May 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 our various museums and historic sites, located throughout the state. Our events are always free admission unless otherwise stated. For more information about these and other upcoming events, see our full calendar.
John Dickinson Plantation
Dover Days at the John Dickinson Plantation
Celebrate Dover Days at the John Dickinson Plantation! Activities include tours and demonstrations on preserving food in the 18th century at the smokehouse.
Date: Saturday, May 4
Time: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Hike to the John Dickinson Plantation
Join DNERR and John Dickinson Plantation education staff for a free evening hike from the St. Jones Reserve to the John Dickinson Plantation and back. Learn about the natural and cultural history of the area while experiencing the St. Jones Estuary. Pre-registration is required. Click here to register.
Date: Thursday, May 9
Time: 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM
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.
Date: Saturday, May 11
Time: 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
The John Dickinson Plantation will be CLOSED to the public during the weekend of Saturday, May 18 and Sunday, May 19. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Contact: JDPmuseum@delaware.gov or call 302-739-3277
Location: 340 Kitts Hummock Rd, Dover, DE
New Castle Court House Museum
Day in Old New Castle
This year’s theme is the Stories Ignited: 1824 Great Fire of New Castle. To commemorate the 100th year Good Will Fire Company and other fire companies will be hosting antique fire engines and equipment, plus homes and gardens with their stories before, after, and during the event. This is a family event, with many of the activities free of charge.
If you purchase a ticket you receive:
- Kalmar Nyckel docked at Wharf and offering ship tours. Included in the ticket price
- Historic houses and gardens open for tour
- Museums and church tours
- $1 off ticket price if you dress in Colonial or Victorian period clothing
Throughout town and free of charge:
- Children’s activities on the Green and Wharf
- Plein Air Art Competition and Sale on the Green
- Native American foodways demonstration
- Costumed reenactors throughout the town
- Tented seating and food trucks at the Wharf
Date: Saturday, May 18
Time: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Paint Historic New Castle Reception
Artists from Paint Historic New Castle will display their paintings at the New Castle Court House Museum until June 1st, with a reception to kick off the exhibition in the museum’s historic court room. Works can be purchased via each individual artist or the Window Art Gallery at the artist’s discretion.
Date: Saturday, May 18
Time: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Well Seasoned Heirlooms
Historic Site Interpreter Kimberly Fritsch shines a spotlight on the practices, recipes and women throughout Delaware history as they speak to us through their food. Virtual event hosted on the New Castle Court House Museum’s Facebook page.
Date: Friday, May 31
Time: 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Contact: NCCHmuseum@delaware.gov or call 302-323-4453
Location: 211 Delaware St, New Castle, DE
Old State House Museum
Dover Days at the Old State House
Celebrate Dover Days with special tours and activities at the Old State House!
Date: Saturday, May 4
Time: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Desegregating Delaware: Louis Redding and Education in the First State
In recognition of the 70th anniversary of the Brown v Board of Education decision, Old State House’s lead interpreter Gavin Malone will discuss how two cases that local attorney Louis Redding took on in the early 1950s began the process of desegregating Delaware’s education system and impacted events on a national level.
Date: Saturday, May 18
Time: 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Contact: OSHmuseum@delaware.gov or call 302-744-5054
Location: 25 The Green, Dover, DE
Zwaanendael Museum
The Wreck of the HMS DeBraak
This presentation explores the history, artifacts and surviving hull section of the 18th-century shipwreck of the HMS DeBraak. Registration is required, and space is limited.
Date: Saturday, May 11
Time: 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
A Sailor’s Life For Me
Learn about the adventure, excitement and hardships experienced by seafarers. Activities and programs available all day!
Date: Saturday, May 25
Time: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Contact: zmuseum@delaware.gov or call 302-645-1148
Location: 102 Kings Hwy, Lewes, DE
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. Our 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.