Division to sponsor seven special events during January 2020
During the month of January 2020, the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs will be sponsoring seven special events at the museums of the State of Delaware. A full schedule is included below. All programs are free and open to the public.
Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs special events, January 2020
Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2019
New Year’s Eve. The following museums of the State of Delaware will be open: The Old State House, open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; the John Dickinson Plantation and New Castle Court House Museum, open 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. The Johnson Victrola Museum and the Zwaanendael Museum, closed.
Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020
New Year’s Day. 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.
Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020
“Dreaming of Dover: William Penn and the Creation of Our City.” Guided tours focus on William Penn’s role in founding the city of Dover dating back to 1683. First Saturday in the First State program. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5054.
Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020
“Dreams of a Victor.” Guided tours highlight the life and times of Eldridge Reeves Johnson, founder of the Victor Talking Machine Company. Visitors will learn how a humble machinist from Delaware created one of the most successful companies in the 20th century accompanied by 78-rpm records played on authentic Victor Talking Machines. 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, Jan. 10, 2020
Concert by CoroAllegro. Choral ensemble 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, Jan. 11, 2020
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, Jan. 18, 2020
“Black Footprints on White Sands: Historic African American Beaches and Resorts.” Program on the beaches and resorts that African Americans could visit without the fear of discrimination or violence during the late-19th century. Presented by Chase Jackson, program and grants manager at the Bayshore Center at Bivalve, home of News Jersey’s tall ship A.J. Meerwald. 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 Jan. 17, 2020.
Monday, Jan. 20, 2020
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 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 will be closed: The John Dickinson Plantation, the New Castle Court House Museum and the Zwaanendael Museum). 302-744-5054.
Monday, Jan. 20, 2020
“Courage and Freedom.” In commemoration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, guided tours will focus on three compelling stories of courageous Delawareans whose fight for freedom and equality began at The Old State House. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5054.
Monday, Jan. 20, 2020
“The Struggle.” In commemoration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, guided tours focus on African-American vocalists and Civil Rights activists Marian Anderson and Paul Robeson, accompanied by 78-rpm recordings of those artists played on authentic Victor Talking Machines. Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New St., Dover. 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-739-3262.
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.
