Division to sponsor 18 special events during April 2017
During the month of April 2017, the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs will be sponsoring 18 special programs at sites across the state. A full schedule is included below. All programs are free and open to the public.
Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs special events, April 2017
Saturday, April 1, 2017
“USS Delaware: A Force to Be Reckoned With.” Program examines the beginning of World War I and the involvement of the dreadnought USS Delaware in the conflict. First Saturday in the First State program. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Program at 1 p.m. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5054.
Saturday, April 1, 2017
“Over There: World War I and the Victor Talking Machine Company.” Program explores music’s influence during World War I 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. First Saturday in the First State program. Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New St., Dover. Program at 3:30 p.m. in the museum’s 2nd floor gallery (entry via staircase; no elevator). Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations are required by calling 302-739-3262. Note: The starting time for this program has changed from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 6, 2017
“Founding Fathers and Mothers: Washington.” First installment of the four-part Coffee Hour Lecture Series featuring a team of scholars and historians discussing Founding Fathers of the United States and the women in their lives. Coffee, tea and snacks will be served. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. 5:30 p.m. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations are required by calling 302-744-5054.
Thursday–Saturday, April 6–15, 2017
Lewes Tulip Celebration. City-wide series of activities including tours and displays at the Zwaanendael Museum. Sponsored by the Lewes Chamber of Commerce. Downtown Lewes. 302-645-8073.
Saturday, April 8, 2017
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.
Saturday, April 8, 2017
“Listen Up! The Finale.” Concluding segment featuring all of the youth poets who participated in Listen Up!,” a year-long series that features young people who utilize poetry, theater, dance and song to create compositions that celebrate different aspects of Delaware history. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Performance at 1 p.m. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations are required by calling 302-744-5054.
Saturday, April 8, 2017
Annual meeting of the Underground Railroad Coalition of Delaware. Program to include a panel discussion featuring Joseph McGill of the Slave Dwelling Project; historical interpreter Roberta Perkins; and Colin Adams-Toomey, interpretative-programs manager for First State Heritage Park. Co-sponsored by the John Dickinson Plantation. Program at the St. Jones Reserve, 818 Kitts Hummock Rd., Dover. 3–4:30 p.m. Free admission. 302-739-3277.
Saturday, April 8, 2017
Meet Joseph McGill of the Slave Dwelling Project. Activity to take place in the log’d dwelling, an example of the type of structure that would have been lived in by the plantation’s tenants and enslaved people. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. 6–9 p.m. 302-739-3277.
Thursday, April 13, 2017
“Founding Fathers and Mothers: Adams and Franklin.” Second installment of the four-part Coffee Hour Lecture Series featuring a team of scholars and historians discussing Founding Fathers of the United States and the women in their lives. Coffee, tea and snacks will be served. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. 5:30 p.m. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations are required by calling 302-744-5054.
Friday, April 14, 2017
Good Friday. All 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 John Dickinson Plantation, New Castle Court House Museum and the Zwaanendael Museum, open 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5054.
Sunday, April 16, 2017
Easter Sunday. 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.
Wednesday, April 19, 2017
Delaware State Review Board for Historic Preservation meeting. Agenda to include review of National Register nomination of the Dinker-Irvin Cottage in Bethany Beach. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. 10 a.m.–Noon. 302-736-7417.
Thursday, April 20, 2017
“Founding Fathers and Mothers: Jefferson and Madison.” Third installment of the four-part Coffee Hour Lecture Series featuring a team of scholars and historians discussing Founding Fathers of the United States and the women in their lives. Coffee, tea and snacks will be served. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. 5:30 p.m. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations are required by calling 302-744-5054.
Saturday, April 22, 2017
Dutch-American Friendship Day. Discover Delaware’s Dutch roots and learn how that connection is alive today. Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-645-1148.
Saturday, April 22, 2017
Earth Day at the John Dickinson Plantation. Celebrate Earth Day with a hike on the estate of the “Penman of the Revolution” followed by a potpourri-making demonstration. Dress appropriately. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Hikes at 11 a.m. and 1:30 pm. Museum open 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations for the hike are required by calling 302-739-3277 no later than April 21. 302-739-3277.
Monday, April 24, 2017
John Dickinson Plantation service project in observance of National Week of Service. Join staff and volunteers in a variety of service activities including early spring gardening, cleaning benches and picnic tables, painting and collecting debris from the property. Registration is recommended by contacting the division’s Volunteer Services Coordinator at 302-736-7411 or HCA_VolunteerSvcs@delaware.gov. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. 1–4 p.m. 302-739-3277.
Thursday, April 27, 2017
“Founding Fathers and Mothers: Hamilton.” Final installment of the four-part Coffee Hour Lecture Series featuring a team of scholars and historians discussing Founding Fathers of the United States and the women in their lives. Coffee, tea and snacks will be served. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. 5:30 p.m. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations are required by calling 302-744-5054.
Saturday, April 29, 2017
“Archaeological and Historical Symposium of the Colonial Delaware Valley.” Featuring informal presentations, the program is designed to build a regional-level dialog that can identify the uniqueness of the Colonial cultures of the Delaware Valley. New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-323-4453. To reserve a place, send an e-mail to craig.lukezic@de.state.us.
Saturday, April 29, 2017
King’s Day. Celebration of the birthday of King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands in a program that will also explore royal titles and Delaware’s Dutch connection. Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-645-1148.
Sunday, April 30, 2017
SpringFest at Fort Christina. Event explores the Colonial-era cultures of the Lenape, Swedes, Finns, Dutch and English. Activities include food, music, entertainment, children’s games and more. Seventh Street peninsula in Wilmington including Fort Christina National Historic Landmark, 1110 E. Seventh St., Wilmington. Noon–4 p.m. 312-652-5629.
Go to the following for a comprehensive, long-term calendar of events sponsored by the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs.