(DOVER, Del.—Feb. 21, 2017)—The Zwaanendael Museum in Lewes, Del. is currently featuring a new exhibit entitled “Rose Color to Gold to Glowing Red: Orville and Ethel Peets in Paris 1913-1914.” Planned and created by the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, the exhibit features 15 paintings—eight works by Orville Houghton Peets (1884-1968) and seven works by his wife Ethel Canby Peets (1877-1955). Also displayed are an assemblage of painting materials used by the noted Delaware artists including paint brushes and palettes.

Ethel and Orville Peets are credited with bringing fresh, modern ideas to Delaware after their move to Herring Creek near Millsboro in the 1930s. They each influenced the local art-scene in a profound and lasting manner by creating art, teaching classes and holding art forums. Between 2004 and 2007, more than 400 pieces of the couple’s multimedia artwork and artists’ supplies were donated to the collections of the State of Delaware by the Peets’ longtime friends Skipper and Til Purnell.

“Rose Color to Gold to Glowing Red: Orville and Ethel Peets in Paris 1913-1914” opened on Feb. 15, 2017 and will be on display through Dec. 31, 2017 at the Zwaanendael Museum, located at 102 Kings Highway in Lewes, Del. Museum operating-hours from Nov. 1 through March 31 are Wednesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. From April 1 through Oct. 31, museum operating-hours are Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Sundays, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public. For additional information, call 302-645-1148.

About the artists …

Ethel Poyntell Canby (1877–1955) started her art training at the Clawson S. Hammitt School of Art in Wilmington and became friends with fellow artists Ethel P. Brown and Brown’s future husband William Leach. Canby went on to studies at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and, informally, with Howard Pyle in Wilmington. She later travelled to Paris to study at the Académie Moderne and kept a detailed diary of those years. Her work was twice awarded prizes by the Wilmington Society of the Fine Arts and was exhibited at the Baltimore Museum of Art.

Orville Houghton Peets (1884–1968) studied art in Paris at the Académie Julien and the École des Beaux-Arts. He exhibited across the United States and won numerous prizes for his prints and oil paintings. In Delaware, he organized the Wilmington Print Club, taught at the Wilmington Academy of Art, exhibited at the Wilmington Society of the Fine Arts and was a primary artist for the State Portrait Commission for which he was commissioned to paint 14 portraits. His works are in the collections of the Cleveland, Philadelphia and Baltimore museums of art; the University of Delaware; the Rehoboth Art League and the State of Delaware.

Orville was a “Renaissance man” with a wide variety of interests. Among other activities, he taught Spanish conversation classes at the Rehoboth Art League and was an active member of the Sussex Archaeological Society where he served as editor of the organization’s newsletter.

An artistic couple …
Orville Peets met both Ethel Canby and her friend Ethel P. Brown (Leach) in Paris in 1913 and taught them etching techniques. After returning to the United States, Canby and Peets were married on Sept. 23, 1914 shortly after the outbreak of World War I. Orville served in the U.S. Army after America entered the war in 1917. After the conflict, the couple moved back to France, exhibited in various salons and travelled to Portugal in the 1920s. Moving to the art colony of Woodstock, N.Y. around 1930, they became a vital part of the printmaking scene.

By the mid-1930s, Orville and Ethel had moved to the home they called Thorneby on Herring Creek near Millsboro, Del. Both exhibited their art work and volunteered at the Village Improvement Association in Rehoboth Beach. They were instrumental in the founding of the Rehoboth Art League with Louise C. Corkran and their old friend Ethel Leach. Each of them signed the Art League’s “Doors of Fame” at the dedication ceremonies on June 18, 1938, and each continued to exhibit their work and teach at the facility.

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.

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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

NEW CASTLE (Feb. 17, 2017) – The Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) Library has been selected in a competitive application process to host “Native Voices: Native Peoples’ Concepts of Health and Illness,” a traveling exhibition to U.S. libraries. The DHSS Library will host the exhibition between March 1 and April 12, 2017.
“Native Voices” explores the interconnectedness of wellness, illness and cultural life for Native Americans, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians. Stories drawn from both the past and present examine how health for Native People is tied to community, the land and spirit. Through interviews, Native People describe the impact of epidemics, federal legislation, the loss of land, and the inhibition of culture on the health of Native individuals and communities today.

“We are so pleased to bring the National Library of Medicine’s fascinating exhibition to the Delaware community,” said Alison Wessel, DHSS Library Director. “We look forward to bringing together valuable community partners to provide educational workshops in conjunction with the exhibition to enhance visitors’ learning about these powerful concepts.”

As one of 104 grant recipients selected from across the country, the DHSS Library will host the traveling exhibition for a six-week loan during its tour of the United States from February 2016 to June 2020. The exhibition will be on display at the DHSS Library in the Springer Building at DHSS’ Herman Holloway Campus 1901 N. DuPont Highway, New Castle. The library is open to the public from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. There is no charge to view the exhibition.

“Native Voices: Native Peoples’ Concepts of Health and Illness” was displayed at the National Library of Medicine in Bethesda, Md., from 2011 to 2015. To learn more and view content from the exhibition, visit http://www.nlm.nih.gov/nativevoices.

A schedule of the exhibition and related events at the DHSS Library is available at http://guides.lib.de.us/nativevoices.

Contact

Alison Wessel, Director of Library and Information Services, Department of Health and Social Services Library, 302-255-2986 or alison.wessel@delaware.gov

About the American Library Association

The American Library Association is the oldest and largest library association in the world, with approximately 55,000 members in academic, public, school, government and special libraries. The mission of the American Library Association is to provide leadership for the development, promotion and improvement of library and information services and the profession of librarianship in order to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all.

About the National Library of Medicine

The National Library of Medicine (NLM), on the campus of the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Md., has been a center of information innovation since its founding in 1836. The world’s largest biomedical library, the National Library of Medicine maintains and makes available a vast print collection and produces electronic information resources on a wide range of topics that are searched billions of times each year by millions of people around the globe. It also supports and conducts research, development, and training in biomedical informatics and health information technology. In addition, the Library coordinates a 6,000-member National Network of Libraries of Medicine that promotes and provides access to health information in communities across the United States.

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Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

Updated: Feb. 1, 2017

(DOVER, Del.—Jan. 20, 2017)—During the month of February 2017, the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs will be offering 16 special events at the museums of the State of Delaware. Eleven of these events will be presented in commemoration of African American History Month, an annual observance celebrating the invaluable contributions that the black community has made to the culture and history of the United States. All programs listed are free and open to the public.

Highlights of the month include “A World Apart,” a series of guided tours exploring the lives of African-Americans who lived in slavery and servitude at the home of John Dickinson, one of the founding fathers of the United States and “Penman of the Revolution.” Tours will take place between 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays, Feb. 4, 11, 18 and 25 at the John Dickinson Plantation, located at 340 Kitts Hummock Road in Dover.

On Saturday, Feb. 18, between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., the Johnson Victrola Museum, located at 375 S. New St. in Dover, will present Fats Waller: A Man of Many Talents,” guided tours focusing on the life and achievements of the noted jazz musician, accompanied by 78-rpm recordings played on authentic Victor Talking Machines and a short clip of the pianist in performance.

Finally, on Saturday, Feb. 18, between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., the Johnson Victrola Museum, located at 375 S. New St. in Dover, will present Fats Waller: A Man of Many Talents,” guided tours focusing on the life and achievements of the noted jazz musician, accompanied by 78-rpm recordings played on authentic Victor Talking Machines and a short clip of the pianist in performance.

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 long-term calendar of division-sponsored events.

Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs special events, February 2017

Saturday, Feb. 4, 2017
“Marian Anderson: Her Achievements and Contributions.” African American History Month guided tours explore the life, achievements and political views of operatic contralto and Civil Rights activist Marian Anderson, accompanied by 78-rpm recordings 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, Feb. 4, 2017
“The Old State House: A Network to Freedom.” African American History Month interpretive tours examine the story of Samuel D. Burris and his work on Underground Railroad, an event in the history of Delaware’s historic capitol that led to its designation as a Network to Freedom site by the National Park Service. First Saturday in the First State program. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5054.

Saturday, Feb. 4, 2017
“A World Apart.” Guided tours explore the 18th-century African-American experience on the plantation. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.

Saturday, Feb. 4, 2017
“Listen Up! African American History.” Local youth, working with Delaware spoken-word artist Brock Kalim, perform their own spoken-word compositions that bring to light Delaware’s African-American history. Part of the “Listen Up!” series that features young people who utilize poetry, theater, dance and song to create compositions that celebrate different aspects of Delaware history. First Saturday in the First State program. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Performance at 1 p.m. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5054. Program rescheduled to March 11, 2017.

Friday, Feb. 10, 2017
Concert by Me & My Friend Phyllis. Bluegrass/old-time music. Presented in partnership with the Delaware Friends of Folk and the First State Heritage Park. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. 7:30 p.m. 302-744-5054.

Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017
“Songs of Love.” In celebration of Valentine’s Day, guided tours explore the variety of songs about love recorded by Victor Records. Tours will be accompanied by 78-rpm recordings of those songs played on authentic Victor Talking Machines. Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New St., Dover. 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-739-3262.

Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017
“A World Apart.” Guided tours explore the 18th-century African-American experience on the plantation. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.

Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017
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.

Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017
“African-American History: State Historic Preservation in Delaware.” Presentation explores Delaware’s rich African American culture, history and legacy. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Program at 1 p.m. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5054.

Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017
“Fats Waller: A Man of Many Talents.” African American History Month guided tours focus on the life and achievements of the noted jazz musician, accompanied by 78-rpm recordings played on authentic Victor Talking Machines and a short clip of the pianist in performance. Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New St., Dover. 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-739-3262.

Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017
“A World Apart.” Guided tours explore the 18th-century African-American experience on the plantation. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.

Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017
“Baseball, Churches, and Schools: Delaware’s African American History Through the Eyes of the National Register.” Presentation by Madeline Dunn, Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ historian and National Register of Historic Places coordinator, on historic properties listed in the National Register since the 1980s that are significant to African American communities throughout the state. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Program 1 p.m. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5054.

Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017
“Buccaneers, Bluebloods and Bonapartes.” Lecture by historic-site interpreter Kaitlyn Dykes. Part three of “Ship to Shore Saturdays,” a four-part series that chronicles local Lewes history. Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. Program at 2 p.m. on the museum’s 2nd floor (entry via staircase; no elevator). Museum open 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations are required by calling 302-645-1148 no later than Feb. 17, 2017.

Sunday Feb. 19, 2017
“Washington vs. Lincoln.” President’s Day theatrical presentation will pit Washington and Lincoln buffs against each other to determine who was the best president of the United States. Audience members will cast their votes in favor of their preferred candidate. After the verdict is announced, a reception will be held in which apple pie (Lincoln’s favorite) and cherry pie (associated with Washington) will be served. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Program 2 p.m. Museum open 1:30–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5054.

Monday, Feb. 20, 2017
Presidents Day. The following museums of the State of Delaware will be open: The Johnson Victrola Museum and The Old State House, open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. The following museums will be closed: The John Dickinson Plantation, the New Castle Court House Museum and the Zwaanendael Museum. 302-744-5054.

Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017
Washington’s Birthday. 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.

Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017
“Paul Robeson.” African American History Month tours focus on the biography and family of bass vocalist Paul Robeson, and his achievements as they pertain to his struggle as a 20th-century black artist. The program will feature Robeson’s Victor recordings played on authentic Victor Talking Machines. Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New St., Dover. 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-739-3262.

Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017
“A World Apart.” Guided tours explore the 18th-century African-American experience on the plantation. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.

Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017
“Preserving African-American History in Delaware: Highlighting Vibrant Communities Through Research and the ‘Green Book.’ ” Presentation by researcher Carlton Hall of the State Historic Preservation Office on the “Green Book,” a travel and vacation guidebook for people of color during the segregation era. The program will explore the stories of African-Americans of the last century and their challenges living through the Jim Crow laws in Delaware from the 1920s to the 1960s. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Program 1 p.m. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5054.

Exhibits and displays, February 2017
In addition to special programming, the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs is sponsoring the following exhibits and displays:

Thru mid-April, 2017
“The Old State House: A True Restoration 1976-2016.” Display explores preservation work that has been conducted since Delaware’s first state capitol building 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
“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.

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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

Creating a Stronger, More Prosperous Delaware

Dover, DE – Recognizing the importance of high speed broadband networks to drive economic competitiveness, improve educational opportunity, and strengthen quality of life for Delawareans, the Department of Technology and Information (DTI) is taking steps to maintain Delaware’s position as the nation’s leading state for high-speed broadband networks.

Following a successful first round of Broadband Grant funding in 2014 and 2015 for Internet Services Providers (ISPs) to extend high speed broadband services to their customers, particularly in rural underserved areas, DTI is reviewing applications received for a second round of grant funding for three pilot projects to evaluate the success and assess the viability for ISPs to extend wireless broadband services into rural communities around Seaford and Marydel and a municipal Wi-Fi network in Rehoboth. DTI anticipates a subsequent third round of funding to broaden wireless high speed internet services into additional rural communities.

To further promote the benefits of Broadband, the Markell Administration has released the following video that celebrates the impact of broadband in driving economic opportunity, enhancing quality of life, and improving healthcare through telehealth services.

“Supporting economic mobility and opportunity for everyone in today’s economy requires access to high-speed internet,” said Governor Markell. “Whether it is giving students the tools at school and at home to get the most out of their education, ensuring businesses have the ability to compete efficiently and effectively, or making available tele-medicine to improve access to health care, expanding high-speed broadband raises the quality of life for our citizens. I’m proud of the progress we have made together to make Delaware the best state in the nation for internet speeds and, with new rounds of grants from the state, I’m confident we can build on this progress toward becoming the first state where everyone has access to all of the benefits broadband provides.”

Delaware broadband facts

• Delaware boasts the fastest Internet connection speeds in the country, and ranks among the fastest in the world, according to Akamai Technologies Inc. who publishes a quarterly “State of the Internet report”. Downloading a high definition movie that would have taken 25 seconds in 2009 can be accomplished in 2 seconds on today’s network.
• In 2014, Delaware had the largest increase in Internet speed of any state in the nation with a 42% jump over the previous year.
• Delaware’s Department of Technology and Information has established Wi-Fi networks in more than 200 state government buildings, which provide fast and reliable access to more than 2,500 staff and citizens each day.
• Since 2009, public-private partnerships to expand Delaware’s broadband infrastructure have resulted in construction of more than 700 miles of new fiber optic infrastructure throughout the state.
• Delaware’s broadband “backbone” features high capacity fiber-optic lines that run the length of the state from Wilmington to Georgetown, and from Seaford to Lewes, improving internet reliability for consumers and increasing internet access speeds by as much as 10 times since 2009.
• Legislation passed in 2013 establishing the Delaware Broadband Grant allows DTI to leverage additional private investment to install high speed fiber optic lines in underserved communities and key public sites such as schools, libraries, health care facilities, and places that provide government services.
• Work with wireless service providers to expand and upgrade 4G/LTE cellular phone services into southern and rural communities across Delaware has ensured more than 99 percent of the state is covered by wireless providers, improving citizen access to public safety and emergency services, including enhanced 911, benefiting the agricultural community, and improving services to local businesses.

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Excerpts from the video: Celebrating Delaware’s broadband success
The video can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o0vgMgp6vkk.

“Broadband access has become like a utility,” said Delaware Chief Information Officer James Collins when speaking about its importance in spurring economic growth and opportunity. “If you’re going to operate and be successful in the information age you need access to broadband.”

“We found that there was a lot of area that wasn’t served very well by fiber,” said Lightower CEO Philip Olivero. “The State of Delaware, who was willing to invest in this network definitely helped make this happen.”

“In many instances we’re getting orders for customers, and the first truck has to be rolling out of our gate within three to six hours,” said Edward Krupka, Jr, Chief Information Office for Burris Logistics, speaking about the benefits of reliable access to broadband. “For us to miss an order or miss processing times because of a network failure means that we’ll miss out on the service levels that we guarantee to our customers.”

“One of the key aspects to this investment (in broadband) is the quality of life to our citizens and visitors. (It has) a direct impact to their level of service and as a result it’ll improve Sussex County’s attractiveness,” said Todd Lawson, Sussex County Administrator, who emphasized broadband’s role in supporting economic development and quality of life.

“With broadband we were able to offer more kinds of things, more access to materials,” said Georgetown library Director Elaine Fike. “In our job center, having laptops and a person to assist with resumes and online job searches would not have been possible without (the broadband network).”

Carolyn Morris, Director of Telehealth Planning and Development for the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, applauded the capabilities created by broadband to transmit healthcare records electronically over great distances and enable telemedicine, which connects residents at home and in their own communities to healthcare professionals via video link. “To see a specialist, downstate patients may need to travel great distances, maybe 200-300 miles (taking) a whole day,” Morris said. “Having broadband in Sussex County, the services will be able to be delivered in the community.”

The five museums of the State of Delaware will be sponsoring seven special events during the month of January 2017. A full schedule is included below. All programs are free and open to the public.

Administered by the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, the five museums—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 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 events sponsored by the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs.

Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs special programs, January 2017

Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017
New Year’s Day. All 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) will be closed. 302-744-5054.

Monday, Jan. 2, 2017
New Year’s Day observed. The following museums of the State of Delaware will be open: The Johnson Victrola Museum and The Old State House, open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. The following museums will be closed: The John Dickinson Plantation, the New Castle Court House Museum and the Zwaanendael Museum. 302-744-5054.

Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017
“Prohibition in Delaware: No Toast for the Boys off to Fight in World War I.” In 1917, Delaware declared all three counties to be dry with only one city in the entire state which held out and manufactured and sold alcohol. Interpretive tours will examine the era of prohibition in Delaware during the First World War. First Saturday in the First State program. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5054.

Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017
“The Victors of World War I: The Power of Music.” In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the United States’ entry into the First World War, guided tours will examine music’s influence during the conflict when patriotic songs were being composed throughout America. Hear 78-rpm recordings of this inspirational music played on authentic Victor Talking Machines, and explore how the Victor Talking Machine Company’s Camden, N.J. factory led the fight to make the world safe for democracy. Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New St., Dover. 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-739-3262.

Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017
“Patriots and Loyalists: Life in Lewes—A Town Torn During the Revolution.” Lecture by historic-site interpreter Andrew Lyter. Part three of “Ship to Shore Saturdays,” a four-part series that chronicles local Lewes history. Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. Program at 2 p.m. on the museum’s 2nd floor (entry via staircase; no elevator). Museum open 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations are required by calling 302-645-1148 no later than Jan. 6, 2017.

Friday, Jan. 13, 2017
Concert by Charlie Zahm. Celtic/folk music. Presented in partnership with the Delaware Friends of Folk and the First State Heritage Park. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. 7:30 p.m. 302-744-5054.

Saturday, Jan. 14, 2017
“Preserving the Culinary Traditions of Southern Delaware.” Lecture by Denise Clemons who writes “Cape Flavors,” a weekly food column for the Cape Gazette and who is the author of “A Culinary History of Southern Delaware.” Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. Program at 2 p.m. on the museum’s 2nd floor (entry via staircase; no elevator). Museum open 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations are required by calling 302-645-1148 no later than Jan. 13, 2017.

Monday, Jan. 16, 2017
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. The following museums of the State of Delaware will be open: The Johnson Victrola Museum and The Old State House, open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. The following museums will be closed: The John Dickinson Plantation, the New Castle Court House Museum and the Zwaanendael Museum). 302-744-5054.

Monday, Jan. 16, 2017
“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. 16, 2017
“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 78-rpm 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.

Exhibits and displays
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:

Thru Jan. 28, 2017
“Wine and Spirits in Delaware: Producing, Preserving, and Presenting.” Exhibit features objects and graphics from the 18th to the 21st centuries that illustrate Delaware’s wine and spirits trade. 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. NOTE: The closing date for this exhibit has been extended from Dec. 31, 2016 to Jan. 28, 2017.

 Thru mid-April, 2017
“The Old State House: A True Restoration 1976-2016.” Display explores preservation work that has been conducted since Delaware’s first state capitol building 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
“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
“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
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
“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.

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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