Division Museums Closed; Special Programs Postponed

Logo for the Division of Historical and Cultural AffairsDOVER – In accordance with Delaware Gov. John Carney’s declaration of a State of Emergency, the five museums administered by the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs will be closed beginning on March 24, 2020 and their programs postponed until further notice. The State of Emergency was declared in order to safeguard public health and help control the spread of the coronavirus.

Following are links to information about the division’s five museums. Staff members will be available to answer questions via telephone during the State of Emergency.

Gov. Carney’s State of Emergency also applies to the Buena Vista conference center and other state-owned historical sites managed in partnership with community organizations.


DNREC’s First State Heritage Park ‘First Saturday in the First State’ invites the public to discover a Delaware hero

Students from Caesar Rodney High School will present “Independence or the Bayonet” – The Life and Times of Caesar Rodney” in an historical theater presentation.

DOVER – DNREC’s First State Heritage Park, in partnership with Caesar Rodney High School’s Stage Crew and Thespians, will present a historical theater production for the First State Heritage Park’s monthly “First Saturday in the First State.” A variety of other free events and activities will also be featured throughout the day.

One of Delaware’s greatest heroes, Caesar Rodney did much more than simply ride to Philadelphia to cast his vote for American independence. Under the glow of candlelight in The Old State House, step back in time to experience the life of the patriot who devoted his life to the service of his beloved Delaware. Caesar Rodney High School students will perform the historical theater piece under the direction of CRHS theater teacher John Muller.

“Independence or the Bayonet – the Life and Times of Caesar Rodney,” will be presented at The Old State House at 11 a.m., 1, 3 and 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 6. Performances are roughly 45 minutes long. Tickets are free, but space is limited, so reservations are recommended by calling 302-739-9194. This production is a part of a four-play series, presented in rotation each year in October. This successful partnership has been in place for five years, and has provided an exceptional student opportunity.

Other programs during the day on First Saturday will further emphasize the importance of Caesar Rodney to Delaware. Visit Caesar Rodney Headquarters at the John Bell House to learn about the many contributions he made to the First State during his lifetime, or go on a walking tour featuring Dover’s other heroes of the revolution.

Here is a list of programs and activities for First Saturday in the First State:

First Saturday – Oct. 6
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

  • Caesar Rodney Headquarters
    John Bell House on The Green, 43 The Green
    Learn about all of the places in Delaware that are connected to Delaware’s hero, Caesar Rodney, and explore his life as you prepare for the “Independence or the Bayonet” historical theater presentation.
  • A Capitol Experience
    Legislative Hall, 411 Legislative Avenue
    Tour Delaware’s state capital building, and experience Delaware history. Photo ID is required for all adults entering the building.
  • Biggs Kids: Bird Prints
    Biggs Museum of American Art, 406 Federal Street
    Help welcome our visiting flock of John James Audubon bird prints with a special bird craft. Feathers will fly! For ages 5-10.
  • Early 1900s Music Education
    Johnson Victrola Museum, 275 South New Street
    In 1911, the Victor Talking Machine Company started its education department. The mission was to take music appreciation courses to rural schools and standardize music education. Learn more about the department and its mission.

10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

  • Tours of the Governor’s House
    At Woodburn – The Governor’s House, 151 Kings Highway
    Enjoy guided tours of the official residence of Delaware’s Governor since 1965, and Hall House, the Governor’s guest house.

10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

  • Dover’s Heroes of the Revolution Walking Tour
    Meet at the John Bell House on The Green, 43 The Green
    Dover was a hotbed of activity during the struggle for American Independence. Tours begin on the half hour.
  • Hands-On Archaeology
    John Bell House on The Green, 43 The Green
    Get down and dirty with state park archeologists, and take part in an actual archaeological dig. Experience the thrill of discovery as you uncover small pieces of Dover’s past. For ages 10 and older. Weather permitting.

10:30 a.m.

  • Preserving Documents, Photographs, and Digital Memories
    Delaware Public Archives, 121 Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard
    This program will highlight some of the cost-effective steps every home archivist can take to preserve precious family records.

11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.

  • ”Independence or the Bayonet – The Life and Times of Caesar Rodney” – Historical Theater Presentation
    The Old State House, 25 The Green
    Step back in time to experience the life of the patriot who devoted his life to the service of his beloved Delaware. Space is limited and pre-registration is recommended by calling 302-739-9194. Presented in partnership with Caesar Rodney Stage Crew and Thespians.
  • Biggs Kids: Bird Watching Basics
    Biggs Museum of American Art, 406 Federal Street
    Do you have a Biggs Kid who loves birds? Join a Delaware Nature Society Teacher/Naturalist for “Bird Watching Basics,” to learn the traits of a bird, how to use binoculars, and tips for beginners in the great outdoors on The Green and Legislative Mall.

1:30 – 4:00 p.m.

  • The Once and Future Courthouse
    Kent County Courthouse, 38 The Green, Courtroom #1
    From the 1690s to the present, find out how this site went from a courthouse to a hotel and back again.

Admission to all park sites and programs is free. Centrally-located free parking is available at the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries, located at 121 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard North. For more information about “First Saturday” events and all First State Heritage Park programs, please call 302-739-9194 or visit www.destateparks.com/heritagepark.

The First State Heritage Park is Delaware’s first urban “park without boundaries,” linking historic and cultural sites in the city that has been the seat of state government since 1777. The park is a partnership of state agencies under the leadership of DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation, working in collaboration with city and county government, nonprofit organizations and the private sector.

Contact: Sarah Zimmerman, DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation, First State Heritage Park, 302-739-9194 or sarah.zimmerman@delaware.gov.

Vol. 48, No. 263


Debating Independence: Delaware’s John Dickinson Squares Off with Thomas Jefferson LIVE in Dover

ST. JONES NECK – Two towering statesmen of the American Revolution will meet head-to-head in Dover this weekend to debate the most important question in the history of the United States: Take up arms against Great Britain, or pursue a peaceable road to independence?

On Sunday, Nov. 19, The Old State House will host an engaging historical dramatic production, John Dickinson and Thomas Jefferson Debate Independence: “We have called by different names brethren of the same principle,” presented by the American Historical Theatre of Philadelphia.

The two American patriots will spar over their conflicting views on how to protect and strengthen the American colonies. The audience joins Delaware’s own John Dickinson (Doug Thomas) and Thomas Jefferson (Steve Edenbo) on the day that the Continental Congress voted on the question of American independence. Dickinson speaks for the moderates and argues that, although eventual independence is inevitable, the not-yet-united states are ready for neither war nor independence. Jefferson speaks for the radicals. He argues that the opportunity for independence might never come again if we miss our chance.

After offering the question to the audience for its vote, Dickinson and Jefferson open the scope of the discussion, telling the stories of what happened in their lives after the fateful vote on the 2nd of July, 1776. They then invite the audience to ask questions about any topics or events from their respective lives.

The program will begin at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 19, at The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. A reception with refreshments will be held from 3-4 p.m. This event is free and open to the public; due to space restrictions reservations are recommended, please call 302-739-3277.

This special production is offered as part of a season-long celebration of John Dickinson, “Penman of the Revolution,” and the 250th anniversary of the publication of his most famous writings: “Letters From a Famer in Pennsylvania to the Inhabitants of the British Colonies.”

To commemorate the “Letters” and the role John Dickinson played in setting the stage for the American Revolution, the Delaware Department of State has launched a new website, de.gov/johndickinson, and a slate of special programming to take place over the coming months.

The website hosts biographical information about Dickinson and context framing the “Letters” in their historical moment. Assembled in cooperation with the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, the site will serve as a hub for activities to celebrate the anniversary.

The site’s calendar of events lists programming taking place now through February in cooperation with the University of Delaware, the Delaware Public Archives, the Friends of the John Dickinson Mansion and others.

Events at the John Dickinson Plantation will explore how life was lived on a large farm in 18th-century Delaware, including a presentation on the history of the African American inhabitants of the plantation, both free and enslaved, and Dickinson’s complicated relationship with the institution of slavery.

The season of programming will conclude in February with a traditional wreath-laying at Dickinson’s gravesite at the Friends Meetinghouse in Wilmington, sponsored by the Quaker Hill Historic Preservation Foundation.


Delaware’s State Museum System Awarded National Accreditation

NEW CASTLE – Delaware’s state museum system has been accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), the highest recognition afforded to museums in the United States. Administered by the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, the system includes five museums as well as the archaeological and historic objects collections curated by the state.

Gov. John Carney today joined museum staff, Delaware historians and friends of the museum community for a special ceremony recognizing this achievement at the New Castle Court House Museum.

American Alliance of Museums logo“The rich history on display in our state’s museums ties us together as a community and enhances the quality of life here for Delawareans and for those who visit Delaware,” said Gov. Carney. “We’ve always known that these institutions and the dedicated folks who run them are top notch. Now we have a true seal of approval that assures all of us that we can count on a rewarding experience when we visit Delaware’s state museums.”

The newly accredited state museums include the John Dickinson Plantation near Kitts Hummock; the Johnson Victrola Museum and Old State House in downtown Dover; the New Castle Court House Museum; and the Zwaanendael Museum in Lewes. State museums are under the stewardship of the Department of State.

“I know how hard the staff of the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs worked to earn this accreditation,” said Secretary of State Jeffrey Bullock. “The people of Delaware can be proud of the commitment and passion that they bring to telling the story of Delaware’s unique history and its place in the history of the nation and the world.”

Developed and sustained by museum professionals, the American Alliance of Museums accreditation program is the field’s primary vehicle for quality assurance, self-regulation and public accountability. It strengthens the museum profession by promoting practices that enable leaders to make informed decisions, allocate resources wisely and remain financially and ethically accountable in order to provide the best possible service to the public.

“This is a historic achievement for Delaware and the people who visit our state museums every day,” said Tim Slavin, director of the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs. “It’s our job to continue to ensure that we meet the high standards that have been set, and keep our promise to preserve the state’s history for future generations as well as those who have gone before us.”

Of the nation’s estimated 33,000 museums, approximately 1,000 currently are accredited. Delaware’s state museums join only two other museums accredited in Delaware, Hagley Museum and Library and Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library.

Accreditation is a rigorous process that examines all aspects of a museum’s operations. To earn accreditation, a museum must first conduct a year of self-study and then undergo a site visit by a team of peer reviewers. An independent and autonomous body of museum professionals then considers the self-study and visiting-committee report to determine whether a museum should receive accreditation.

About the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs
The Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs is an agency of the Delaware Department of State. 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 the administration and operation of five museums, conservation of the state’s archaeological and historic-objects collections, management of historic properties across Delaware as well as the management of a conference center and the operation of the State Historic Preservation Office.

About the American Alliance of Museums
The American Alliance of Museums has been bringing museums together since 1906, helping to develop standards and best practices, gathering and sharing knowledge, and providing advocacy on issues of concern to the entire museum community. Representing more than 35,000 individual museum professionals and volunteers, institutions and corporate partners serving the museum field, the Alliance is the only organization representing the entire scope of the broad museum community. For more information, visit http://www.aam-us.org.


Delaware’s State Museums Awarded National Accreditation

DOVER – The five museums operated by the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs have been accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), the highest recognition afforded to museums in the United States.

“Achieving accreditation is the gold standard of the museum profession” said Timothy Slavin, director of the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs. “This achievement is doubly significant because we persevered and achieved it during trying economic times for the State of Delaware. Across our entire division, we maintained focus and effectiveness and our role as cultural stewards was recognized.”

Accreditation signifies excellence to the museum community, to governments, funders, outside agencies and the museum-going public. The newly accredited state museums include the John Dickinson Plantation near Kitts Hummock; the Johnson Victrola Museum and Old State House in downtown Dover; the New Castle Court House Museum; and the Zwaanendael Museum in Lewes. State museums are under the stewardship of the Department of State. (See the attached documents for detailed information about the State of Delaware’s five museums and its archaeological and historic-objects collections.)

“Our state museums, and the collections they house, are treasures to be appreciated by Delawareans and visitors alike, and the dedicated team at the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs serve as excellent caretakers,” said Secretary of State Jeffrey Bullock. “The people of Delaware can be proud of the work they do and the rich historic and cultural legacy they help preserve and safeguard for all of us.”

Developed and sustained by museum professionals for over 45 years, the American Alliance of Museums accreditation program is the field’s primary vehicle for quality assurance, self-regulation and public accountability. It strengthens the museum profession by promoting practices that enable leaders to make informed decisions, allocate resources wisely, and remain financially and ethically accountable in order to provide the best possible service to the public.

Of the nation’s estimated 33,000 museums, approximately 1,000 currently are accredited. Delaware’s state museums join only two other museums accredited in Delaware.

Accreditation is a rigorous process that examines all aspects of a museum’s operations. To earn accreditation, a museum first must conduct a year of self-study and then undergo a site visit by a team of peer reviewers. An independent and autonomous body of museum professionals then considers the self-study and visiting-committee report to determine whether a museum should receive accreditation.

About the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs
The Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs is an agency of the Delaware Department of State. 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 the administration and operation of five museums, conservation of the state’s archaeological and historic-objects collections, management of historic properties across Delaware as well as the management of a conference center and the operation of the State Historic Preservation Office.

About the American Alliance of Museums
The American Alliance of Museums has been bringing museums together since 1906, helping to develop standards and best practices, gathering and sharing knowledge, and providing advocacy on issues of concern to the entire museum community. Representing more than 35,000 individual museum professionals and volunteers, institutions and corporate partners serving the museum field, the Alliance is the only organization representing the entire scope of the broad museum community. For more information, visit http://www.aam-us.org.