NEWS FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL
Feb. 24, 2009
Vol. 39, No. 66
Media 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
The War of the Roses – Delaware and the Battle for Women’s Suffrage Highlights the First State Heritage Park’s First Saturday in the First State Events on March 7
DOVER, Del. - The First State Heritage Park celebrates Women’s History Month at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 7 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.
In the spring of 1920, Dover was the site of an 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. Few could avoid taking sides on this important issue, and those who did proclaimed their stance with a simple flower worn on their lapel.
The free program at Legislative Hall recreates the debate with speeches that might have been made by pro-suffragists and anti-suffragists alike. Attendees will 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! This program is presented by the First State Heritage Park at Dover as part of its “First Saturdays in the First State” activities.
Also on March 7, the First State Heritage Park partner sites will offer tours and exhibits from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.at Legislative Hall - Delaware’s capitol building, the Delaware Public Archives, the Delaware Visitor Center and Galleries, the Biggs Museum of American Art, the Delaware Archaeology Museum, Museum of Small Town Life, and the Johnson Victrola Museum.
Other special “First Saturdays in the First State” happenings on Saturday, March 7 include:
- 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.: 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 who tour the House and Senate Chambers will learn about the legislature and Delaware history.
- 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.: March into March, Museum Square, Governors Avenue
Victor recording artist John Philip Sousa is featured at the Johnson Victrola Museum. Presentations about suffragettes of the early 1900s and a hands-on rug braiding demonstration will be held at the Museum of Small Town Life.
- 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.: Shipbuilding in the First State – Grand Opening Delaware Visitor Center and Galleries
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.
- 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.: The Distaff Voices of the Old State House, Old State House, The Green
Female historic interpreters in period costumes tell exciting stories from the First State’s past to commemorate Women’s History Month.
- 10:30 a.m.: A Look Back at Dover’s Fallen Servicemen from World War II
Delaware Public Archives, 121 Duke of York Street
This program and one-day exhibit will be presented by Danny Waite, who has studied the lives of Dover area servicemen who gave their lives during World War II.
- 2 p.m.: Walk Through Time – Guided Walking Tour of The Dover Green
Meet at Delaware Visitor Center, 406 Federal Street
With more than 300 years of history, the Green has been the central and most vital location for commerce, politics, and civic life in Dover. The tour presents stories of the people and events that left their mark on Dover’s history. No reservations are needed for this free program.
- 2 – 3:30 p.m.: Biggs Kids – Photo Frames, Biggs Museum of American Art, 406 Federal Street
Children will bring their favorite memories to life with a picture frame of their own creation.
- 9 a.m. – 3 p. m : Self-Guided Audio Walking Tours
These tours focus on the stories and events of Dover’s historic 18th century Green and include nearly 30 sites in the historic district. Audio tour wands are available at the Delaware Visitor Center, 406 Federal Street, for $5 each.
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 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.
