Division-sponsored events in October 2023
The Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs will be sponsoring several special programs at sites statewide during the month of October 2023. A full schedule is included below.
Hocus Pocus Outdoor Movie Night – Saturday, Oct. 21
An outdoor movie night featuring the Disney classic, Hocus Pocus. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and folding chairs. Costumes are also encouraged. Popcorn, apple cider and hot chocolate will be available, as well as lawn games and a photo booth.
Time: Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; movie starts at 7 p.m.
Admission: FREE
Contact: buenavista_main@delaware.gov or call 302-922-7116
Location: 661 S. DuPont Hwy., New Castle
Cooch’s Bridge Introductory Tours – Saturday, Oct. 28
Join historical interpreters in exploring the Cooch’s Bridge homestead and 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 American history. Limit 20 guests per tour. Register here.
Time: 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Admission: FREE with required registration
Contact: cbmuseum@delaware.gov or call 302-922-7116
Location: 961 Old Baltimore Pike, Newark
Historic Trades Day – Saturday, Oct. 14
A day-long series of activities exploring occupations and skills of the 1700s. Demonstrations include carpentry, fiber arts crafting, musket firing and more.
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: FREE
Lantern Tour of the Plantation – Friday, Oct. 27
Evening tours of the historic site given by lantern light, including wagon rides and a bonfire. Reservations open Oct. 3. To reserve tours, please contact via email or phone, or visit the Plantation’s Facebook page.
Time: 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Admission: FREE with required registration
Contact: JDPmuseum@delaware.gov or call 302-739-3277
Location: 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover
First Saturday – Saturday, Oct. 7
The Johnson Victrola Museum will be open to the public as part of the Downtown Dover Partnership’s First Saturday activities. For more information about First Saturday, please visit the Downtown Dover Partnership’s website.
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: FREE
Contact: JVmuseum@delaware.gov or call 302-739-3262
Location: 375 S New St., Dover
William Penn Day – Saturday, Oct. 28
New Castle Court House celebrates the anniversary of William Penn’s landing in New Castle with a festival featuring various activities and performances, including Delaware Music School showcasing popular music from the iconic Colonial era.
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Delaware Music School performs at 3 p.m.
Admission: FREE
Contact: NCCHmuseum@delaware.gov or call 302-323-4453
Location: 211 Delaware St., New Castle
First Saturday – Saturday, Oct. 7
The Old State House will offer public tours as part of the Downtown Dover Partnership’s First Saturday activities. For more information about First Saturday, please visit the Downtown Dover Partnership’s website.
Times: 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Admission: FREE
Live Concert – Friday, Oct. 13
Featuring folk artists David Jacob-Strain and Bob Beach, self-described as “blues, roots, bicoastal, multigenerational, not your normal duo.” Presented in partnership with the Delaware Friends of Folk.
Time: 7 p.m.
Admission: FREE
Contact: OSHmuseum@delaware.gov or call 302-744-5054
Location: 25 The Green, Dover
Mysteries of History Tour – Saturday, Oct. 7, 14, 21 and 28
Walking tour through historic downtown Lewes explores the darker and more unusual aspects of the town’s history. Recommended for children ages 12 and older. Call or email to reserve.
Time: 2 p.m.
Admission: FREE with required registration
Contact: zmuseum@delaware.gov or call 302-645-1148
Location: 102 Kings Hwy., Lewes
NOTICE: All museums and historic sites operated by the division will be closed in observance of Indigenous Peoples (Columbus) Day on Monday, Oct. 9.