Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs - State of Delaware

History Revival: Chickens on Delmarva - 100 Years of Backyard Flocks, Farms and Friends
2024-10-25 17:00 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | Lewes Public Library, 111 Adams Ave, Lewes, DE, 19958
Presentation: A visual review of the 100 year history of the chicken industry – including great stories, a precise procedure for building a chicken farm, introduction to some outstanding/award winning chicken farmers, a look at the fanciers and breeds shown at the Delaware State Fair, and finally the kids:FAA and 4H clubs…with their birds.
Speaker: Joanne Kurz Guilfoil is a retired art educator and long time chicken keeper. Joanne has raised and kept chickens as pets her entire life,except for the year she lived in Akiak, Alaska, teaching and doing research ina one-room Eskimo village school. She practiced the ethnographic method of field research as part of her doctoral studies at the University of Oregon. But even while attending graduate school classes and teaching, she kept chickens. Her book, Chickens on Delmarva, is much more to Joanne than just a history of the broiler industry and growers on the Peninsula. It’s also a joyful personal journey of self-discovery.
Register Here
Delaware Humanities funding acknowledgement
History Revival: Food and Drink Across Delmarva has been made possible in part by Delaware Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy demands wisdom.

Lantern Tour of John Dickinson Plantation
2024-10-25 18:30 - 19:30 | John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover, DE, 19901
Visit the John Dickinson Plantation for an evening tour. Enjoy a wagon ride with the staff from the Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve (DNERR). Enjoy a bit of gossip in the parlor. Sing sea shanties by a campfire.
Space is limited and reservations are required. Reservations will betaken by phone beginning October 3, 2024. More details to be determined.

William Penn Day
2024-10-26 10:00 - 16:00 | New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle, Delaware, 19720, United States
Celebrate the landing of William Penn in America! Attendees will get to hear about the Treaty William Penn made with the Leni Lenape from the Penn Treaty Museum at 12 PM and hear music of the time preformed by Delaware Music School’s Suzuki Academy at 3 PM.
Rethinking the Treaty of Friendship
William Penn’s meeting with Lenni Lenape tribal leaders in 1682 at Shackamaxon was, according to Voltaire, the “only treaty never sworn to and never broken.” No written treaty survives, yet early references abound and Lenape oral history supports the evidence. Speaker Penny Dwyer will explain how a fascination with the story of the Treaty of Friendship evolved over centuries and manifested in relics, works of art and commercialism.
Penny Dwyer is Curator at the Penn Treaty Museum, Philadelphia.

Mysteries of History
2024-10-26 14:00 - 15:00 | Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE, 19958
Explore the darker and more unusual history of Lewes with this spooky walking tour! Participants will wind through downtown Lewes while Zwaanendael Interpreters share stories of shipwrecks, mysterious disappearances, and much more. The tour begins at the Zwaanendael Museum and ends at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. The tour last approximately 80 minutes and is a half mile long. There is no cost to participate, but registration is required.
These tours fill up quickly and space is limited so reserve your spot! Call the Zwaanendael Museum at (302) 645-1148 or email at Zmuseum@delaware.gov to sign up.

We Didn't Vote for Him: Delaware and the Election of 1860
2024-11-02 13:00 - 14:00 | Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover, DE, 19901
Every four years we hear that “this is the most important election in our history,” but what happened in the election of 1860 that took the country into a civil war? Explore the issues to understand why Delawareans didn’t vote for Abraham Lincoln and discover how he won despite not receiving a single vote in ten states. Old State House Site Supervisor Gavin Malone will take you back more than 160 years to the event that historian Gary Gallagher described as “the most fateful election in US history.”

History Revival: Black Watermen of the Chesapeake with Alexis Aggrey
2024-11-02 17:00 - 18:00 | Lewes Public Library, 111 Adams Ave, Lewes, DE, 19958
Presentation: The unique relationship between African Americans and the Chesapeake Bay contains an abundance of untold stories, as told in the documentary, Water’s Edge: Black Watermen of the Chesapeake. Join us for a screening of the film with a discussion afterwards with the film’s director, Alexis Aggrey.
Mid-nineteenth century Maryland offered pseudo-freedom to Black Americans who lived and worked on the water. Between 1790 and 1860, the population of free Blacks grew tremendously; some 58% of the Black population was free. This was the largest population of free Black Americans in the entire United States, and watermen were central to the success of these communities. In Maryland, the tradition of seafood fed millions and offered an opportunity for innovation that extended to both the free and enslaved. Water’s Edge: Black Watermen of the Chesapeake chronicles unsung Marylanders who revolutionized an industry, dreamed beyond their circumstance and are still keeping this tradition alive today.
Speaker: Alexis Aggrey is a director/producer who has worked with public television, cable, and museum clients for more than 15 years, creating documentary content that educates and inspires.
Register Here
Delaware Humanities funding acknowledgement
History Revival: Food and Drink Across Delmarva has been made possible in part by Delaware Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy demands wisdom.

History Revival: A Culinary History of Southern Delaware
2024-11-08 17:00 - 18:00 | Lewes Public Library, 111 Adams Ave, Lewes, DE, 19958
Presentation: Historic farms and waterways crisscross Southern Delaware, connecting its residents to a set of rich culinary traditions. The original Nanticoke inhabitants baked hearty johnny cakes and hunted wild game. Hungry for a taste of home, German settlers developed scrapple from local ingredients. Today’s home cooks and chefs draw their bounty from the land and sea for a distinct, seasonal cuisine. With recipes for regional favorites like beach plum jelly and chicken with slippery dumplings, author Denise Clemons will explore the diverse history of food in Southern Delaware
Speaker: Denise Clemons holds a bachelor of arts degree in biopsychology from Vassar College and a master’s degree in writing from Johns Hopkins University. She spent the early years of her career as an executive in the technology industry, then turned to the nonprofit arena,focusing on museums. She serves on the boards of trustees for the Rehoboth Art League and the Lewes Historical Society. She is past regent of the Col. David Hall Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, and serves the society at the state and national levels.
Clemons has written a weekly food column for the Cape Gazette newspaper since 2005, and her award-winning book, “A Culinary History of Southern Delaware,” was published by the History Press. She has published fiction, nonfiction and poetry in journals, chapbooks and anthologies. She conducts writing workshops, cooking demonstrations and history lectures across the region.
Register Here
Delaware Humanities funding acknowledgement
History Revival: Food and Drink Across Delmarva has been made possible in part by Delaware Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy demands wisdom.

Friends of Folk Concert Series: Chris English Duo
2024-11-08 19:30 - 20:30 | Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover, DE, 19901
Chris English offers a combination of deep traditional acoustic blues and solid original material. Delta blues is his forte, singing, playing guitar and harp, stamping out the time on an old wooden Coca Cola crate. He uses vintage guitars from the 20’s and ’30’s to replicate the sound and feeling of the blues he has studied and loves. Chris performs solo, as a duo and with a full band. For this show, Chris and his son Grayson on bass will perform as a duo, playing mostly original music and a few blues standards. Grayson is a multi-instrumentalist and graduate of Salisbury University’s music department. He has been playing with Chris since 2008. When he’s not performing, he works repairing instruments, and handcrafting guitar effects pedals.
Learn more on Chris English’s website.

History Revival: Tea on the Delaware
2024-11-15 17:00 - 18:00 | Lewes Public Library, 111 Adams Ave, Lewes, DE, 19958
Presentation: The Lewes Historical Society will discuss the history of drinks and drinking in Lewes, Delaware. Topics include coffee and tea in Lewes, as well as meeting places and taverns once in the area and the drinks they served
Speaker: Marcos Salaverria is the Director of Education at the Lewes Historical Society, which promotes and advocates the preservation, interpretation and cultural enrichment of the Lewes region through museum exhibits, educational programs, historical research and publications.
Register Here
Delaware Humanities funding acknowledgement
History Revival: Food and Drink Across Delmarva has been made possible in part by Delaware Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy demands wisdom.

Escape New Castle
2024-11-15 18:00 - 19:00, 2024-11-16 18:00 - 19:00 | New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle, Delaware, 19720, United States
Piece together clues left in the Assembly Room as you try to move Delaware’s Capital before the British arrive in this exciting escape room!
Rooms will run from 6:00 to 6:30 PM and 6:30 to 7:00 PM. Rooms are limited to one group per session, and groups must be limited to 6 people or less. Children older than 10 years old are welcome to participate if supervised by an adult.
Registration is required and reservations can be made by contacting New Castle Court House via email: ncchmuseum@delaware.gov. Reservations are first come, first served.

Bayberry Candle Workshop
2024-11-16 10:00 - 12:00 | DE
A workshop on the bayberry, how the wax was produced and the opportunity to dip your own bayberry candle. This program is held in conjunction with Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve (DNERR).
Reservations are required and will be taken beginning November 6, 2024. Reservation can be made by calling 302-739-3277 and speaking with staff.

Hospitality Night at the Zwaanendael Museum
2024-12-05 17:00 - 20:00 | Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE, 19958
Holiday-themed program in which the museum will be decorated for the season by the Sussex Gardeners including luminarias lighting the entrance walkway. Activities will include historical interpreters, demonstrations, music and seasonal refreshments.

Delaware Day: We the People
2024-12-07 10:00 - 16:00 | New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle, Delaware, 19720, United States
As part of our Delaware Day celebration, visitors can learn how certain events influence and help lawmakers create legislation that protects citizens’ rights.
Participants will put themselves in lawmakers’ shoes and create their own hypothetical laws to protect individual rights and liberties based on various scenarios. Afterwards, tours will briefly look into the history of similar laws and their association to the US Constitution.

Holiday Tour of the Zwaanendael Museum
2024-12-07 10:00 - 16:00 | Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE, 19958
Enjoy the museum’s festive holiday décor created by the Sussex Gardeners. Event held in conjunction with the Lewes Historical Society’s Christmas Tour of Lewes.

Who Were the Signers: Delaware’s Ratification Document
2024-12-07 10:00 - 16:30 | DE
In honor of Delaware Day, tours of the Old State House will focus on the stories of some of the signers of Delaware’s ratification document. Come visit us and hear the story of how Delaware earned its nickname of the First State!
Building tours start at 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM. They are free and open to the public.

Friends of Folk Concert Series: Bryan & the Barn Owls
2024-12-13 19:30 - 20:30 | Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover, DE, 19901
Born into a family with a deep love of music, Bryan was quickly drawn into the art. Bryan’s first guitar was a flamenco guitar handed down from his uncle. As he moved in and out of various bands through high school/college, Bryan developed a unique songwriting style derived from his many influences, including John Denver, Johnny Cash and Jim Croce. He also gained experience as a composer, thus mastering the song process from start to finish. After a year studying music in Los Angeles, Bryan returned to his home state of Delaware in late 2012 to start his journey as a solo artist. He draws his inspiration from America’s landscape, his personal journey as an artist and events in history. Since 2014 he has released 4 albums, got nominated for “Best Local Artist” award in 2016 & won Delaware Todays “Best Local Artist downstate” award in 2021. In 2018, Bryan started “Bryan & The Barn Owls” to further develop his sound. Why “Barn Owls” you may ask? The name was chosen because Bryan believed when one thinks of barns, they think of rustic Americana & when one thinks of Owls, they think of creatures thriving in the night. In that logic, Barn Owls seemed to encapsulate the vision! Backed by John Heinz on fiddle and Phinex Diego on upright bass, the Barn Owls deliver a true sample of the American countryside.
Learn more on their website.

Spirit of New Castle
2024-12-14 | New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle, Delaware, 19720, United States
The annual citywide holiday event to shop and explore the museums and houses of Historic New Castle at the holidays.
For more information visit the Spirit of New Castle website.

Thistledown Fiber Arts Guild Demonstrations
2024-12-14 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-02-08 13:00 - 15:00 | John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover, DE, 19901
Demonstrations by the Thistledown Fiber Arts Guild. Program occurs during tours to explore fiber arts pursuits and may include spinning, weaving, knitting, and other historic handcrafts. Group meeting takes place in the Mansion Dining Room.

All Museums and Offices Closed
2024-12-25, 2025-01-01 | DE

Friends of Folk Concert Series: Red Smith & Blue Dawn
2025-01-10 19:30 - 20:30 | Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover, DE, 19901
Red Smith and Blue Dawn is an acoustic string band known for their captivating blend of folk, bluegrass, and Americana music. Formed in January 2024 the band features a lineup of skilled musicians who bring together a rich mix of traditional and original tunes. Their sound is characterized by lively mandolin and intricate dobro leads, held down by steady guitar and bass grooves with modern sensibilities. The band’s repertoire includes a variety of genres, from upbeat, foot-stomping bluegrass to soulful ballads and everything in between. Their performances are celebrated for their high energy, tight arrangements, engaging lyrics and storytelling. Red Smith and Blue Dawn have built a strong following through their energetic live shows and have been featured at numerous festivals and local venues, steadily gaining recognition for their authentic sound and dynamic stage presence.
Learn more about this band in their Facebook page.

Cooch's Bridge Historic Site Rehabilitation Project Public Meeting
2025-01-14 18:00 - 19:00 | Buena Vista Conference Center, 661 S DuPont Hwy, New Castle, DE, 19720, United States
Delaware Division of Historic and Cultural Affairs and Cooch’s Bridge Historic Site staff will present information about rehabilitation efforts at the Cooch’s Bridge Historic Site, partially funded by a Semiquincentennial grant from the National Park Service. Questions and comments from the public will be heard after the presentation concludes.
This meeting will be held in person at Buena Vista Conference Center. Doors will open at 5:30 PM with the presentation starting at 6 PM.
For those who cannot attend in person, a webinar will be held via Zoom. Registration is required to join the webinar and can be completed by following the link below.
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_L_kQN2jXS16dTFx-a5Ztzg

Delaware State Review Board for Historic Preservation Meeting
2025-01-15 10:00 - 12:00 | Delaware Center for Material Culture (CMC), 1351 W North Street, Dover, DE, 19901
The Delaware State Review Board for Historic Preservation serves as the advisory body to the state historic preservation officer, the official appointed by the governor to oversee and implement the state’s preservation policies in accordance with federal standards. As part of its responsibilities, the State Review Board evaluates historic properties for placement in the National Register of Historic Places, and provides professional advice on historic preservation matters.
The next State Review Board is scheduled for January 15, 2025, from 10am to noon, at the Delaware Center for Material Culture (1351 West North Street Suite 102, Dover, DE), with the option to attend virtually via Zoom. As part of the meeting, State Review Board members will consider the nomination for Independence Mall, located at 1601 Concord Pike in Wilmington for submission to the National Park Service for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. For a copy of the nomination please visit our website at https://history.delaware.gov/ or contact Emily Whaley at Emily.Whaley@delaware.gov.

Chow Time: The History of Military Food in Delaware
2025-01-18 10:00 - 11:00 | New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle, Delaware, 19720, United States
Throughout the military history of the United States, the state of Delaware has supplied some of the best soldiers in the nation as well as being the home to numerous Army camps, forts, and bases. Even today the state still has numerous U.S. Army National Guard armoires and installations as well as New Castle Air National Guard and Dover Air Force Bases. This lecture aims to discuss what U.S. soldiers from Delaware and others who served at the many camps, forts and bases ate since the American Revolutionary War to World War II. The lecture will show how the rations given to U.S. soldiers slowly changed over time leading to the U.S. Army being the best fed army during World War II.

The Trial of Thomas Garrett
2025-01-18 12:00 - 13:00 | New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle, Delaware, 19720, United States
Come participate in the 1848 trial of abolitionist Thomas Garrett in the very court room where it happened. Volunteers will get the chance to stand as witnesses or even been on the jury of the recreation of this Federal Trial. Scripts will be provided to those participating.

Make a Sailor Valentine
2025-01-25 11:00 - 15:00 | Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE, 19958
Purchased by sailors for their sweethearts back home, sailor valentines were popular souvenirs. Learn about these intricate works of art and make one yourself!

Paul Robeson's Sacrifice
2025-02-01 13:00 - 14:00 | Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover, DE, 19901
Local historian Syl Woolford will discuss the activism of Paul Robeson, a successful actor and singer of the early 20th century. In the 1940s Robeson turned his attention to addressing racism throughout the world. Taking a stance on the issue impacted his career and his life.

Make a Sailor Valentine
2025-02-08 11:00 - 15:00 | Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE, 19958
Purchased by sailors on their travels to give to their sweethearts back home, sailor valentines were popular souvenirs. Learn about these intricate works of art and make one yourself!
