First State Heritage Park Kicks Off the New Year with “Food for Thought” 

DOVER (Dec. 29, 2011) – At the First State Heritage Park, the New Year begins with a focus on food at First Saturdays in the First State events on Jan. 7, 2012. Visitors will return to the 18^th century at the John Bell House where they will meet Constance Greene, an 18^th-century tavern cook and keeper, portrayed by living history professional Kimberly Costa.

What is the difference between a good tavern meal and a common one? Why does Madeira cost more than rum punch? And why is each tavern required to have a list of prices posted in their tap room? Through lively conversation and stories Costa will describe exactly what it was like traveling and eating at an 18^th-century tavern.  The theme continues with special food-focused tours of the Civil War exhibit at the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and a discussion of the politics of food at The Old State House.

The first Saturday celebration will also include the commemoration of the bicentennial of the War of 1812 at the Delaware Public Archives. Michael DiPaolo, Executive Director of The Lewes Historical Society, will give a presentation about the effects of this war on Delaware and its people.

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 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. Until further notice, the Mabel Lloyd Ridgely Research Room at the Delaware Public Archives will not be open on the first Saturday of the month. Instead, the facility will be open to researchers on the second Saturday of the month from 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.

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 destateparks.com/heritagepark.

FIRST SATURDAY” ACTIVITIES ON SATURDAY, JAN. 7, 2012

Food for Thought

Those Divas and Their Dishes
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Johnson Victrola Museum
Visitors will learn about some favorite meals and treats and the musical divas who inspired them. Music from popular artists whose names became famous for these culinary specialties as well as for their vocal talents is featured. 

We Poor Devils
10 a.m., Noon, and 2 p.m.
First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries
Staff will conduct guided interpretations of the current exhibition, The Civil War: Five Delaware Soldiers’ Stories, with a focus on the living conditions experienced by the soldiers and the food that was available to them. 

The Politics of Food
11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
The Old State House on The Green
Historical interpreters examine food, food regulations and the politics of food during the 18th- century.  Tours of The Old State House will also be offered throughout the day. 

Above and Below: An 18th Century Cook Tells All
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
John Bell House on The Green
Living history professional Kimberly Costa portrays Constance Greene, an 18th-century tavern cook and keeper. Visitors will talk with Constance and watch as she prepares a variety of tavern meals.  

Other First Saturday Activities
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 150^th 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.  Tour the House and Senate Chambers as you learn about the legislature and Delaware history. Photo ID is required for all adults entering the building.  

10 a.m. – 3 p.m. (Last tour leaves at 3 p.m.)
Walking Tour: Stories of the Green
John Bell House on The Green
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.   

10:30 a.m.
The War of 1812 Comes to Lewes
Delaware Public Archives
In March 1813, the Royal Navy blockaded the Delaware Bay and River and conducted raids along the coast. In early April, the British shelled Lewes for 22 hours, firing as many as 800 projectiles into the town.  Presented by Michael DiPaolo, Executive Director of The Lewes Historical Society, this program reveals the brave defense raised by Delawareans protecting their homes and families. 

2 – 3 p.m.
Biggs Kids – Frosty the Snowman
Biggs Museum of American Art
Frosty the snowman was a jolly happy soul, with a corncob pipe and a button nose, and two eyes made out of coal.  Children will create a Frosty that won’t melt away in the hot sun.  Ages 5 to 10. Reservations required; (302) 674-1111.

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. 480