Walk to DeBraak
2026-07-16 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-08-06 10:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | 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.

Loyalist on the Lawn
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, 2026-09-19 10:30 - 15:30 | 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.

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.

Thistledown Fiber Guild Demonstrations and Meeting
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
2026-08-08 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-08-20 10:00 - 11:00, 2026-09-17 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.

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.”

Pencader Heritage Museum’s Battle of Cooch’s Bridge Memorial Service and Cooch's Bridge Open House
2026-09-05 11:00 - 15:00
Join the Pencader Heritage Museum and the Friends of Cooch’s Bridge Historic Site for two consecutive events commemorating and sharing the history of Cooch’s Bridge. Parking for both events is at the Pencader Heritage Museum with a free shuttle available to take participants for the Open House to the Cooch Homestead property. Both events are free, but registration is requested for the Open House.
Please visit friendsofcoochsbridge.org/open-house-2026/ for more information and to register.
Program Details:
Pencader Heritage Museum’s Battle of Cooch’s Bridge Memorial Service, Pencader Heritage Museum, 2029 Sunset Lake Rd, Newark, DE, Sat, Sept. 5, 11 a.m. – Noon
Friends of Cooch’s Bridge Historic Site Open House, 961 Old Baltimore Pike, Newark, DE, Sat, Sept, 5, Noon – 3 p.m. (Parking at the Pencader Heritage Museum with free shuttle.)

Cooch's Bridge Historic Site Open House
2026-09-05 12:00 - 15:00 | Park Available at Pencader Heritage Museum, 2029 Sunset Lake Rd, Newark, DE, 19702, United States
The Friends of Cooch’s Bridge Historic Site will be holding an Open House at Cooch’s Bridge following the Pencader Heritage Museum’s Battle of Cooch’s Bridge Memorial on September 5, 2026.
The memorial at Pencader Heritage Museum will be from 11:00 am – Noon. The Open House will be from Noon – 3:00 pm. The public can attend both events or either.
General parking will be at the Pencader Heritage Museum, 2029 Sunset Lake Road, Newark. A shuttle will go between Pencader and Cooch’s Bridge Historic Site during the afternoon event. Accessible parking for the Open House will be at Cooch’s Bridge Historic Site, 961 S Old Baltimore Pike, Newark.
Both events are free to attend.
Registration for the Open House is strongly encouraged. To register, please visit the Friends of Cooch’s Bridge Historic Site webpage: friendsofcoochsbridge.org

Tales of Revolutionary Delaware
2026-09-05 13:30 - 15:00 | Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover, DE, 19901
Continuing to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday, this program will bring together various stories of Delaware during the Revolution and describe how its citizens reacted to events of the day.

Walk to DeBraak
2026-09-12 14:00 - 15:00

Dancing at the Dickinson
2026-09-16 19:00 - 21:00 | John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover, DE, 19901
If you’ve ever wanted to experience your own Mr. Darcy or Miss Bennett moment, or have simply wondered how all those dances you’ve seen in “Jane Austen” films work, or just want to have a fun evening, then you are definitely going to want to join the English country dance classes at John Dickinson Plantation on September 16 & 30, 7-9 p.m.
Michelle Sebastian Aldrich will be teaching you English country dance (ECD) formations and figures, as well as some social history and the historical importance of ECD. Michelle has taught ECD since 2010, beginning at Dumbarton House in Washington DC, and is the Founder and Director of Sebastian ECD (formerly ECD in DC), an English country dance performance group that has performed at various venues, such as The Folger Theatre in Washington DC.
ECD requires no prior experience – there is no fancy footwork needed, and the figures are simple and easy to learn. Every dance is taught and prompted by Michelle throughout the dance. Come get your steps in!
If you’ve ever wanted to try dancing, this is a great opportunity! Classes are FREE!
Participants must be 18 or older or 13 and older if accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program. Call to pre-register at 302-739-3277.
Important notes:

It is not necessary to come to class with a partner. ECD is “social”: partners can change throughout the class and are encouraged to do so. This way everyone dances with everyone else, and all contribute to the fun.
Wear loose, comfortable clothes. Whilst the steps are simple, you will be moving!
Wear flat shoes that won’t skid or stick on a wood or cork floor. The most important thing is that everyone can dance safely!

Legacy and Landscape: Henry and Catherine’s Journey
2026-09-19 11:00 - 15:00 | John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover, DE, 19901
This presentation explores the lives of Henry and Catherine Campbell, once enslaved in New Castle, Delaware. Their journey highlights Black autonomy and self-determination in New Castle during the decades following the American Revolution. Beginning with their conditional manumission from Daniel McLonen in 1783 and concluding with the probate records of Henry Campbell in 1813, this presentation traces the Campbells’ journey in New Castle from enslavement to land ownership. With the help of their manumission and other archival documents, we will examine how the Campbells navigated a society that continued to restrict the rights and opportunities of African Americans who left a lasting mark on Historic New Castle.
This free presentation will occur at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on September 19th.

Creating a New State
2026-09-26 12:00 - 13:00 | New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle, Delaware, 19720, United States
The Delaware Constitution that was approved on September 20, 1776, established the Delaware State and acted as the base for future Delaware constitutions. To commemorate the 250th anniversary of its approval, one of the New Castle Court House Museum interpreters will share a presentation on September 26, 2026, to explore this first constitution and its impact on the structure of Delaware government.

Dancing at the Dickinson
2026-09-30 19:00 - 21:00 | John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover, DE, 19901
If you’ve ever wanted to experience your own Mr. Darcy or Miss Bennett moment, or have simply wondered how all those dances you’ve seen in “Jane Austen” films work, or just want to have a fun evening, then you are definitely going to want to join the English country dance classes at John Dickinson Plantation.
Michelle Sebastian Aldrich will be teaching you English country dance (ECD) formations and figures, as well as some social history and the historical importance of ECD. Michelle has taught ECD since 2010, beginning at Dumbarton House in Washington DC, and is the Founder and Director of Sebastian ECD (formerly ECD in DC), an English country dance performance group that has performed at various venues, such as The Folger Theatre in Washington DC.
ECD requires no prior experience – there is no fancy footwork needed, and the figures are simple and easy to learn. Every dance is taught and prompted by Michelle throughout the dance. Come get your steps in!
If you’ve ever wanted to try dancing, this is a great opportunity! Classes are FREE!
Participants must be 18 or older or 13 and older if accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program. Call to pre-register at 302-739-3277.
Important notes:

It is not necessary to come to class with a partner. ECD is “social”: partners can change throughout the class and are encouraged to do so. This way everyone dances with everyone else, and all contribute to the fun.
Wear loose, comfortable clothes. Whilst the steps are simple, you will be moving!
Wear flat shoes that won’t skid or stick on a wood or cork floor. The most important thing is that everyone can dance safely!
