Division to sponsor 19 special events during October 2017
During the month of October 2017, the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs will be sponsoring 19 special programs at sites across the state. A full schedule is included below. Except where noted, all programs are free and open to the public.
Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs special programs, October 2017
Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017
“Native Ways.” Demonstrations and activities, presented by archeologists, modern practitioners and historic-site interpreters from The Old State House, showcase ancient technologies and lifeways from Delaware spanning over 14,000 years. Killens Pond State Park, 5025 Killens Pond Road, Felton. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Free with paid park-admission fee. 302-284-4526.
Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017
“Let’s Get Ready to Rumble: William Penn vs Lord Baltimore.” Celebrate Dover’s 300th anniversary with a historical-theater production exploring William Penn’s conflict with Lord Baltimore over ownership of the Delmarva Peninsula. First Saturday in the First State program. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Performances at 1 and 4:30 p.m. Museum open for tours from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. and 2–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5054.
Saturday, Oct. 7, 2017
“Johnson Victrola Museum’s 50th Anniversary Celebration: A Diva’s Tale.” Program at 2:30 p.m.—“From Prima Donnas to Divas: A Victor Creation”—examines the talented female vocalists of the Victor Talking Machine Company and how they paved the way for the divas of today, accompanied by 78-rpm recordings of those artists played on authentic Victor Talking Machines. Part of a series of programs celebrating the museum’s creation in 1967. First Saturday in the First State program. Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New St., Dover. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-739-3262.
Monday, Oct. 9, 2017
Columbus 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, Oct. 9, 2017
“Johnson Victrola Museum’s 50th Anniversary Celebration.” Guided tours explore the museum and its collections during the golden anniversary of its creation in 1967, accompanied by 78-rpm records played on authentic Victor Talking Machines. Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New St., Dover. 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-739-3262.
Friday, Oct. 13, 2017
Concert by Crabmeat Thompson. Blues/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, Oct. 14, 2017
“18th Century Trades Day.” Experience occupations of the 1700s including getting your hands dirty with the blacksmith, preserving food in the smokehouse, weaving a rug on a loom and making bricks out of clay. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.
Saturday, Oct. 14, 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.
Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017
“Shakespeare, Poe and Fiends.” Delaware Shakespeare presents dramatic readings for the Halloween season. New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. 7:30 p.m. Tickets $18.50 available online at http://www.delshakes.org/. 302-323-4453.
Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2017
Delaware State Review Board for Historic Preservation annual business meeting. Agenda TBA. The Delaware Room, Delaware Public Archives, 121 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Dover. 10 a.m.–Noon. 302-736-7417.
Wednesday, Oct. 18 and Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017
“The Spirit of New Castle Past.” Play by historic-site interpreter David Price explores figures from New Castle’s past including a founder, a loose woman, a fire bug, a murderess, a politician, a soldier, a diplomat and a very scared head-teller. New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. 7 p.m. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations are required. Patrons must be in their seats no later than 6:50 p.m. No admission after the play begins. 302-323-4453.
Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017
Historic Cemetery Preservation Workshop. A day of expert presentations providing practical advice for those concerned with the preservation and maintenance of historic burial places in the First State. Dover location. 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Admission charge and reservations required. For information and reservations, go to http://asdweb.startlogic.com/id57.html; e-mail john.mccarthy@delaware.gov; or call 302-739-9188.
Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017
Blackbird Creek Fall Festival. Family-friendly events include outdoor activities, hayrides, display booths, crafts and programs by historic-site interpreters from the John Dickinson Plantation. Blackbird Creek Reserve, 801 Blackbird Landing Road, Townsend. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. 302-739-6377.
Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017
“Who Did In the Delaware Ducks?” It is June 1687 and someone has killed Arthur Starr’s ducks! In this historical play, museum guests meet the suspect and search for clues to help solve the mystery and find a killer. 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 for the lecture are required by calling 302-645-1148 no later than Oct. 20, 2017.
Friday, Oct. 27, 2017
“Lantern Tours of the Plantation.” Programs explore the parties, games, dances and entertainment that would have abounded at the plantation during the nighttime in the 18th century. Activities will also include wagon-ride guided-tours conducted by staff of the St. Jones Reserve exploring the nocturnal life of the estuary. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Programs 5:30–6:30 p.m. and 7–8 p.m. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations are required by calling the John Dickinson Plantation at 302-739-3277 no later than Oct. 26.
Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017
“Halloween Family Fun Day at Woodburn.” Activities will include tours of the home, games and crafts. Woodburn: The Governor’s Residence, 151 Kings Highway S.W., Dover. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, all activities will be cancelled. For additional information or for notification of cancellation, call 302-739-5656 or e-mail Woodburn@delaware.gov.
Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017
William Penn Day. Day-long series of programs commemorating the 335th anniversary of Penn’s disembarkment at New Castle, his first landing in the New World. Activities include the historical plays “Livery of Seizen” and “The Tryal of William Penn”; a concert by De Blokfluiters recorder/flute ensemble; “Life With Mrs. Penn” presentation; and a Baroque harpsichord and flute evening concert. New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. 10 a.m.–6:30 p.m. 302-323-4453.
Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017
“Mysteries of History.” Walking tours by lead historic-site-interpreter Beth Gott explore the unusual tombstones of St. Peter’s cemetery in Lewes. Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. Tours leave from the museum at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Museum open 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations for the tours are required by calling 302-645-1148 no later than Oct. 27, 2017.
Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2017
“Trick-or-Treat at Woodburn.” Gov. John Carney and first lady Tracey Carney will be giving out candy to trick-or-treaters who knock on the door. Woodburn: The Governor’s Residence, 151 Kings Highway S.W., Dover. 5– 8 p.m. Trick-or-treaters welcome regardless of any adverse weather conditions. For additional information, call 302-739-5656 or e-mail Woodburn@delaware.gov. ¨
Administered by the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, the five 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—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 museums are accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the highest recognition afforded to museums in the United States. 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 division-sponsored events.
