Division-sponsored programs in December 2022
The Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs will be sponsoring seven special programs during the month of December 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, December 2022
Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022
“Hospitality Night.” Holiday program in which the museum will be decorated for the season by the Sussex Gardeners utilizing oyster shells and other nautical items on the theme “Gifts From the Sea.” Other activities will include historical interpreters, demonstrations, music and seasonal refreshments. Presented in partnership with the Lewes Chamber of Commerce. Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. 5–8 p.m. 302-645-1148 or mailto:zmuseum@delaware.gov.
Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022
“Tour Zwaanendael Museum.” Enjoy the museum’s festive holiday-décor created by the Sussex Gardeners utilizing oyster shells and other nautical items on the theme “Gifts From the Sea.” Event held in conjunction with the Lewes Historical Society’s Holiday Tour of Lewes. Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. 302-645-1148 or mailto:zmuseum@delaware.gov.
Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022
“Who Were the Signers: Delaware’s Ratification Document.” In recognition of Delaware Day, guided tours will focus on the stories of some of the men who signed Delaware’s ratification document 235 years ago. Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free admission. 302-744-5054 or mailto:OSHmuseum@delaware.gov.
Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2022
“Hollywood History at the Court House: ‘Knickerbocker Holiday.’ ” Screening of the 1944 film “Knickerbocker Holiday” and a brief presentation by New Castle Court House Site Supervisor, Cindy Snyder, on Peter Stuyvesant. Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. Film at 6:30 p.m. Free admission. For reservations, email Cynthia.Snyder@delaware.gov. 302-323-4453.
Friday, Dec. 9, 2022
Concert by Last Chance. Folk music. Presented in partnership with the Delaware Friends of Folk. Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. 7:30 p.m. Free admission. 302-744-5054 or mailto:OSHmuseum@delaware.gov.
Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022
“Spirit of Christmas in New Castle.” One of the best preserved Colonial-era towns in America features a day-long series of events including tours of decorated historic homes, re-enactments, programs at museums including the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ New Castle Court House Museum, crafts, musical entertainment and more. Downtown New Castle. 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Free admission. 302-328-3279.
Friday, Dec. 16, 2022
“Well Seasoned Heirlooms.” Virtual program in which historic site interpreter Kimberly Fritsch of the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ New Castle Court House Museum shines a spotlight on the culinary practices, recipes and personalized cookbooks of women throughout Delaware history. In this episode, Fritsch will explore the state’s French connections. Le Reveillon is the name of the French Christmas Eve meal, which is a long feast. The name comes from the verb réveiller — to wake up or revive. To ‘wake up and revive’ the schooling system is exactly what was needed in the early 1900s in Delaware. While the state’s white schools were supported by taxes from all citizens at the time, its Black schools were only supported by taxes collected from its African American citizens. Pierre S. du Pont saw the flaw in the system and sought a solution. Join museum staff virtually around the holiday table as they gâterie their historical palates with some traditional tourtière and du Pont family influences. 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.