecture by U.S. Navy Capt. Bill Manthorpe. In honor of Veterans Day and the signing of the armistice ending World War I, the program will explore the effects of the Great War on Lewes, Del. Reservations must be made no later than Nov. 9, 2018.

Saturday, Dec. 8, 2018
Lecture by Wayne Kirklin. Program on the history of lightships and of Lewes’ own Lightship Overfalls presented by author, instructor and Lightship Overfalls guide Wayne Kirklin. Reservations must be made no later than Dec. 7, 2018.

Saturday, Jan. 12, 2019
Lecture by archaeologist Dan Griffith. Program on Avery’s Rest, a 17th-century archaeological site near Rehoboth Beach presented by Dan Griffith of Griffith Archaeology and retired director of the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs. Reservations must be made no later than Jan. 11, 2019.

Saturday, Feb. 9, 2019
“Revolutionary Drinks on the Delaware.” Lecture by Marcos Salaverria, director of education for the Lewes Historical Society, who will explore the consumption of chocolate, tea and coffee in Delaware during the 18th century. Reservations must be made no later than Feb. 8, 2019.

Saturday, March 9, 2019
Program TBD. Reservations must be made no later than March 8, 2019.

Saturday, April 6, 2019
Lecture on the bombardment of Lewes. Program by Chuck Fithian, retired curator of archaeology for the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs and current instructor and lecturer at Washington College, on the War of 1812 and the bombardment of Lewes in 1813. Reservations must be made no later than April 5, 2019.

The Zwaanendael Museum 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 and heritage. 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.

-End-

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

Updated: Sept. 12, 2018

(DOVER, Del.—Aug. 22, 2018)—During the month of September 2018, the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs will be sponsoring 21 special programs at sites across the state. 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, September 2018

Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018
“The First People of the First State: ‘A Lenapé Celebration of Heritage.’ ” Eighth annual celebration featuring the Lenapé Indian Tribe of Delaware as they honor mother earth and Native-American culture with dancing and demonstrations. First Saturday in the First State program. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Programs 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Grand entry at Noon. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5054.

Saturday, Sept. 1 and Monday, Sept. 3, 2018
“The First People of the First State: ‘American Indian Melodies and the Victor Talking Machine Company.’ ” Site interpreter Valerie Kauffman and American Indian flutist Boe Harris explore early-20th-century Victor Talking Machine Company recordings of compositions based on, or inspired by, Native American music, accompanied by 78-rpm recordings played on authentic Victor Talking Machines. In addition, Harris will perform Indian melodies and audience members will be provided with traditional instruments to play along in an impromptu “Indian melodies jam session.” Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New St., Dover. Programs at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-739-3262.

Monday, Sept. 3, 2018
Labor Day. All 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 John Dickinson Plantation, New Castle Court House Museum and the Zwaanendael Museum, open 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5054.

Monday, Sept. 3, 2018
“The First People of the First State: ‘The Long Road to Recognition: New Avenues.’ ” Elected Chief Dennis Coker will discuss the long process that led to the Lenapé Indian Tribe of Delaware’s official status as a state-recognized Indian community and what that means for Delaware’s citizens today. 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.

Thursdays, Sept. 6, 13, 20 and 27, 2018
“Lost Off Lewes: The British Warship DeBraak.” Special tour explores the history, artifacts and surviving hull section of this 18th-century shipwreck. Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. 9 a.m. Limited seating. Admission $10 (cash or check only). For reservations, e-mail hca_zmevents@delaware.gov or call 302-645-1148.

Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018
“The First People of the First State: ‘Archaeology in Delaware and the First People.’ ” Program by John P. McCarthy, RPA, cultural preservation specialist for Delaware State Parks, provides information on archaeological sites in Delaware that have revealed stunning information about the lives of Delaware’s first people. 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, Sept. 8, 2018
Demonstrations by the Thistledown Fiber Arts Guild. Program explores spinning, weaving, knitting and other fabric arts. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Program 1–3 p.m. Museum open 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.

Thursday, Sept. 13, 2018
“20th Annual Chautauqua—‘All Aboard: Delaware and the Railroad.’ ” Activities begin at 1 p.m., culminating at 7:15 p.m. when Bob Gleason of the American Historical Theatre portrays Mark Twain. Margaret H. Rollins Community Center, 101 Adams Ave., Lewes. Free admission. 302-645-7670. Note: Due to severe weather, venue changed from a tent at the Zwaanendael Museum to indoors at the Rollins Community Center.

Friday, Sept. 14, 2018
“20th Annual Chautauqua—‘All Aboard: Delaware and the Railroad.’ ” Activities begin at 1 p.m., culminating at 7:15 p.m. when Kim Hanley of the American Historical Theatre portrays a Harvey Girl. Margaret H. Rollins Community Center, 101 Adams Ave., Lewes. Free admission. 302-645-7670. Note: Due to severe weather, venue changed from tents at the Zwaanendael Museum and the Lewes History Museum to indoors at the Rollins Community Center.

Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018
“20th Annual Chautauqua—‘All Aboard: Delaware and the Railroad.’ ” Activities begin at 1 p.m., culminating at 7:15 p.m. when Neill Hartley of the American Historical Theatre portrays Joshua Lionel Cowen, the founder of the Lionel Corporation which manufactured toy trains. Margaret H. Rollins Community Center, 101 Adams Ave., Lewes. Free admission. 302-645-7670. Note: Due to severe weather, venue changed from a tent at the Lewes History Museum to indoors at the Rollins Community Center.

Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018
CANCELLED: “The First People of the First State: ‘Deciphering American Indian DNA.’ ” Program explores the implications of DNA testing from a Native American perspective. 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. Note: Due to Hurricane-Florence-related cancellations by panelists who would have been traveling from the Carolinas, this program has been cancelled.

Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018
“Model Railroading Today.” Presentation by John Hodges, president of the Delaware Seaside Model Railroad Club. Part of the “20th Annual Chautauqua—‘All Aboard: Delaware and the Railroad.’ ” Lewes Public Library, 111 Adams Ave., Lewes. 2:15 p.m. Free admission. 302-645-2733. Note: Due to severe weather, venue changed from a tent at the Lewes History Museum to indoors at the library.

Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2018
“Bombs, Blitz and Rations: Living in War Torn London During WWII.” Presentation features personal memories of World War II by New Castle resident Jean Norvell who grew up in war-torn London. New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. 7 p.m. 302-323-4453.

Friday, Sept. 21, 2018
“The First People of the First State: ‘Native American Arts.’ ” Join the Lenapé Indian Tribe of Delaware as they demonstrate drumming and dancing, and share the art of bead working. Partnership between the Dover Public Library and the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs. Dover Public Library, 35 Loockerman Plaza, Dover. 6 p.m. 302-736-7030.

Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018
“The First People of the First State: ‘American Indian Women Today.’ ” American Indian women, including author Kay Oxendine of the Haliwa-Saponi Tribe, will speak about traditional roles and how those roles have become pertinent in today’s #METOO society. 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, Sept. 22, 2018
National Estuaries Day Campfire Program. Presented in partnership with the St. Jones Reserve. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. 6–8 p.m. Admission free but reservations required by calling the St. Jones Reserve at 302-739-6377.

Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018
“The First People of the First State: ‘Bloomsbury and the Survival of the Lenapé People.’ ” Join archeologist and ethnographer Dr. Cara Blume as she examines the significance of the Bloomsbury archaeological site which gave proof of identity and the continued existence of the Lenapé people in Delaware. Partnership between the Dover Public Library and the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs. Dover Public Library, 35 Loockerman Plaza, Dover. 6 p.m. 302-736-7030.

Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018
“The First People of the First State: ‘Growing Up Lenapé in Delaware: Lenapé Women Speak.’ ” Tribal citizens speak about their experiences with American Indian identity before and after desegregation. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Program at 1 p.m. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5054.

Exhibits and displays, September 2018
In addition to special programming, the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs is sponsoring the following exhibits and displays. Admission is free and open to the public:

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

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

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

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

Ongoing
“The Old State House: A True Restoration 1976-2016.” Display explores preservation work that has been conducted since Delaware’s first permanent capitol building in Dover was restored to its original appearance in 1976. From the collections of the State of Delaware. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Mon.–Sat., 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Sun., 1:30–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5054.

Ongoing
Sculpture by Charles Parks. Display of works by the noted Wilmington artist featuring historical and political figures including a Minute Man, and presidents Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford and George W. Bush. New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Sun., 1:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-323-4453.

Ongoing
“A Seaborne Citizenry: The DeBraak and Its Atlantic World.” Exhibit utilizes artifacts recovered from His Majesty’s Sloop of War DeBraak, a British warship that sank off the Delaware coast on May 25, 1798, to tell the story of the vessel, its crew and the historical context within which it operated in the Atlantic World of the late 18th century. Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. 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.

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 and heritage. 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.

-End-

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

Updated: Sept. 12, 2018

(DOVER, Del.—Aug. 21, 2018)—The Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the Lenapé Indian Tribe of Delaware and the Dover Public Library, will be sponsoring “First People of the First State,” a series of 11 Lenapé-themed programs taking place during September 2018 at three locations in downtown Dover, Del. A full schedule is listed below. All programs are free and open to the public. For additional information, call 302-744-5054.

Commenting on the Lenapé people’s more than 12,000-year presence in Delaware, Nena Todd, site supervisor for the division’s downtown Dover museums, noted that, “despite the struggles and hardships that they have experienced in recent centuries, the Lenapé people continue to persevere, prosper and preserve their cultural heritage—and to generously share it with their fellow Delawareans.” In keeping with this tradition, the tribe has partnered with the division to sponsor Native-American-themed programming each September since 2012.

Highlights of the 2018 “First People of the First State” series include “A Lenapé Celebration of Heritage” which will take place between 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 1 at The Old State House located at 25 The Green. During the day’s activities, tribal members will celebrate mother earth and their culture with dancing, demonstrations and a “grand entry” at Noon.

On Saturday, Sept. 1 and Monday, Sept. 3, the Johnson Victrola Museum, located at 375 S. New St., will present “American Indian Melodies and the Victor Talking Machine Company,” a program that explores early-20th century Victor recordings of Native American music. During the program, site-interpreter Valerie Kauffman and featured guest—American Indian flutist Boe Harris—will explore what was called the “unique American sound” during the Indianist Movement of the 1880s through the 1920s. Visitors will have an opportunity to listen to some of these compositions on original 78-rpm recordings played on authentic Victor Talking Machines. In addition, Harris will perform Indian melodies and audience members will be provided with traditional instruments to play along in an impromptu “Indian melodies jam session.” Programs will take place at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on both days.

Finally, on Friday, Sept. 21 at 6 p.m., the Dover Public Library, located at 36 Loockerman Plaza, will host “Native American Arts” in which members of the Lenapé Tribe will demonstrate drumming and dancing, and share the art of bead working.

Funding for the 2018 “First People of the First State” series is provided, in part, by a grant from the Delaware Humanities Forum, a state program of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Administered by the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, the five museums of the state of Delaware—New Castle Court House Museum, John Dickinson Plantation, The Old State House, the Johnson Victrola Museum and the Zwaanendael Museum—tell the story of Delaware’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.

The Old State House and Johnson Victrola Museum are 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 and heritage. 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.

“First People of the First State”
September 2018

Schedule as of Aug. 21, 2018

Free admission for all events

Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018
“The First People of the First State: ‘A Lenapé Celebration of Heritage.’ ” Eighth annual celebration featuring the Lenapé Indian Tribe of Delaware as they honor mother earth and Native-American culture with dancing and demonstrations. First Saturday in the First State program. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Programs 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Grand entry at Noon. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5054.

Saturday, Sept. 1 and Monday, Sept. 3, 2018
“The First People of the First State: ‘American Indian Melodies and the Victor Talking Machine Company.’ ” Site interpreter Valerie Kauffman and American Indian flutist Boe Harris explore early-20th-century Victor Talking Machine Company recordings of compositions based on, or inspired by, Native American music, accompanied by 78-rpm recordings played on authentic Victor Talking Machines. In addition, Harris will perform Indian melodies and audience members will be provided with traditional instruments to play along in an impromptu “Indian melodies jam session.” Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New St., Dover. Programs at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-739-3262.

Monday, Sept. 3, 2018
“The First People of the First State: ‘The Long Road to Recognition: New Avenues.’ ” Elected Chief Dennis Coker will discuss the long process that led to the Lenapé Indian Tribe of Delaware’s official status as a state-recognized Indian community and what that means for Delaware’s citizens today. 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, Sept. 8, 2018
“The First People of the First State: ‘Archaeology in Delaware and the First People.’ ” Program by John P. McCarthy, RPA, cultural preservation specialist for Delaware State Parks, provides information on archaeological sites in Delaware that have revealed stunning information about the lives of Delaware’s first people. 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, Sept. 15, 2018
CANCELLED: “The First People of the First State: ‘Deciphering American Indian DNA.’ ” Program explores the implications of DNA testing from a Native American perspective. 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. Note: Due to Hurricane-Florence-related cancellations by panelists who would have been traveling from the Carolinas, this program has been cancelled.

Friday, Sept. 21, 2018
“The First People of the First State: ‘Native American Arts.’ ” Join the Lenapé Indian Tribe of Delaware as they demonstrate drumming and dancing, and share the art of bead working. Partnership between the Dover Public Library and the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs. Dover Public Library, 35 Loockerman Plaza, Dover. 6 p.m. 302-736-7030.

Saturday, Sept. 22, 2018
“The First People of the First State: ‘American Indian Women Today.’ ” American Indian women, including author Kay Oxendine of the Haliwa-Saponi Tribe, will speak about traditional roles and how those roles have become pertinent in today’s #METOO society. 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.

Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018
“The First People of the First State: ‘Bloomsbury and the Survival of the Lenapé People.’ ” Join archeologist and ethnographer Dr. Cara Blume as she examines the significance of the Bloomsbury archaeological site which gave proof of identity and the continued existence of the Lenapé people in Delaware. Partnership between the Dover Public Library and the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs. Dover Public Library, 35 Loockerman Plaza, Dover. 6 p.m. 302-736-7030.

Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018
“The First People of the First State: ‘Growing Up Lenapé in Delaware: Lenapé Women Speak.’ ” Tribal citizens speak about their experiences with American Indian identity before and after desegregation. 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.

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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