Division to sponsor eight free programs during January 2017
The five museums of the State of Delaware will be sponsoring eight 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.
Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2017
Delaware State Review Board for Historic Preservation business meeting. Agenda to include a presentation by architectural historian Robin Krawitz on the Jackson-Wilson House in Wilmington which has been nominated for placement in the National Register of Historic Places. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. 10 a.m. 302-736-7417.