Division-sponsored programs in August 2022
The Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs will be sponsoring six special programs during the month of August 2022. A full schedule is included below. Admission is free and open to the public, but reservations are required for some programs.
Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs programs, August 2022
Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2022
National Night Out in Historic New Castle. Annual community-building, family-friendly event that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. Activities include presentations by the New Castle Police Department, fire prevention information from the Good Will Fire Company, historical children’s games presented by the New Castle Court House Museum, demonstrations by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, music by Paul Freebury, food and more. Battery Park, One Delaware St., New Castle. 6–8 p.m. 302-323-4453.
Saturday, Aug. 13, 2022
“The Wreck of the DeBraak.” Program 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. Presented outdoors in Zwaanendael Park located adjacent to the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. 2:30 p.m. Guests are urged to bring their own chairs. In the event of inclement weather, the program may be cancelled. 302-645-1148 or mailto:zmuseum@delaware.gov.
Sunday, Aug. 14, 2022
“This Place Matters: ‘What’s New at Cooch’s Bridge?’ ” “Talks on the Terrace” program by Kaitlyn Dykes, site supervisor of the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ Cooch’s Bridge Historic Site, and Vincent Watchorn, president of the Friends of Cooch’s Bridge Historic Site. Hale-Byrnes House, 606 Stanton-Christiana Road, Newark. 3 p.m. Admission charge includes coffee and dessert. 302-543-5723.
Saturday, Aug. 20, 2022
Cooch’s Bridge Historic Site: Touring the homestead. Join historical interpreters for this introductory program on the history of the Cooch’s Bridge homestead. Learn about some of the individuals who lived on the property, how they shaped the land around them and how the location’s landscape contributed to national history. Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ Cooch’s Bridge Historic Site, 961 South Old Baltimore Pike, Newark. Tours at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Limit 20 visitors per tour. Free admission but reservations required by clicking here, by calling 302-922-7116 or mailto:CBmuseum@delaware.gov. NOTE: Both tours are fully booked.
Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022
“Restorative Justice.” Talk by Charito Calvachi-Mateyko examines the modern concept of criminal justice and the theory of restorative justice as an alternative to the current system. Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. Noon. 302-323-4453 or mailto:NCCHmuseum@delaware.gov.
Friday, Aug. 29, 2022
“Winner! Winner! Chicken Dinner: Delaware’s Woman of Steele!” Virtual program in which historic site interpreter Kimberly Fritsch of the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ New Castle Court House Museum explores Delaware’s chicken industry and the first major breeder of Delaware chickens—Cecile Steele. The event will also feature a chicken recipe. Part of the series, “Well Seasoned Heirlooms,” which shines a spotlight on the culinary practices, recipes and personalized cookbooks of women throughout Delaware history as they speak to us through their food. Program streamed live via Zoom. Noon. Free but registration required and only available by clicking here. 302-323-4453 or mailto:NCCHmuseum@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.