NEWS FROM THE DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL
July 20, 2009
Vol. 39, No. 309
For more information contact Elaine Brenchley or Nate Davidson, The First State Heritage Park at Dover, 302-739-9194, Elaine.Brenchley@state.de.us; or Necia Beck, Delaware State Parks, 302-739-9175, Necia.Beck@state.de.us
“First Saturday” events during August at First State Heritage Park
offer variety of activities
DOVER – On Saturday, Aug. 1, the First State Heritage Park presents its monthly “First Saturdays in the First State” event. From Abraham Lincoln to pirates, shipbuilding and voices from Dover’s past, the Saturday programs provide a day-long opportunity to explore the rich history of Delaware and the nation. A special opportunity now available only on First Saturdays is a visit to the Johnson Victrola Museum at Museum Square.
The following First State Heritage Park partner sites offer tours and exhibits from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Legislative Hall—Delaware’s Capitol Building
Delaware Public Archives
Delaware Visitor Center and Galleries
Biggs Museum of American Art
Johnson Victrola Museum
Special “First Saturdays in the First State” events on Saturday, August 1 include:
Guided Tours of Legislative Hall
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Legislative Hall has been the seat of Delaware’s General Assembly, the supreme lawmaking body in the state since 1933. Tours of the House and Senate Chambers feature the history of the legislature and of Delaware.
Shipbuilding in the First State
Delaware Visitor Center and Galleries
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
This exhibit highlights the types of ships built, method of construction, individuals who made a livelihood from building ships, and towns affiliated with ship production.
Abraham Lincoln: A Bicentennial Celebration
Delaware Public Archives, 121 Duke of York Street
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Celebrating the 200th anniversary of the birth of Abraham Lincoln, this exhibit features books, manuscripts, photographs and artwork displayed along with one of three copies of the 13th Amendment, transcribed by Isaac Strohm and signed by President Lincoln. The exhibit is part of the Special Collections Department of the Morris Library at the University of Delaware.
Old State House
The Green
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Guided tours and exhibits through the recently restored old capitol building.
From the Spanish Main to Hollywood – The Evolution of Pirate Dress
Delaware Public Archives, 121 Duke of York Street
10:30 a.m.
Visitors will learn how Howard Pyle, famed Delaware artist and illustrator of the late 19th century, created the romanticized version of pirates that has pervaded popular culture for more than 100 years.
Cracking the Numbers Code
Johnson Victrola Museum at Museum Square
11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Phonographs, data plates, numbers and letters provide background about different machines. The day includes a number-driven scavenger hunt for children.
Voices from Dover’s Past
Legislative Hall
12:30 p.m.
Historical interpreters portray real people from Dover’s 18th century past. Members of the Battell and Ridgely families discuss the struggles of business and family life.
Dover’s Heroes of the Revolution Walking Tour
Christ Church, Water and South State Streets
2 p.m.
The tour begins with a stroll through the monuments of Christ Church and moves on to those of the Old Presbyterian Churchyard, highlighting the graves and former residences of Dover’s Revolutionary heroes, as well as their stories and sacrifices.
Biggs Kids – Paper Bag City
Biggs Museum, 406 Federal Street
2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Children will have a chance create a city using paper bags, paint and colored paper.
Self-Guided Audio Walking Tours
9 a.m. – 3 p. m.
These tours focus on the stories and events of Dover’s historic 18th-century Green and include nearly 30 sites in the historic district. Wands are available at the Delaware Visitor Center, 406 Federal Street. SPECIAL FOR THE SUMMER: NO CHARGE FOR AUDIO TOURS.
Admission to all sites is free. Centrally-located free parking is available at the Delaware Public Archives, 121 Duke of York Street.
The First State Heritage Park at Dover is a partnership of state agencies, under the leadership of Delaware State Parks, working in collaboration with city and county government, nonprofit organizations and the private sector to create Delaware’s first urban “park without boundaries” linking historic and cultural sites in the city that has been the seat of state government since 1777.
For more information about The First State Heritage Park programs call 302-739-9194 or visit www.destateparks.com/heritagepark.
