Division-sponsored programs in December 2023
The Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs (HCA) hosts a variety of events each month at various museums and historic sites statewide. For more information about these and other upcoming events, see our full calendar.
Thistledown Fiber Arts Guild Demonstrations – Saturday, Dec. 9
Demonstrations by the Thistledown Fiber Arts Guild. Program occurs during tours to explore fiber arts including spinning, weaving, knitting and other historic handcrafts.
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Group meeting from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the Mansion Dining Room
Admission: FREE
Handmade for the Holidays – Saturday, Dec. 16
Learn paper quilling – the art of creating three-dimensional images with rolled paper – and create a festive holiday card at the John Dickinson Plantation Visitors Center. Supplies are first-come first-served.
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: FREE
Contact: JDPmuseum@delaware.gov or call 302-739-3277
Location: 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover
Spirit of Christmas – Saturday, Dec. 9
A city-wide celebration of the winter holidays. The New Castle Court House Museum will host a traditional Swedish Dala Horse crafting activity in addition to regular tours. For more information about Spirit of Christmas, visit the City of New Castle’s website. Craft supplies are first come first served.
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: FREE
Contact: NCCHmuseum@delaware.gov or call 302-323-4453
Location: 211 Delaware St., New Castle
Friends of Folk Concert – Friday, Dec. 8
Featuring Newark-born musician Ty Mathis, whose sound draws from the genres of soul, folk rock, R&B, funk, disco, and psychedelia. Accompanying him for this performance is his friend and percussionist Jason Gallagher. For more information on Ty Mathis’s music, visit his YouTube channel. Presented in partnership with the Delaware Friends of Folk.
Time: 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Admission: FREE
Contact: OSHmuseum@delaware.gov or call 302-744-5054
Location: 25 The Green, Dover
Holiday Tour of the Zwaanendael Museum – Saturday, Dec. 2
Enjoy the museum’s festive holiday décor, held in conjunction with the Lewes Historical Society’s Christmas Tour on Lewes. For more information about the Christmas Tour, visit the Lewes Historical Society’s website.
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission: FREE
Contact: zmuseum@delaware.gov or call 302-645-1148
Location: 102 Kings Hwy., Lewes
About HCA’s museums: The museums owned and operated by the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs 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 groups who shape it. Our 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.
The Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs is an agency of the State of Delaware. The division enhances Delaware’s quality of life by preserving the state’s unique historical heritage, fostering community stability and economic vitality and providing educational programs and assistance to the public on Delaware history. The division’s diverse array of services includes operation of six museums, administration of the State Historic Preservation Office, conservation of the State’s archaeological and historic-objects collections, operation of a conference center and management of historic properties across the state. Primary funding for division programs and services is provided by annual appropriations from the Delaware General Assembly and grants from the National Park Service, a federal agency. However, the contents and opinions expressed in the division’s programs and services do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Delaware Department of State.