Elaine Brenchley, First State Heritage Park, 302-739-9194 (elaine.brenchley@state.de.us), or Necia Beck, Delaware State Parks, 302-739-9175, necia.beck@state.de.us
December First Saturday Events at First State Heritage Park
DOVER (Nov. 23, 2011) – On Dec. 3, the First State Heritage Park’s First Saturdays in the First State highlights seasonal activities with a wreath-making workshop at the John Bell House, seasonal music at the Johnson Victrola Museum, a holiday activity at Biggs Kids and a tour of the Civil War exhibit at the Welcome Center that focuses on wartime in the winter.
In addition, the park offers a salute to the date (Dec. 7) that made Delaware the First State when it ratified the Constitution on The Green in Dover. The Heroes of the Revolution walking tour, along with historical interpretation at the Old State House, will focus on the years of the American Revolution and founding of the new nation.
Regular First Saturday activities include tours of the two capitol buildings in Delaware’s capital city – The Old State House and Legislative Hall, free guided walking tours of The Green and a visit to the John Bell House. Exhibits are also on display at the Johnson Victrola Museum, the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and the Biggs Museum of American Art, which also features its monthly Biggs Kids program.
Admission to all park sites is free. Centrally located free parking is available at the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries, located at 121 Duke of York Street. For more information about The First State Heritage Park programs, call 302-739-9194 or visit: www.destateparks.com/heritagepark.
First Saturday activities on December 3:
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
The First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries
121 Duke of York Street.
The Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs presents two exhibits:
USS Delaware: An American Battleship: The story of the USS Delaware (1909-1924), told through objects, photographs, and ceremonial silver.
The Civil War: Five Delaware Soldiers’ Stories: This exhibit recognizes the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the American Civil War. Through the state’s collection of objects, portraits, and documents, personal experiences of the brutal journey through the War of the Rebellion are revealed.
Guided Tours of Legislative Hall – Delaware’s Capitol
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.
What’s Your Sign? Ratifying the Constitution
The Old State House on The Green
11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m.
Historical interpreters portraying Allen McLane and Gunning Bedford, Jr. entertain visitors with accounts of their roles in the ratification of the Constitution in 1787, which made Delaware the “First State.” Tours of The Old State House will also be offered throughout the day.Deck the Halls:
Create Your Own Seasonal Wreath
11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
John Bell House on The Green
Certified floral designer Susan Krabill will teach participants to create wreaths using festive holiday greens reminiscent of colonial America. Evergreens of varying colors and textures will be decorated with clusters of bright berries, pinecones, woodland finds and other natural materials. Workshop fee of $30 includes instruction and materials. Class lasts approximately 1-1/2 hours. Space is limited and pre-registration required. Reservations may be made by calling 302-739-9194.
Sounds of the Season
Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New Street
Visitors will hear a special blend of vintage Victor recordings played on the original talking machines while reminiscing about the holidays of yesteryear.
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. (Last tour leaves at 3 p.m.)
Walking Tour: Dover’s Heroes of the Revolution Walking Tour
Starts at the John Bell House on The Green
Tories, Whigs, militia and insurrection – Dover was a hotbed of revolutionary and loyalist activity during the struggle for American Independence. While suspicion was cast on some of its residents, others would achieve national acclaim for their actions during this trying time. Guests will visit the final resting places of such valiant figures as John Haslet and John Patton, and see the locations around The Green associated with other early military heroes including Caesar Rodney and Dr. James Tilton.
10 a.m., Noon and 2 p.m.
We Poor Devils
First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries
Visitors will enjoy guided interpretations of the current exhibition, The Civil War: Five Delaware Soldiers’ Stories, with a focus on how the troops endured winter and spent the holiday season.
2 – 3 p.m.
Biggs Kids – Recycled Holiday Paper Chain
Biggs Museum of American Art
Children will use recycled materials to create a festive paper chain to decorate a holiday tree in the Museum. Ages 5-10. Required reservations may be made by calling 302-674-2111.
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.
Vol. 41, No.453
