Programs ‘from the dark side’ to be featured at the New Castle Court House Museum in October 2017
The New Castle Court House Museum, located at 211 Delaware St. in New Castle, Del., will be presenting four history-related programs during the month of October 2017. For information, call 302-323-4453.
In its opening program of the Halloween season, the museum will present “Shakespeare, Poe and Fiends” on Sunday, Oct. 15, at 7:30 p.m. The program features members of Delaware Shakespeare reading selections from the works of two masters of the macabre—William Shakespeare and Edgar Allan Poe. Tickets are $18.50 and are available online at www.delshakes.org.
In its second Halloween-themed program, the court house will present “The Spirit of New Castle Past,” an original play by historic-site interpreter David Price that explores figures from the dark side of New Castle history including a founder, a loose woman, a fire bug, a murderess, a politician, a soldier, a diplomat and a very scared head-teller. The play will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 18 and Saturday, Oct. 21, both at 7 p.m. Admission is free but, due to space restrictions, reservations are required by calling 302-323-4453. Patrons must be in their seats no later than 6:50 p.m. No admission after the play begins.
Finally, on Saturday, Oct. 28, the museum will present “William Penn Day,” a full day of programs commemorating the 335th anniversary of Penn’s disembarkment at New Castle, his first landing in the New World. Activities will include the historical plays “Livery of Seizen” and “The Tryal of William Penn”; historical re-enactor Jean Norvell portraying Hannah Penn; a concert by De Blokfluiters recorder/flute ensemble; and a Baroque harpsichord and flute evening concert. Admission is free and open to the public.
Constructed in 1732, the New Castle Court House is one of the oldest active court buildings in the United States and was Delaware’s first state capitol. Here, the Colonial Assembly passed the 1776 Separation Resolution creating the Delaware State. During its nearly 300 years of history, this landmark has played many pivotal roles in the political, social and commercial life of both New Castle and Delaware. The museum is a partner site in the First State National Historical Park.
