‘Change of Command’ among 11 division-sponsored events in June 2018

During the month of June 2018, the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs will be sponsoring 11 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.

Thomas Sully’s portraits of commodores Jacob Jones (left) and Thomas McDonough, two Delaware heroes of the War of 1812, on display in The Old State House. On June 2, 2018, the museum will present “Change of Command,” a historical-theater production exploring the true story of the transfer of command of the USS Constitution (Old Ironsides) from Jones to McDonough. On June 9, Sully’s paintings, as well as the museum’s portrait of George Washington by Denis A. Volozan, will be explored in the program, “Artists at The Old State House.”

Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs special events, June 2018

Saturday, June 2, 2018
“Change of Command.” Historical-theater production set at the time when command of the USS Constitution (Old Ironsides) was transferred between two Delaware heroes of the War of 1812—from Commodore Jacob Jones to Commodore Thomas McDonough. First Saturday in the First State program. 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, June 2, 2018
“Turn of the Century Inventors.” Guided tours will explore late-19th- and early-20th-century inventors who revolutionized American society including Edison, Ford, Tesla, Alexander Graham Bell, E.R. Johnson and Emile Berliner. 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.

Friday and Saturday, June 8 and 9, 2018
Separation Day. Celebration marking the 241st anniversary of Delaware’s separation from Great Britain and Pennsylvania and the formation of the Delaware State. Event includes free activities at the New Castle Court House Museum. Admission charge at other venues. Downtown New Castle. Friday, 6–9:30 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.–10 p.m. 302-323-4453 or 302-322-9801.

Saturday, June 9, 2018
“Artists at the Old State House.” Presentation by historic-site interpreter Valerie Kauffman explores oil paintings by Denis Alexandre Volozan and Thomas Sully that are exhibited in The Old State House and the historical context in which they were created. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Programs at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5054.

Saturday, June 9, 2018
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.

Thursdays, June 14, 21 and 28, 2018
“Lost Off Lewes: The British Warship DeBraak.” Special tour explores the history, artifacts and surviving hull section of this 18th-century shipwreck. Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. 9 a.m. Limited seating. Admission $10 (cash or check only). For reservations, e-mail hca_zmevents@delaware.gov or call 302-645-1148.

Saturday, June 16, 2018
“Dickinson Dyes.” Program showcases how copper pots, fire and 18th-century techniques were used to dye fabric at the estate of the “Penman of the Revolution.” 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.

Dyeing wool at the John Dickinson Plantation. Eighteenth-century techniques used to dye fabric will be explored at the museum on June 16, 2018.

Saturday, June 30, 2018
“Lost Off Lewes: The British Warship DeBraak.” Special tour explores the history, artifacts and surviving hull section of this 18th-century shipwreck. Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. 5 p.m. Limited seating. Admission $10 (cash or check only). For reservations, e-mail hca_zmevents@delaware.gov or call 302-645-1148.

Administered by the 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 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.