Old Dover Independence Day on July 3, 2021
Activities include sack racing, tug ‘o war, lawn games, walking tours, and historical interpreters, dressed in period clothing, reciting the Declaration of Independence.
Portraits of former Gov. and Mrs. Markell added to the State Portrait Collection
Collection includes more than 200 works depicting many of the state’s most notable public figures.
Presidents Day program on George Washington’s 110 rules of civility at The Old State House on Feb. 17, 2019
Program explores Washington’s 110 Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior and discusses how they were practiced by subsequent American presidents together with their relevance to contemporary American politics.
PROGRAM RESCHEDULED–‘Listen Up! African-American History’ program at Dover, Del.’s Old State House rescheduled from Feb. 4 to March, 11, 2017
Program features local youth performing their own spoken-word compositions that bring to light the history of Delaware’s African-Americans and women.
Programs ‘from the dark side’ to be featured at the New Castle Court House Museum in October 2017
“William Penn Day” plus readings and historical theater to be featured.
Programs on America’s struggle for independence among 20 special events sponsored by the division during July 2016
Spoken-word program and lecture on Independence Day, plus patriotic music among the sponsored events.
Progress report on improvements to state-owned historic properties in New Castle
State is investing $350,000 for projects at the New Castle Court House Museum, Arsenal, Academy and Green.
Public comment sought regarding Sheriff’s House rehabilitation and use plan
First State National Historical Park to hold public meeting on March 8, 2017 in New Castle.
Public presentation of First State National Historical Park’s Historic Resource Study on Oct. 25, 2018
Study will help the park plan for the future.
Registration open for FREE New Castle History Camp, July 24–28, 2023
Children ages 10 to 13 invited to explore the storied past of one of America’s most historic towns in this free history camp.
Ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrates re-opening of Fort Christina National Historic Landmark
Landmark is situated on the approximate site of the first permanent European settlement in Delaware.
Ron Whittington to portray Hall of Famer William ‘Judy’ Johnson at the New Castle Court House Museum on July 20, 2019
Program explores the history of the Negro baseball leagues prior to Jackie Robinson’s breaking of the color barrier in the major leagues.
Save the date — 2021 Chautauqua
Entitled, “The I’s Have It: Industry, Innovation, and Invention,” activities to take place in Lewes and New Castle during September 2021.
Sheriff’s House rehabilitation to begin in 2022
The Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs is pleased to share the announcement of a $5.4 million commitment from the National Park Service to rehabilitate the historic Sheriff’s House at First State National Historical Park.
Submit photos — and win prizes — during the Delaware Day Adventure, Dec. 3–12, 2021
Explore the division’s museums, learn and explore Delaware history, and submit photos to win a prize.
Take a seaside vacation—and see where Delaware’s modern history began
Delaware’s Atlantic Ocean resorts offer a wide variety of historical attractions including Swanendael, the site of Delaware’s first European settlement.
The Delaware Public Archives presents, Not Today, PA! at the place where it happened
In 2026, we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, which marked the colonies’ break from British rule. It also marks the 250th anniversary of the State of […]
Theme of 2016 Dover Days Festival is historic preservation
Division will be offering several programs including those celebrating the 1976 restoration of The Old State House.
War of 1812 lecture series at Old State House in October 2022
Three-part series explores America’s second war with Great Britain.
We support the elimination of racial injustice, racism, discrimination, and exclusionary history. We believe that Black lives matter.
We strive to practice inclusive history. History is not a series of one-sided, happy stories. It is a combination of uncomfortable truths, differing perspectives, and difficult narratives. At the John […]
Winner of 2021 New Castle photo contest announced
Second annual contest challenged amateur photographers to submit images of what makes Delaware’s first capital city unique.