Feb. 21, 2010
Vol. 40, No. 40

Media Information: Contact Elaine Brenchley, 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

Battle for women’s suffrage in Delaware
highlights First State Heritage Park events on March 6 

DOVER - In the spring of 1920, Dover was the site of its own historic “war of the roses.” The 19th amendment guaranteeing women the right to vote had recently been approved by Congress and ratified by a number of states. The debate over women’s rights descended upon Delaware with a vengeance. No one – men, women, legislators, or average citizens – could avoid taking sides on this important issue, proclaiming their pro or con opinion with a simple flower worn on their lapel. 

The First State Heritage Park celebrates Women’s History month on Saturday, March 6 with “The War of the Roses – Delaware and the Battle for Women’s Suffrage” –  a fun, interactive living history program designed to recreate the spirit of the women’s suffrage movement. Visitors will hear speeches that might have been made by pro-suffragists and anti-suffragists alike and learn about some of the often surprising tactics and arguments used by both sides. Visitors will even get the chance to take part in the debate. Presented by the First State Heritage Park at Dover as part of its “First Saturdays in the First State” activities, this free program begins at noon in the Old State House on the Dover Green.

Also on March 6, 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, the Delaware Public Archives, the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries, The Old State House, the Biggs Museum of American Art, and the Johnson Victrola Museum.

Admission to all sites and activities is free. Centrally located free parking is available at the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries, located at the Delaware Public Archives, 121 Duke of York Street. For more information about The First State Heritage Park programs, the public may call 302-739-9194 or visit: www.destateparks.com/heritagepark. 

“First Saturdays in the First State” activities on Saturday, March 6:

The First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries - 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
The Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs presents a new exhibit “USS Delaware: An American Battleship.” The story of the USS Delaware (1909-1924) is told through objects, photographs, and ceremonial silver.

Guided tours of Legislative Hall - Delaware’s Capitol - 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. Visitors will tour the House and Senate Chambers and learn about the legislature and Delaware history. Photo ID is required for all adults entering the building.

Old State House, on The Green - 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Guided tours and exhibits throughout the day of the recently restored old capitol building.

Ladies First, Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New Street - 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Musical selections will highlight female pioneers of recorded sound in honor of Women’s History Month. Famed Victor recording artists Rosa Ponselle, Louisa Tetrazzini and Marian Anderson will be among those recognized for their achievements.

Tours of Woodburn, the Governor’s House, 151 Kings Highway - 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Visitors will enjoy guided tours of Woodburn, the official residence of Delaware’s Governor since 1965, as well as Hall House, the Governor’s guest house. 

On the Home Front: Delaware Women during the Civil War
Delaware Public Archives, 121 Duke of York Street - 10:30 a.m.
As with previous wars, the women kept the home fires burning as the men fought. But during the Civil War, things were just a little bit different. Covering the political and social sway of the times, Bobbi Steele-Wilkins, member of the Central Delaware Civil War Roundtable, will present a view of women’s lives in Delaware from 1861 to 1865. Working in homes, factories and fields to provide for themselves and the armies, they added physical, monetary and moral support to their family and friends in a border state full of divided loyalties.

The War of the Roses – Delaware & the Battle for Women’s Suffrage
Old State House on The Green - Noon
Participants will enjoy this fun, interactive living history program that returns the audience to the days of the women’s suffrage movement. Speeches that might have been made by pro-suffragists and anti-suffragists alike and details of some of the surprising tactics and arguments used by both sides are part of the program. The audience will even get a chance to take part in the debate

Walking Tour of the Dover Green National Register Historic District
Meet at the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center at the Delaware Public Archives - 2 p.m.
For 300 years, The Green has been the center of commerce, politics, and civic life in Dover. Guided walks through the historic district reveal the people and events that left their mark on Dover’s history.  

Biggs Kids – Wee Leprechaun, Biggs Museum, 406 Federal Street - 2 – 3:30 p.m.
Children will bring a wee Leprechaun to life to help search for that elusive pot of gold.  Reservations required, and may be made by calling 302-674-2111.

Self-Guided Audio Walking Tours - 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Free audio wands are available at the First State Heritage Park Visitor Center, located at the Delaware Public Archives, 121 Duke of York Street.

Admission to all sites is free. Centrally located free parking is available at the Delaware Public Archives, 121 Duke of York Street. For more information about The First State Heritage Park programs, the public may call 302-739-9194 or visit www.destateparks.com/heritagepark.

The First State Heritage Park at Dover is 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. The park 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.