Division to sponsor 19 special events during August 2016
The five museums of the state of Delaware will be sponsoring 19 special events during the month of August 2016. A full schedule is included below. With the exception of DeBraak tours, 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, August 2016
Wednesdays and Thursdays, Aug. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25 and 31, 2016
“Lost Off Lewes: The British Warship DeBraak.” Special tour explores the 18th-century history, artifacts and the surviving hull section of this shipwreck. Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. 9 a.m. Limited seating. Admission $10 by reservation only through the Shop Delaware website (go to http://shop.delaware.gov and click on “Tours” in the “Categories” column). For additional information, call 302-645-1148. Note: Beginning on Aug. 31, all remaining DeBraak tours in 2016 are free of charge.
Wednesdays, Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31, 2016
“Weaving Wednesdays.” Indoor, staff-led program in which visitors will learn how to weave a blanket or rag rug. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Program 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Museum open 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.
Saturday, Aug. 6, 2016
“Some Like Classical.” Program explores some of Victor Records’ earliest recordings of classical music accompanied by 78-rpm records 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, Aug. 6, 2016
“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. First Saturday in the First State program. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Programs at 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5054.
Saturday, Aug. 6, 2016
“Raiding the Mansion—Plundering the House of all its Provisions.” Interactive tours will bring the 1781 Tory raid on the plantation to life. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Program 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Museum open 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.
Saturday, Aug. 13, 2016
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.
Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2016
“1777–1778: War Heightens.” Lecture by historic-site interpreter Bob Vander Decker. Part eight of “The Founding of America in One Year,” a year-long series that examines important local and national events that led to the founding of the United States. New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. 7 p.m. 302-323-4453.