(DOVER, Del.—July 17, 2015)—The Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs will be sponsoring 10 special events during the month of August 2015 at the museums of the state of Delaware. A full schedule is included below. With the exception of DeBraak tours, all programs are free and open to the public.

Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs special events, August 2015

Saturday, Aug. 1, 2015
“The Doctor Is In.” Living-history theatrical performance by Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs historical interpreter Dennis Fisher exploring the life and times of Dr. James Sykes, an 18th to 19th-century Dover physician and statesman who served as Delaware’s governor for a short period. First Saturday in the First State program. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Programs at 1 and 3 p.m. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5054.

Saturday, Aug. 1, 2015
“Music Therapy.” Utilizing original recordings played on authentic Victor Talking Machines, the program explores the therapeutic power of music, and Victor Talking Machine Company founder E.R. Johnson’s passion for recording music and making it available for people across the world. First Saturday in the First State program. Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New St., Dover. Program at 2 p.m. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-739-3262.

Mondays, Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31, 2015
Lecture/tours of His Majesty’s Sloop DeBraak. Explore the history of the DeBraak which was capsized and lost off the Delaware coast on May 25, 1798. Program includes a trip to the hull facility in nearby Cape Henlopen State Park for a tour of the surviving section of the ship’s hull. Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. Programs at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Limited seating. Admission $10 by reservation only through the Shop Delaware website (go to http://shop.delaware.gov and click the “Tours” link). For additional information, call 302-645-1148.

Saturday, Aug. 8, 2015
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.–3:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.

Saturday, Aug. 8, 2015
“Caesar Rodney Meets Dr. Who.” In celebration of Dover Comic Con, this inter-active program examines what would have happened if aliens had tried to interfere with Caesar Rodney’s triumphant journey to Philadelphia to break the tie for the Declaration of Independence, and how the problem would have been solved if Dr. Who stepped in to help Rodney. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Programs at 1 and 3 p.m. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5054.

Wednesday, Aug, 19, 2015
“Crime and Time in Delaware.” Historian Mike Dixon will present a program on the history of crime and punishment in the First State. New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. 7 p.m. 302-323-4453.

Exhibits and displays, August 2015
In addition to special programming, the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs is sponsoring the following exhibits and displays at sites across the state:

 Ongoing
“Delaware and the War of 1812.” Exhibit examines the service and sacrifice of Delawareans of 1812 to 1815, and the important role that the state played in a conflict that helped shaped the development of the United States. Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. 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
“Delaware Mourns Lincoln: A Demonstration of Love and Sorrow.” Utilizing graphics, clothing and memorabilia, the display explores how Delawareans expressed their deep sorrow upon the death of President Abraham Lincoln on April 15, 1865. From the collections of the state of Delaware. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Mon.–Sat., 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Sun., 1:30–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5054.

Ongoing
“Discovering Delaware’s Maritime Past.” Display explores the DeBraak, a shipwrecked 18th-century British warship including a photo of the hull recovery, reproductions of items aboard ship, and a model of the vessel. Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. Tue.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; Sun., 1:30–4:30 p.m. from April 1–Oct. 31. Wed.–Sat., 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. from Nov. 1–March 31. 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. Wed.–Sat., 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Sun., 1:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-323-4453.

Ongoing
“Middletown Goes To War.” Designed by the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, the exhibit spotlights the contributions of Middletown’s veterans from the Revolutionary War to the present. Middletown Historical Society, 216 N. Broad St., Middletown. Fri., 9 a.m.–3 p.m. First Sat. of each month, 9 a.m.–Noon. Third Wed. of each month, Noon–4 p.m. Other times by appointment. 302-378-7466.

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. Mon.–Sat., 10 a.m.–3:30 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. 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
“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. Wed.–Sat., 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.

Ongoing
“World War II Through the Lens of William D. Willis.” Designed by the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, the display features photographs taken in Western Europe from 1943-45. From the collections of the state of Delaware. Legislative Hall, 411 Legislative Ave., Dover. Limited visitation hours; call 302-739-9194 before planning a visit.

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Contact:
Jim Yurasek
Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs
Phone: 302-736-7413
E-mail: Jim.Yurasek@delaware.gov
Web: http://history.delaware.gov

In his weekly message, Governor Markell discusses statewide efforts to educate Delawareans on how to be financially stable.

“When people are financially secure, they can buy a home, pay for college, start a business, or save for retirement,” said Governor Markell. “Providing our communities with the tools people of all ages need to learn how to succeed financially will empower our residents, strengthen our economy, and will keep Delaware moving forward.”
Every week, the Governor’s office releases a new Weekly Message in video, audio, and transcript form. The message is available on:

YouTube: https://youtu.be/9TknU19wpco
Delaware.Gov: http://governor.delaware.gov/podcast_video.shtml
By email: Please contact our press team to subscribe to our press list
Facebook: www.facebook.com/governormarkell
Twitter: www.twitter.com/governormarkell

Governor’s Weekly Message Transcript: Economic Growth Through Financial Empowerment

When people are financially secure, they can buy a home, pay for college, start a business, or save for retirement. So, educating Delawareans on what it takes to be financially stable is one way we can ensure our residents are on a path to success.  That’s why, earlier this week, I announced almost $220K in grant money from the state’s Financial Literacy Education Fund would be awarded to 17 nonprofit organizations across Delaware. The funds will help the organizations educate adults and children on the importance of saving, establishing and maintaining a budget, and investing for the future. Last year, fund recipients assisted more than 38,000 Delawareans gain the necessary tools to make sound financial decisions.  I also signed legislation this week that will ensure the sustainability and success of the Stand By Me program. That’s a free, innovative financial empowerment program that has helped more than 30,000 residents, over the past four years, in a wide variety of financial services; from helping people check their credit for the first time, or work on household budgets and add savings, to supporting individuals to take action to improve their credit. The new Office of Financial Empowerment will continue these efforts, helping more Delawareans achieve financial well-being.  Providing our communities with the tools people of all ages need to learn how to succeed financially will empower our residents, strengthen our economy, and will keep Delaware moving forward.

Photos from the dinner

Becomes first Delaware Governor to celebrate Muslim holiday by hosting an Iftar

Dover, DE – Last night, Governor Jack Markell was joined by Dover Mayor Robin Christiansen and Delaware State Housing Authority Director Anas Ben Addi, along with more than two dozen guests representing mosques from across Delaware, for a Ramadan Iftar dinner at Woodburn.

The Iftar is the evening meal after sunset that concludes the daily fasting during the month of Ramadan. For observers, the Iftar dinner and Ramadan are a time to reflect on humanity and to reaffirm commitments to helping the less fortunate.

“The diversity of Delawareans has always been a source of great pride and strength,” said Governor Markell. “This Iftar dinner celebrates that diversity while recognizing the Muslim community in Delaware, which has given so much to the state and the region through a spirit of kindness and compassion as well as through a commitment to serving all of those in need.”

Governor Markell is the first Governor of Delaware to host such an event, which he hopes becomes an annual event at Woodburn following his term in office – a sentiment shared by those in attendance last night.

“We were excited to take part in the first Governor’s hosted Ramadan Iftar, this initiative shows the continued efforts by Governor Markell to be inclusive and supportive,” added Usman Sandhu, President of the Islamic Society Of Central Delaware. “We hope that this initiative will set a trend that will continue beyond the Markell administration.”

Governor Markell has long celebrated diversity in the first state. In 2012, he created the Governor’s Delaware Council of Faith-Based Partnerships. The council fosters the opportunity for leaders of different faiths to meet and work together in order to ensure community needs.

“We admire Governor Markell’s initiative to sponsor this Ramadan Iftar,” said Qamar Ahmad, Board President of Masjid Ibrahim, who attended the Iftar dinner. “We are blessed in Delaware for having accessible elected officials.
Actions like this one will enhance feelings of equality, fairness, and inclusiveness in Muslims and will boost their integration into the general population for a stronger unified Delaware.”

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For Immediate Release:
July 7, 2015

Contact:
Albert Shields
(302) 691-7333 office
(302) 561-5043 cell
Albert.Shields@mail.house.gov

Congressman Carney announces legislation to expand affordable housing options

Housing Assistance Reform Act would increase housing options for low-income Americans, raise capital for affordable housing projects

DOVER, Del. — This morning, Congressman John Carney (D-DE) visited Liberty Court Apartments in Dover to announce new legislation to improve affordable housing options. The Housing Assistance Reform Act would increase housing options for low-income Americans and help housing authorities raise capital for affordable housing projects. The legislation would expand access to the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Moving to Work program from 39 local housing authorities to 60, and eliminate the current unit cap for the Rental Assistance Demonstration program, allowing any eligible housing authority to participate.

“Everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to call home,” said Congressman Carney. “We don’t have as many affordable options for low-income Americans as we need, and much of what we have has fallen into disrepair. My proposed legislation builds on two successful HUD programs that increase access to quality, affordable housing, while helping low-income Americans get the tools they need to rent or buy a home on their own. The Housing Assistance Reform Act will help more Americans pursue better opportunities and improve their quality of life. I am working closely with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get it passed.”

Congressman Carney announcing his Housing Assistance Reform Act to affordable housing residents and advocates at Liberty Court Apartments in Dover.

The Moving to Work (MTW) program was created by Congress in 1996 to give local housing authorities the flexibility to create successful programs that meet the needs of low-income families while promoting self-sufficiency and increasing available housing options. Currently, 39 housing authorities nationwide are eligible to participate in the program.

The Delaware State Housing Authority was one of the first agencies to participate in HUD’s Moving to Work pilot program in 1999. Since then, DSHA’s Moving to Work program has helped more than 800 Delaware families increase their financial stability and move from subsidized housing to market rate rentals or homeownership. The program has disbursed more than $2.4 million back to MTW residents in savings for successfully completing the program. For more information on DSHA’s Moving to Work program, click here.

“Moving to Work has given DSHA the flexibility to efficiently manage our resources while also allowing us to provide our clients a comprehensive set of services that is not limited to just housing assistance, but also includes financial literacy and case management to help them set and reach their goals,” said DSHA Director Anas Ben Addi.

Rhianna Turner, a single mother and MTW graduate, shared her experience with the program. After losing her job, Rhianna entered DSHA’s Moving to Work program in 2007. “The Delaware State Housing Authority’s assistance allowed me to save money, learn to budget, and improve my credit, all of which helped me move toward my dream of homeownership,” said Turner. “Today, I have been in my home for a year and four months, and I am incredibly thankful for the help I received that allowed me to work towards this goal. There are many stresses in my life as a single mother to three children, but where we live is no longer one of them.”

(l to r): Rhianna Turner, an MTW graduate, and her DSHA caseworker, Lori Fretz, greet Congressman Carney at today’s press conference.

“I’m here to give my unbridled support to this national legislation,” added Fred Purnell, Executive Director of the Wilmington Housing Authority. “The critical piece for us is the flexibility that Moving to Work would bring to WHA. It would allow us to take resources that we have going in other directions and concentrate them on people.”

The Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program gives local housing authorities a powerful tool to begin tackling the backlog of at least $25 billion in unmet capital needs and deferred maintenance for public housing. Specifically, RAD allows housing authorities to mortgage land and buildings, providing access to much needed private capital to make repairs to the existing housing stock. The mortgaged properties remain subject to the same use restrictions, ensuring that it will remain affordable for low-income families.

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