Division-sponsored programs in June 2023
The Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs will be sponsoring seven special programs during the month of June 2023. A full schedule is included below. Admission is free and open to the public, but reservations are required for some of the programs.
Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs programs, June 2023
Friday, June 9, 2023
“Queer History of Sussex County.” Join Carolanne Deal (she/they), Professional Researcher, as they explore the queer history of Sussex County. In this program, she will highlight some of the people, places, and material culture she researched for Delaware’s LGBTQ+ Community: A Research and Digital Engagement Project. They will also discuss a new exhibition at Zwaanendael featuring objects from Delaware’s LGBTQ+ history. Held outdoors in Zwaanendael Park located adjacent to the Zwaanendael Museum. 5 p.m. Free admission. 302-645-1148 or email zmuseum@delaware.gov.
Friday and Saturday, June 9 and 10, 2023
Separation Day. Celebration marking the 247th anniversary of Delaware’s separation from Great Britain and Pennsylvania and the formation of the Delaware State. Event includes activities at the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ New Castle Court House Museum. Historic New Castle. Friday, 6–9:30 p.m. Saturday, Noon–10 p.m. Free admission. 302-323-4453 or mailto:NCCHmuseum@delaware.gov.
Saturday, June 10, 2023
“LGBTQ+ Makeup History.” Lecture by Hillary Belzer of the Makeup Museum in Baltimore. Presented in partnership with the First State Heritage Park. Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. 1 p.m. Free admission. 302-744-5054 or mailto:OSHmuseum@delaware.gov.
Saturday, June 10, 2023
Demonstrations by the Thistledown Fiber Arts Guild. Program explores spinning, weaving, knitting and other fabric arts. Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Event held in the mansion dining room. 1–3 p.m. Free admission. 302-739-3277 or mailto:JDPmuseum@delaware.gov.
Saturday, June 17, 2023
Comic Con panel discussions. Sessions include “The History of American Comic Books”; “Writing and Publishing Comics, Novels and Games”; “Manga in Translation” and more. Presented in coordination with Dover Comic Con. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Free admission but visitors are encouraged to arrive early to ensure seating. 302-744-5054 or mailto:OSHmuseum@delaware.gov.
Saturday, June 17, 2023
“Delaware’s Queer History: We Have Always Been Here.” Join Carolanne Deal (she/they) as she explores Delaware’s queer history and shares how she conducted the research for Delaware’s LGBTQ+ Community: A Research and Digital Engagement Project. Carolanne, Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs Professional Researcher, will share some of the results and methodology of their research into the history of Delaware’s LGBTQ+ community. This project is the state’s first holistic effort to capture the stories and important moments in Delaware’s queer history. This program is free and open to the public. Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Free admission. 302-739-3277 or mailto:JDPmuseum@delaware.gov.
Saturday, June 17, 2023
“Mock Freedom: Delaware’s Black Codes.” Program centers on the discriminatory laws passed in Delaware from the 18th to 20th centuries. Using primary sources and other historic examples, Historic-Site Interpreter Alex Rumm and participants will explore this part of Delaware’s legal history and the lasting ramifications. This program was created by First State Heritage Park. Programs begins at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Held outdoors in Zwaanendael Park located adjacent to the Zwaanendael Museum. Free admission. 302-645-1148 or zmuseum@delaware.gov.
Saturday, June 24, 2023
“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 S. 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.
Friday, June 30, 2023
“Well Seasoned Heirlooms.” In this virtual series, Historic-Site Interpreter Kimberly Fritsch of the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ New Castle Court House Museum shines a spotlight on the practices, recipes and 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.