Division to sponsor 14 special events during September 2019
Updated: Aug. 28, 2019
During the month of September 2019, the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs will be sponsoring 14 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 events, September 2019
Monday, Sept. 2, 2019
Labor 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 John Dickinson Plantation and the Zwaanendael Museum, open 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. The New Castle Court House Museum, closed. 302-744-5054.
Monday, Sept. 2, 2019
Elected Chief Dennis Coker of the Lenapé Indian Tribe of Delaware. Chief Coker will discuss the tribe’s history and its continuing presence in Delaware. Annual celebration of Native American culture featuring the Lenapé Indian Tribe of Delaware. 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.
Monday, Sept. 2, 2019
“The Importance of Regalia in Native American Culture.” Native American flutist Bo Harris returns to the museum to discuss “regalia” or traditional clothing in Native American ceremonies. Annual celebration of Native American culture featuring the Lenapé Indian Tribe of Delaware. Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New St., Dover. Program at 2:30 p.m. in the museum’s 2nd floor gallery (entry via staircase; no elevator). Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-739-3262.
Thursdays, Sept. 5, 12, 19 and 26, 2019
“Lost Off Lewes: The British Warship DeBraak.” Guided tours explore 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@state.de.us or call 302-645-1148.
Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019
“Celebrating Native American Music.” The flute is one of the most popular instruments in Native American music. Renowned flute maker Bob Willasch will demonstrate how to make the instruments and visitors will have an opportunity to decorate their own versions. Annual celebration of Native American culture featuring the Lenapé Indian Tribe of Delaware. First Saturday in the First State program. Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New St., Dover. Programs at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. in the museum’s 2nd floor gallery (entry via staircase; no elevator). Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-739-3262.
Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019
“Today’s Lenapé: An Archaeologist Considers Material Aspects of Contemporary Lenapé Culture.” Delaware State Parks archaeologist John McCarthy will discuss uses of the material world to express identity and values in contemporary Lenapé culture including places that are important to the tribe; the importance of regalia and the pow-wow tradition; and traditions of family, hospitality and more. Annual celebration of Native American culture featuring the Lenapé Indian Tribe of Delaware. 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, Sept. 14, 2019
“Celebrating Lenapé Heritage.” Ninth annual event featuring the Lenapé Indian Tribe of Delaware as they celebrate their culture and long existence in Delaware through art, displays, demonstrations and music. Annual celebration of Native American culture. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Programs 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Museum open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5054.
Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 14 and 15, 2019
John Dickinson Plantation closed. Museum closed in support of “Thunder Over Dover,” a free, two-day event at the Dover Air Force Base. 302-739-3277.
Thursday, Sept. 19, 2019
“21st Annual Chautauqua Tent Show: ‘The 1960s in Delaware: A Decade of Turmoil and Transformation.’ ” Full schedule of activities beginning at 11:45 a.m. culminating with performances by the following American Historical Theatre actor/historians: Keith Henley as Martin Luther King, Jr. at 6 p.m. and Bob Gleason as Lyndon B. Johnson at 7:15 p.m. Lewes History Museum, 101 Adams Ave., Lewes. 302-645-1148 or 302-645-7670.
Friday, Sept. 20, 2019
“21st Annual Chautauqua Tent Show: ‘The 1960s in Delaware: A Decade of Turmoil and Transformation.’ ” Full schedule of activities beginning at 1 p.m. culminating with a screening of the documentary “Good Ol’ Freda” about the Beatles secretary at 7:15 p.m. Lewes History Museum, 101 Adams Ave., Lewes. 302-645-1148 or 302-645-7670.
Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019
TIME CHANGE–“21st Annual Chautauqua Tent Show: ‘The 1960s in Delaware: A Decade of Turmoil and Transformation.’ ” Full schedule of activities beginning at 1 p.m. culminating with a dance/concert featuring music by the 60’s Revival Band at 5 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to dress in their best ’60s attire. Lewes History Museum, 101 Adams Ave., Lewes. 302-645-1148 or 302-645-7670. NOTE: The time for the dance/concert by the 60’s Revival Band has been changed from 6–8 p.m. to 5–7 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019
“Caesar Rodney in His Own Words.” Historical play about the Delaware patriot by museum historic-site interpreter David Price. The Green adjacent to the New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St. New Castle. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs and bug spray. Play at 2 p.m. Museum open 1:30–4:30 p.m. Free admission but reservations are suggested by calling the museum at 302-323-4453.
Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019
“Creating the Navy on the Delaware.” Presentation by Bill Manthorpe, retired U.S. Navy captain and author. Part one of the four-part lecture series, “Delaware’s Maritime Heritage.” 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 Sept.27, 2019.
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.
