Division celebrates African American History Month 2021
During the month of February 2021, the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs will be offering five virtual programs streamed live on the Web. Two of these programs will be presented in commemoration of National African American History Month, an annual observance celebrating the invaluable contributions that the Black community has made to the culture and history of the United States. All programs are free and open to the public.
Live virtual programs in February 2021
Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021
“The Wreck of the DeBraak.” Virtual program from the Zwaanendael Museum explores the history of the British warship DeBraak which sank off the coast of Lewes in May of 1798 only to be recovered by treasure hunters nearly 200 years later. Program streamed live via Zoom (registration required by going to the following hyperlink). 3:30 p.m. 302-645-1148 or mailto:zmuseum@delaware.gov.
Saturday, Feb. 6, 2021
“Mary Ann Shadd Cary: Delaware’s Forgotten Daughter.” Virtual presentation from the New Castle Court House Museum featuring Lora Englehart of Delaware Humanities discussing the life of Wilmington native Mary Ann Shadd Cary (1823-1893), a teacher, journalist, editor, feminist, lawyer, wife and mother who lived a life committed to racial and gender equality. Presented in celebration of African American History Month. Program streamed live via Zoom (registration required by going to the following hyperlink), and on the museum’s Facebook page. 1 p.m. 302-323-4453 or mailto:NCCHmuseum@delaware.gov.
Saturday, Feb. 13, 2021
“A Student’s Quest for Racial Reckoning in Delaware.” Virtual program from the Zwaanendael Museum in which Savannah Shepherd discusses the journey that led her to collaborate with the Equal Justice Initiative’s Community Remembrance Project that installed a marker in memoriam of the lynching of George White. Presented in celebration of African American History Month. Program streamed live via Zoom (registration required by going to the following hyperlink). 3:30 p.m. 302-645-1148 or mailto:zmuseum@delaware.gov.
Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021
Delaware State Review Board for Historic Preservation meeting. Virtual meeting to include review of the African Union Church of Iron Hill’s nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. 10 a.m. Free by going to the following hyperlink. 302-736-7417.
Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021
“Remembering Washington.” Virtual living-history program from The Old State House in which historical interpreter Tom Welch portrays Col. Allen McLane, the Revolutionary War hero from Duck Creek (Smyrna, Del.). As part of the program, McLane will discuss his decades-long relationship with George Washington. Co-sponsored by the Friends of Old Dover. Program streamed live via Zoom or on the museum’s Facebook page. Registration required by going to the following hyperlink. 10 a.m. 302-744-5054 or mailto:OSHmuseum@delaware.gov.
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 and special programs, 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 long-term calendar of division-sponsored events.
