DNREC First State Heritage Park’s First Saturday offers a look at significant symbols representing Delaware

Explore the history and legend of Delaware’s state bird at the John Bell House and find out why

the First Delaware Regiment was proud to be called chicken.

DOVER – Ever wonder why the Blue Hen is the Delaware state bird? On Saturday, April 6, DNREC’s First State Heritage Park will answer that question and provide visitors with explanations of the other symbols that represent Delaware.

From the well-known to the obscure, you can learn more about the elements that are iconic to Delaware, and how they were chosen to represent the First State. Each site of the First State Heritage Park will present a variety of symbols, sharing the stories of how they came to be connected to Delaware. Even if you have never heard that the ladybug is our state insect, there will be something for every age and interest level.

Visit Legislative Hall between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to find out about the animals, vegetables, and minerals that have been selected over the years to represent the state. Stop by Woodburn between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. to find out about the state flag, which displays a yeoman farmer, why there is a cow on the Delaware state seal, and how George Washington had some influence. You might also be surprised to learn that you have the ability to institute your own ideas.

Some symbols are known across the world. At 1:30 p.m. the Johnson Victrola Museum will feature a theatrical presentation that explores artist Francis Barraud and his painting of one of the most celebrated canines in the world: Nipper the dog, who displays the Victor trademark, “His Masters Voice.”

First Saturday activities: April 6

9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

From Military Man to Mascot: The Delaware Blue Hen
John Bell House, 43 The Green
Learn the history and the legend behind Delaware’s state bird; the blue hen.
Creating State Symbols
Legislative Hall, 411 Legislative Avenue
At Delaware’s state capital building, experience Delaware history and learn more about state symbols, from the state beverage to the our wildlife animal, and how these representations came to be. Photo ID is required for all adults entering the building.
Songwriting: Poetry through Music
Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New Street
To celebrate National Poetry Month, guided tours will highlight the great songwriters of the Victor Talking Machine Company. Hear their music on authentic talking machines.
Biggs Kids – Peach Blossoms
Biggs Museum of American Art, 406 Federal Street
Did you know that the state flower of Delaware is the peach blossom? Create your own colorful tree and see how many peaches you can find in our collection.
A Symbol of Government
The Old State House Museum – 25 The Green
Guided tours will highlight the creation of The Old State House, and how it became a symbol of Delaware’s past and present.

10 a.m. – 3 p.m. (Last tour leaves at 3 p.m.)

Dover’s Heroes of the Revolution Walking Tour
Meet at the John Bell House on The Green
Dover was a hotbed of activity during the struggle for American Independence. Learn about the people of Dover who made an impact and contributed to the symbolism of Delaware.

10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

State Seal Symbolism
At Woodburn – The Governor’s House, 151 Kings Highway
Enjoy guided tours of the official residence of Delaware’s Governor since 1965, and learn about the significant symbols on the state seal.

10:30 a.m.

Celebrating the History of the Delaware Department of Transportation
Delaware Public Archives, 121 Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard North
The Secretary of DelDOT, Jennifer Cohan, will present the history of the department, and how our transportation system has evolved over the last century.

1:30 p.m.

Francis Barraud: His Master’s Voice
Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 South New Street
This theatrical presentation examines painter Francis Barraud’s creation of the world famous “His Master’s Voice” trademark, one of the most famous symbols in the 20th century.

1:30 – 4 p.m. (Last tour leaves at 4 p.m.)

“The Once and Future Courthouse”
Historic Kent County Courthouse, Courtroom #1, 38 The Green, meet on front steps
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, 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: Beth Shockley, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 49, No. 67

DNREC’s First State Heritage Park’s lantern tours to light up Fridays this spring

DOVER – DNREC’s First State Heritage Park will offer lantern tours of The Green and three historic Dover cemeteries at 8 p.m. Fridays from April 5 – June 7. Take a walk through Dover’s history by the light of a lantern on one of four different evening tours offered by the park.

Lantern Tour of The Green
8 p.m. Fridays, April 5, May 3, and 17
Join historical interpreters from the First State Heritage Park dressed in colonial attire as they tell the stories of historic Dover. Dover’s public square was the site of markets and fairs, suffragists and abolitionists, soldiers and slaves, lawmakers and law breakers. Hear tales of devastating fires that threatened the town, of poisonings, and of tragic love.
Christ Episcopal Church cemetery
8 p.m. Friday, May 10
Encounter characters from the past to hear tales of the tombstones, along with stories of joy and sorrow about those who were laid to rest within the walls of the churchyard. From Caesar Rodney’s unrequited love, to Civil War opponents buried within yards of one another, be prepared for a surprise or two on this unique tour.
Old Wesley United Methodist Church cemetery
8:00 Friday, May 24; 8:30 June 7
In a new lantern tour, the stories of those buried in Wesley United Methodist Church’s cemetery help reveal the meanings behind the elaborate rituals associated with death and mourning in the 19th century. Uncover the meanings of the carefully-crafted funeral art that decorates the tombstones of the high and low classes alike, and what those symbols might reveal about the people buried beneath them. Varied and often unusual funerary customs of the Victorian era, including mourning clothes, will be revealed by an undertaker and a grieving widow.
Presbyterian Church of Dover cemetery
8 p.m. Friday, May 31
Visit by lantern light the Presbyterian Church of Dover’s historic cemetery, where many prominent Delawareans and their families are buried. Among them is Delaware’s great statesman John M. Clayton and Revolutionary War martyr Colonel John Haslet, who died a hero’s death at the Battle of Princeton in 1777. Meet these figures from Dover history, along with Revolutionary War hero Major John Patton, 19th-century Dover’s James Fulton, who was the first resident of Rose Cottage, and several 18th-century Dover widows with decided opinions about their husbands.

Admission to all lantern tours is $10. All April and May Friday tours begin at 8 p.m. The June 7 tour begins at 8:30 p.m. Space is limited; call 302-739-9194 to reserve your lantern. Lantern tours cancelled due to inclement weather will not be rescheduled. The churchyard tours are made possible with the cooperation of the Presbyterian Church of Dover, Christ Episcopal Church, and Wesley United Methodist Church.

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. For more information, visit www.destateparks.com/heritagepark.

Contact: Beth Shockley, Public Affairs, 302-793-9902

Vol. 49, No. 68

DNREC’s First State Heritage Park invites visitors to venture into ‘Dark Dover’ Oct. 19 and 26

DOVER –DNREC’s First State Heritage Park’s most popular event returns to The Green this Halloween season. During the park’s “Dark Dover” program, visitors will witness firsthand chilling true stories, and encounter characters whose legends have left their sinister imprint on The Green in Dover.

Eighteenth-century judge Samuel Chew and the murdered servant Cooch Turner are just two of the specters who will appear on this most unusual tour through the Dover Green. Unusual twists include an unexpected re-telling of the “Poison Candy Murder” tale from the point of view of the victim’s deceitful and philandering husband, who attempts to clear his name. The mid-20th-century “Lonely Hearts” murder case adds a grisly but humorous touch to the tour.

To find out what lurks in the shadows, join the First State Heritage Park by moonlight on Fridays, Oct. 19 and 26. The hour-long program is presented at 7 p.m. and again at 8:30 p.m. Admission is $10 per person. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Call 302-739-9194 to reserve your spot. Tours will meet at the John Bell House on The Green in Dover.

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

Vol. 48, No. 269

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.

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

DNREC’s First State Heritage Park’s First Saturday invites visitors to explore science

Visit the John Bell House to find out more about how diseases like smallpox were managed during the American Revolution.

DOVER – DNREC’s First State Heritage Park will feature “Science Exploration” as the theme August 4 for the First State Heritage Park’s monthly “First Saturday in the First State,” with a variety of free events and activities.

The John Bell House will feature “Revolutionary Medicine,” a program offered throughout the day about what medicine was like in the 18th century. Join historical interpreters in colonial clothing to learn about how Revolutionary War soldiers were treated for smallpox and other diseases. Visitors also will be able to play the role of a bio-archaeologist to help determine the cause of death for theoretical remains based solely on what can be found using archaeology.

Dr. Stephanie Holyfield will present “Colonial Contagion: Smallpox and the American Revolution,” at the Delaware Public Archives. Dr. Holyfield will discuss the impact of the disease and present information about the history of smallpox in the colonial era, George Washington’s decision to inoculate the army, and how the epidemic threatened the outcome of the war.

At 11 a.m., The Old State House will host “Medicine through the Wars: The Evolution of American Wartime Medicine.” From the American Revolution to present, find out how warfare – despite its destructive nature – has led to great advancements in science, especially in medicine.

Social science is the subject at the Kent County Courthouse, where visitors will participate in “Crime and Punishment” to learn how justice was served in the 18th century. The newly constructed pillory and stocks will be on display for visitors to try them on for size.

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

First Saturday – August 4

9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Revolutionary Medicine — John Bell House on The Green, 43 The Green
Learn about 18th century medicine and how the inventions of Dover’s own Dr. James Tilton saved lives during the Revolutionary War.

A Capitol Experience — Legislative Hall, 411 Legislative Avenue
Tour Delaware’s State Capitol 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.

10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Tours of the Governor’s House — Woodburn – The Governor’s House, 151 King’s 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.

Sickness and Health…and the Occasional Poisoning Walking Tour — John Bell House on The Green, 43 The Green
Highlighting stories of medical curiosities of Dover’s past.

10:30 a.m.

Colonial Contagion: Smallpox and the American Revolution — Delaware Public Archives, 121 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
Dr. Stephanie Holyfield will discuss the impact of smallpox during the American Revolution with information about the history of the disease, epidemic threats, and George Washington’s decision to inoculate soldiers against the disease.

11 a.m.

Medicine Through the Wars: The Evolution of American Wartime Medicine — The Old State House, 25 The Green
This lecture examines the progress made in military medical practices and the role Delawareans played from the American Revolution through World War II.

1:30 – 4 p.m.

Crime and Punishment in the 18th Century — Kent County Courthouse, 38 The Green, Courtroom #1
From the pillory to the gallows, learn how justice was served in the 18th century, and how American colonists showed mercy to criminals in surprising ways.

1:30 p.m.

Sound, Stage, and Screen — Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New Street
Examine the science behind adding recorded sound to film and how that revolutionized the industry.

Each month during “First Saturdays in the First State,” the First State Heritage Park offers a variety of free programs at each of the park’s partner sites, including tours of the two capitol buildings in Delaware’s capital city – the Old State House and Legislative Hall – hourly walking tours leaving from the John Bell House, and the monthly “Biggs Kids” program at the Biggs Museum of American Art. Exhibits are also on display at the Biggs Museum, the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries, and the Johnson Victrola Museum.

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 the First State Heritage Park web site.

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