"As It Is...Written"
First Saturday in the First State Event at Museum Square
Saturday, November 3, 2007

Dover, DE - October 19, 2007 - On Saturday, November 3, 2006 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., the three museums of Dover's Museum Square (Johnson Victrola Museum, Delaware Archaeology Museum, and the Museum of Small Time Life) will present "As It Is...Written," a program designed to showcase the wonders of both the written word and the printed page. Held in conjunction with both "First Saturday in the First State" (a monthly program sponsored by the First State Heritage Park at Dover) and the Delaware Book Festival, "As It Is...Written" will feature fun-filled activities for the entire family including sessions on picture writing, paper- and book-making, and writing utilizing Native American symbols.

Visitors to the Museum of Small Town Life will experience the art of papermaking with Margaret Johnson, owner of A Peace of Paper in Dover. Johnson will showcase some of her creations and provide hands-on training in papermaking technique. The museum will also feature demonstrations of its 1897 Pearl printing press. Guests will receive a complimentary bookmark to take home.

At the Johnson Victrola Museum, visitors will participate in picture writing activities while being treated to children's stories of yesteryear. Finally, the Delaware Archaeology Museum will provide opportunities for children to decipher messages utilizing Native American symbols.

Museum Square, located at 375 S. New St. between North St. and Bank Lane, in Dover, Delaware, is open from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday and most state holidays; and 1:304:30 p.m. Sundays. Admission is free. Donations are accepted and appreciated. For additional information, call the Delaware Visitor Center at (302) 739-4266.

Museum Square consists of the following three facilities:

The Johnson Victrola Museum highlights the life and achievements of Delaware's native son, Eldridge Reeves Johnson, founder of the Victor Talking Machine Company. Through phonographs, memorabilia, trademarks, objects, and paintings, the museum showcases Johnson, his company, and the development of the sound-recording industry.

Encompassing 12,000 years of Delaware archaeological history, the Delaware Archaeology Museum exhibits artifacts from the last ice age in North America to the 20th century. Artifacts range from Native American arrowheads, ceramics, and other stone and bone tools, to glass and personal objects used in Delaware during the 17th-20th centuries.

Housed in the former Presbyterian Church of Dover Sunday School, the Museum of Small Town Life highlights late 19th century Delaware in the period just before the invention of electricity. Exhibits depict a variety of small town businesses and services including a general store, print shop, pharmacy, post office, and woodworking shop.

Museum Square is administered by the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs (HCA), an agency of the State of Delaware working in partnership with the First State Heritage Park at Dover. HCA 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. In addition to its eight museums, HCA operates two conference centers, manages over thirty historic properties, and serves as the state's historic preservation office. Funding for HCA's programs and services is provided by annual appropriations from the Delaware General Assembly, revenue from HCA's History Stores, and grants from the National Park Service, a federal agency.

Last Updated: Tuesday, 18-Dec-2007 12:38:20 EST