August Events Hosted by the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs (HCA)

History Revival  

A series of events throughout the month exploring New Castle’s indigenous and Colonial roots. Hosted from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. on listed dates.  

Pass the Rum – Tuesday, August 6 

This program looks at the historical attempt to regulate the consumption of alcohol over the centuries. While most people are aware of prohibition in the 1920, during the so called Noble Experiment, attempts to regulate this behavior extend far into our past. While the program pays deeper attention to the modern era, as the nation and the State of Delaware struggled to live with the prohibition law for nearly 14 years, it takes a much longer view. During the presentation the audience will hear colorful stories of rum runners, moonshiners, bathtub gin, intriguing personalities, complicated politics, organized crime, outgunned lawmen, and the temperance movement. 

Colonial Brews and Taverns – Thursday, August 8  

A brewer who makes beer in the authentic Colonial style will visit us to speak about brewing in the American Colonies and how brewing and tavern culture was important to the American Revolution. 

Bees and Honey – Tuesday, August 13 

Thomas Lunt, the owner of the Fort Casimir Honey Company and Apiary, will present a program on bees and honey. He will also talk about Delaware’s native bees and honeybees their importance as pollinators. 

Tea with Mercury Cafe & Teahouse – Thursday, August 15 

One of the co-owners of Mercury Cafe & Teahouse will talk about tea making from field to cup. 

Corn, Beans, Squash and You – Tuesday, August 20 

Meet the Three Sisters (Corn, Beans, and Squash), tobacco and the many other edible and medicinal plants native to eastern North America and discover how to incorporate them into a modern garden. Learn how to harvest, dry and store seeds/leaves, develop strains of plants that best suit your needs, where to buy or trade for seeds, how to tell if seeds are heirloom or GMO and what to expect in yields, nutrition and uses of the plants you grow. Dig into the history of these key plants and their importance to both Indigenous Americans and European settlers. 

History Revival: the Green Book – Thursday, August 22 

Carlton Hall, historian with the State Historic Preservation Office, will discuss his work on Delaware listings in the Green Book, a segregation-era travel guide for African Americans created by Victor Green and published annually from 1936 through 1966. 

Swedish, Dutch and English Brewers – Tuesday, August 27 

Historian John Medkaff will focus on brewing in the 17th century colonial period in Delaware. The focus will be on the Swedish, Dutch, and English periods. Discussion will extend to areas a bit outside New Castle but the latter will be the area of focus. 

Taverns, Taprooms and Tippling Houses – Thursday, August 29 

Join us as New Castle Historical Society director Mike Connolly discusses taverns located in the city of New Castle in the 18th and early 19th centuries. Some taverns were famous, and some infamous, but all offered services for travelers and residents alike. 

Contact: NCCHmuseum@delaware.gov or call 302-323-4453 

Location: 211 Delaware St, New Castle, DE 

Float Your Boat 

Part of the Zwaanendael Museum Pirate Passport activity. Learn how boats float and make your own! For children of all ages. 

Date: Saturday, August 10 

Time: 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM 

Contact: zmuseum@delaware.gov or call 302-645-1148 

Location: 102 Kings Hwy, Lewes, DE