December Events Hosted by the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs (HCA)
Point of contact: Dana Behling, Communications Manager | dana.behling@delaware.gov
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
Who Were the Signers?: Delaware’s Ratification Document
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.
Date: Saturday, December 7
Friends of Folk Concert Series: Bryan & the Barn Owls
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.
Date: Friday, December 13
Time: 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Contact: OSHmuseum@delaware.gov or call 302-744-5054
Location: 25 The Green, Dover, DE
New Castle Court House Museum
Delaware Day: We the People
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.
Date: Saturday, December 7
Time: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Spirit of New Castle
The annual citywide holiday event to shop and explore the museums and houses of Historic New Castle at the holidays. New Castle Court House Museum will be open for its regular operating hours (10:00 AM to 4:00 PM).
For more information visit the Spirit of New Castle website.
Date: Saturday, December 14
Contact: NCCHmuseum@delaware.gov or call 302-323-4453
Location: 211 Delaware St, New Castle, DE
John Dickinson Plantation
Thistledown Fiber Arts Guild Demonstrations
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.
Date: Saturday, December 14
Time: 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Contact: JDPmuseum@delware.gov or 302-739-3277
Location: 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover, DE 19901
Zwaanendael Museum
Hospitality Night at the Zwaanendael Museum
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.
Date: Thursday, December 5
Time: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Holiday Tour of the Zwaanendael Museum
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.
Date: Saturday, December 7
Time: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Contact: Zmuseum@delaware.gov or 302-645-1148
Location: 102 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE, 19958
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.