Division-sponsored programs in November 2021
The Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs will be sponsoring a wide variety of special programs during the month of November 2021. Many of these programs will be conducted in front of a live audience, while others will be streamed live on the internet with registration required. See the full schedule below for details. All programs are free and open to the public.
Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs programs, November 2021
Tuesdays, Nov. 2, 9 and 16; Fridays, Nov. 5, 12 and 19; Saturday, Nov. 20
Guided visitation to the African burial ground at the John Dickinson Plantation. Guided visitation leads participants to the African burial ground which is believed to be the final resting place for enslaved and free Black men, women and children who died on the plantation. Guests will engage with guides about the historical context and archaeological research of the site. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Programs at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Visitation recommendations: hat, closed-toed shoes, long pants clothing that accounts for current weather conditions, insect repellant and sunscreen. Admission free but reservations recommended by calling 302-739-3277.
Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021
“18th Century Market Fair.” Day-long series of programs harkens back to an era when The Green served as the focal point of life in Dover as historical interpreters explore the goods, wares and political attitudes of the 1700s. The Old State House will celebrate the fair with quill-pen writing, consultations with an 18th century doctor and apothecary, and the theatrical production “The Doctors Are In” at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. featuring historic-site interpreters Dennis Fisher and Steven Mumford portraying Delaware doctors James Sykes and James Tilton. First Saturday in the First State event sponsored by the First State Heritage Park. The Green, Dover. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. For additional information, call the First State Heritage Park at 302-739-9194 or The Old State House at 302-744-5054.
Friday, Nov. 12, 2021
“My Dear Douglass: The Story of Victor’s Forgotten Co-Founder.” Full length documentary, broadcast virtually, explores the life of Leon Forrest Douglass, a pioneer and inventor who revolutionized recorded music and the early motion picture industry. Though largely forgotten today, Douglass worked his way through the early phonograph era before co-founding the Victor Talking Machine Company with his partner and eventual life-long friend, Eldridge Reeves Johnson. Program streamed live via Zoom. Registration required and only available by clicking here. 6 p.m. For additional information, call 302-739-3262 or mailto:jvmuseum@Delaware.gov.
Friday, Nov. 12, 2021
Concert by Sug Daniels. Singer/songwriter. 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.
Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021
“Whose Story? Heritage and History in St. Eustatius.” Virtual program in which Fran Mahon, a research fellow at the Preservation Society of Newport County (R.I.), discusses the implications and construction of heritage within the Caribbean, urging viewers to question how power is preserved, and through it, which histories are remembered. Presented in celebration of Dutch-American Heritage Day. Program streamed live via Zoom. Registration required and only available by clicking here. 5 p.m. For additional information, call 302-645-1148 or mailto:zmuseum@delaware.gov.
Friday, Nov. 19, 2021
“Nanticoke.” Virtual lecture by Sterling Street, coordinator for the Nanticoke Indian Museum in Millsboro, Delaware, who will discuss the history of the Nanticoke people and showcase artifacts from the museum’s collections. Presented in celebration of National Native American Heritage Month. Program streamed live via Zoom. Registration required and only available by clicking here. 4:30 p.m. For additional information, call 302-645-1148 or mailto:zmuseum@delaware.gov.
Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021
Bayberry candle workshop. Program examines bayberries and their use in creating bayberry candles. Presented in partnership with the St. Jones Reserve. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Workshop 1:30–3:30 p.m. Museum open 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free admission but, due to space restrictions, reservations for the workshop are required by calling 302-739-3277.
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.
