Loyalist on the Lawn
2026-07-01 10:30 - 15:30, 2026-07-04 10:30 - 15:30, 2026-07-18 10:30 - 15:30, 2026-08-08 10:30 - 15:30, 2026-08-22 10:30 - 15:30, 2026-09-05 10:30 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE, 19958
Meet our costumed historian portraying an officer of the Loyal American Regiment. Learn about the uniforms, equipment and life of a Loyalist from Lewes during the Revolutionary War.
Other rotating activities may be available. Good for all ages. No cost to participate.

History Revival: “To Give My Voice in the Matter of Independence”
2026-07-02 08:00 - 17:00 | New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle, Delaware, 19720, United States
What was life in Delaware like at the time of independence? What factors and conditions had shaped the colony soon-to-be state, and influenced its people? Who were the participants in these events, and in which ways did they choose, or were able, to participate? To help answer these questions, this presentation will examine aspects of Delaware’s colonial history and identity, the arrival of and the people’s reaction to the news of independence, and the varied and difficult responses Delawareans made in the years that followed. This discussion by historian Chuck Fithian will demonstrate Delaware’s complex Revolutionary War history, and the ways its people started to “begin the world over again.”

Walk to DeBraak
2026-07-02 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-07-16 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-08-06 10:00 - 11:00 | Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE, 19958
Join this special tour that explores the history, artifacts and surviving hull section of the HMS DeBraak, an 18th century shipwreck.
The tour will start at Cape Henlopen State Park (CHSP). Participants will meet Zwaanendael staff outside the CHSP Park Office and take a short walk (0.3miles) to the DeBraak facility. There, attendees will see the hull of the ship and learn about the history, crew and sinking of the DeBraak through a guided presentation and display of artifacts.
Each tour will last approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. Individuals ages 10 and up are welcome. Space is limited to 18 participants. Footwear is required for participants.
Prior registration is strongly encouraged to ensure a spot. Walkups are welcome only if space is available. To register, email zmuseum@delaware.gov or call (302) 645-1148.
Tours for groups of more than 10 people may be arranged in advance by contacting the museum.

Dog Days of Summer: "1776"
2026-07-03 20:00 - 22:30 | New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle, Delaware, 19720, United States
Join us on the Green as we watch “1776” and discuss some of the history of the movie. Be sure to bring your furry friend to enjoy this movie.

July 4th at The Old State House
2026-07-04 10:00 - 18:00 | Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover, DE, 19901
Declaration of Independence readings at 2pm and 4pm — Witness the Declaration of Independence read on Dover’s Historic Green just steps from where colonists first heard it back in 1776.
Visitors to the Old State House can enjoy self-guided tours of the state’s historic capital building while interacting with interpreters who share stories of Delaware’s Revolutionary past. Guests can learn and try their hand at the 18th century art of quill pen writing. The Old State House will have extended hours on July 4th, closing at 6 pm.

Grievances of Declaration of Independence
2026-07-04 12:00 - 13:00 | New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle, Delaware, 19720, United States
Participate in a program discussing the lesser known grievances portion of the Declaration of Independence.

The Delaware Public Archives presents, Not Today, PA! at the place where it happened
2026-07-10 12:00 - 13:00 | New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle, Delaware, 19720, United States
In 2026, we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, which marked the colonies’ break from British rule. It also marks the 250th anniversary of the State of Delaware declaring its independence from Pennsylvania. This presentation will examine the early days of the Lower Counties on the Delaware under the proprietary governance of William Penn and his successors, delving into the conditions that ultimately led to separation. We reflect on the challenges faced by the nascent state as it recovered from the economic and social tolls of the War of Independence and how “Separation Day” came to be celebrated in the City of New Castle as a commemoration of the founding of the State of Delaware.

Thistledown Fiber Guild Demonstrations and Meeting
2026-07-11 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-08-08 13:00 - 15:00 | John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover, DE, 19901
This program occurs during tours to explore fiber arts pursuits and may include spinning, weaving, knitting, and other historic handcrafts.
Group meeting 1-3 p.m. in the Mansion Dining Room.

Walk to DeBraak
2026-07-11 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-08-08 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-08-20 10:00 - 11:00 | Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE, 19958
Join this special tour that explores the history, artifacts and surviving hull section of the HMS DeBraak, an 18th century shipwreck.
The tour will start at Cape Henlopen State Park (CHSP). Participants will meet Zwaanendael staff outside the CHSP Park Office and take a short walk (0.3miles) to the DeBraak facility. There, attendees will see the hull of the ship and learn about the history, crew and sinking of the DeBraak through a guided presentation and display of artifacts.
Each tour will last approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. Individuals ages 10 and up are welcome. Space is limited to 18 participants. Footwear is required for participants.
Prior registration is strongly encouraged to ensure a spot. Walkups are welcome only if space is available. To register, email zmuseum@delaware.gov or call (302) 645-1148.
Tours for groups of more than 10 people may be arranged in advance by contacting the museum.
This is a free program.

The American Revolution and Civil Disobedience
2026-07-24 18:00 - 19:00 | New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle, Delaware, 19720, United States
a reenactment of the burning of the Court House’s tip staves, a wooden baton and symbol of the king, followed by a discussion on civil disobedience and reading of the Declaration of Independence.

History Revival: Truly a Public House
2026-08-06 19:00 - 20:00 | New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle, Delaware, 19720, United States
During the Colonial Era Taverns, often called Public Houses of Entertainment, were multipurpose structures meant to serve the community. In Dover, Delaware, there were two taverns on opposing sides of the Green and during different stretches of time, both were run by women. Come learn about the Bell Family and the Battell family and how their women shaped both Dover and American history from historian Jane Pilato.

The Tory Raid: A Cold Case Crime
2026-08-08 11:00 - 12:00 | John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover, DE, 19901
The year is 1781 and a crime has been committed on the John Dickinson Plantation. Follow along as we examine clues and information in old newspapers and letters to determine what happened. Uncover the who, what, where, when, and how of the event. Investigate this cold case mystery from history with Gloria Henry, the Site Supervisor of the John Dickinson Plantation.

History Revival: When the Declaration was News
2026-08-13 19:00 - 20:00 | New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle, Delaware, 19720, United States
Publishing for the 250th anniversary of the United States, Dr. Emily Sneff’s, When the Declaration of Independence Was News focuses on the nation’s founding document at the moment of its creation in 1776, before anyone knew what the legacy of the Declaration would be or if the United States would win the war against Great Britain. It explores how the Declaration was communicated to people in the new nation and around the Atlantic world and reveals the stories of the many people involved in the process of declaring independence, from printers to soldiers to diplomats to translators.

In Service of the Crown: Loyalist Soldiers of Delaware
2026-08-15 10:00 - 16:00 | John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover, DE, 19901
During the American Revolutionary War, Delaware was a divided state. Loyalties to great Britain and the idea of self government and independence divided neighbors and families. This lecture will discuss the Delawareans loyal to King George III, who openly took up arms in his service during the American Revolutionary War against their fellow Delawareans and Americans. Presentation by Mark Wilson from the Zwaanendael Museum at 10:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. with tabling to follow each presentation.

Meet the Artist: Soldiers and Uniforms of the Battle of Cooch’s Bridge
2026-08-20 10:00 - 13:00 | Bear Public Library, 101 Governors Plaza, Bear, DE, 19701, United States
Meet Artist Mark Wilson, who will be presenting his illustrations of the soldiers and uniforms from the Battle of Cooch’s Bridge, Delaware’s only American Revolutionary War land battle, hosted by the Cooch’s Bridge Historic Site. Visitors can receive an illustrated coloring sheet while learning about the rich history of the site.

History Revival: The Fighting Along the Delaware River in 1777
2026-08-20 19:00 - 20:00 | New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle, Delaware, 19720, United States
Historian Michael Harris will highlight George Washington’s efforts to keep the British Navy out of Philadelphia in the fall of 1777. Highlights will include the fighting for Billingsport and Fort Mercer in New Jersey and Fort Mifflin in Pennsylvania.

History Revival: Americans in King George III's Army; Service in a Loyalist Regiment during the American Revolutionary War
2026-08-27 19:00 - 20:00 | New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle, Delaware, 19720, United States
Lead Historical Interpreter at Zwaanendael, Mark Wilson, will discuss be portraying an officer of the Loyal American Regiment, and learn about the uniforms, equipment and life of a Loyalist in Delaware during the American Revolution.

Dog Days of Summer - National Treasure
2026-08-28 20:00 - 2026-08-29 22:00 | New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle, Delaware, 19720, United States
Join us on the New Castle Green with your well behaved furry friend to watch National Treasure. Nicholas Cage, historian and cryptologist, searches for hidden clues in the Declaration of Independence to locate the lost riches of the legendary Knights Templar in National Treasure

Walk to DeBraak
2026-09-03 10:00 - 11:00 | Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE, 19958
Join this special tour that explores the history, artifacts and surviving hull section of the 18th century shipwreck, HMS DeBraak, on Sept. 3, 10-11 a.m., Sept. 12, 2-3 p.m, & Sept. 17 10-11 a.m.
The tour will start at Cape Henlopen State Park (CHSP). Participants will meet Zwaanendael staff outside the CHSP Park Office and take a short walk (0.3miles) to the DeBraak facility. There, attendees will see the hull of the ship and learn about the history, crew and sinking of the DeBraak through a guided presentation and display of artifacts.
Each tour will last approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. Individuals ages 10 and up are welcome. Space is limited to 18 participants. Footwear is required for participants.
Prior registration is strongly encouraged to ensure a spot. Walkups are welcome only if space is available. To register, email zmuseum@delaware.gov or call (302) 645-1148.
Tours for groups of more than 10 people may be arranged in advance by contacting the museum.
This is a free program.

History Revival: "To Give My Voice in the Matter of Independence"
2026-09-03 19:00 - 20:00 | New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle, Delaware, 19720, United States
The Declaration of Independence is one of the central documents of the founding and development of the United States. In 1776, the ideas contained in this document held significant ramifications for the diverse people living in the “Delaware State.” Many embraced the cause of independence, and ultimately revolution, while others remained loyal to the British Empire and to the Crown.
But what was life in Delaware like at the time of independence? What factors and conditions had shaped the colony soon-to-be state, and influenced its people? Who were the participants in these events, and in which ways did they choose, or were able, to participate? To help answer these questions, this presentation will examine aspects of Delaware’s colonial history and identity, the arrival of and the people’s reaction to the news of independence, and the varied and difficult responses Delawareans made in the years that followed. This discussion by historian Chuck Fithian will demonstrate Delaware’s complex Revolutionary War history, and the ways its people started to “begin the world over again.”
