July events hosted by the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs
The Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs hosts a variety of events each month at its various museums and historic sites located throughout the state. Events are always free admission unless otherwise stated. For more information about these and other upcoming events, see HCA’s full calendar.
Old State House Museum
Fourth of July at the Old State House
Ring in the Fourth of July during a visit to the state’s capital and stop by The Old State House (25 The Green) for an outdoor reading of the Declaration of Independence at 2 p.m. While the museum is open to visitors, the building will be closed from 1:45 p.m. to 3 p.m. for the bell ringing and reading.
The program commences with the ringing of The Old State House bell in recognition of the national bell ringing ceremony, followed immediately by historical interpreters reading the Declaration of Independence steps from where it was originally read in July 1776.
Date: Friday, July 4, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; bell-ringing and reading at 2 p.m.
Contact: OSHmuseum@delaware.gov or call 302-744-5054
Location: 25 The Green, Dover
Johnson Victrola Museum
Fourth of July celebrations
Visitors on July 4 are invited to stop by the Johnson Victrola Museum on New Street in Dover to listen to patriotic music played on authentic Victor Talking Machines.
Date: Friday, July 4, 2025
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Contact: JVmuseum@delaware.gov or call 302-739-3262
Location: 375 S. New Street, Dover
New Castle Court House Museum
Walking tours of The Green
Join the staff at the New Castle Court House Museum for a walking tour of The New Castle Green and learn about the history of The Green and the structures around it.
Dates: Friday, July 11, 2025
Friday, July 18, 2025
Friday, July 25, 2025
Time: 10-11 a.m.
Dog Days of Summer on The Green: ‘National Treasure’
Bring your family, friends and furry sidekicks to The Green behind the New Castle Court House Museum for an outdoor showing of “National Treasure.”
In the movie, historian Benjamin Franklin Gates, along with computer expert Riley Poole and archivist Abigail Chase, search for a massive lost Freemason treasure, which includes a map hidden on the back of the Declaration of Independence.
Bring your own lawn chair or blanket. Pets must be kept on a leash.
Date: Saturday, July 12, 2025
Time: 5 p.m.
Contact: NCCHmuseum@delaware.gov or call 302-323-4453
Location: 211 Delaware St, New Castle
John Dickinson Plantation
Thistledown Fiber Arts Guild demonstrations
Demonstrations by the Thistledown Fiber Arts Guild run from 1-3 p.m. and may include spinning, weaving, knitting, and other historic handcrafts. The group meeting takes place in the mansion’s dining room.
Date: Saturday, July 12, 2025
Time: 1-3 p.m.
Contact: JDPmuseum@delware.gov or 302-739-3277
Location: 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover
Zwaanendael Museum
Walk to the DeBraak
Join this special tour that explores the history, artifacts and surviving hull section of the HMS DeBraak, an 18th-century shipwreck.!
The begins at Cape Henlopen State Park. Participants meet outside the park office and take a short walk (0.3 miles) to the DeBraak conservation facility. There, attendees will see the surviving hull of the ship and learn more about the history, crew and sinking of the DeBraak through a guided presentation and display of artifacts.
Each tour will last approximately 45 minutes. Individuals ages 10 and up are welcome. Space is limited to 18 participants. Footwear is required for participants. Prior registration is encouraged. Walk- ups are welcome if space is available. To register, email zmuseum@delaware.gov or call 302-645-1148.
Dates: Thursday, July 3, 2025
Saturday, July 12, 2025
Thursday, July 17, 2025
Friday, July 25, 2025
Time: 10-11 a.m.
Contact: Zmuseum@delaware.gov or 302-645-1148
Location: 102 Kings Highway, Lewes
About our 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. HCA’s 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.