NEWS FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL
March 26, 2009
Vol. 39, No. 112
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
First State Heritage Park Celebrates First Saturday on April 4
with New Walking Tour, Tales of Delaware’s Whipping Post
DOVER, Del. - Delaware was the last state in the Union to banish public whippings. The specter of the whipping post looms large over Delaware’s criminal history. No one escaped the lash – not men, women, or children. But was the Delaware whipping post – nicknamed “Red Hannah” – an instrument of justice, or an instrument of oppression? Did it effectively curb criminal activity in the state? What were the justifications for maintaining the post and what led to its ultimate demise?
The public is invited to join the First State Heritage Park at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 4 at Legislative Hall in Dover to revisit the history and hear the stories of “Red Hannah.” This free one-hour program is presented by the First State Heritage Park at Dover as part of its “First Saturdays in the First State” activities. Personalized guided tours of Delaware’s state capitol building are offered before and after the program.
April’s First Saturday also marks the launch of the First State Heritage Park’s new “Victorian Architecture Tour Guided Walking Tour.” The technological changes experienced by Americans during the Industrial Revolution of the mid- to late 19th century were reflected artistically in the unrestrained exuberance of the architecture of the period.
A guided tour takes participants past the beautiful homes of the Victorian Dover National Historic District. The intricate details of some of Dover’s most stunning architecture will be pointed out and explained. How did new wealth and opulence come to 19th century Dover? How did people decide what kind of house to build? How did these houses reflect the social standing of their owners? Learn how to recognize the various styles that comprise Dover’s Victorian architecture. This free tour starts at Rose Cottage, 102 S. State Street. No reservations are needed.
Also on April 4, 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 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.
“First Saturdays in the First State” happenings on Saturday, April 4 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. Tours of the House and Senate Chambers include facts about the legislature and Delaware history.
- 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.: Shipbuilding in the First State
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.
- 10:30 a.m.: How Do I Start My Family Research?
Delaware Public Archives, 121 Duke of York Street
This program provides an excellent starting point for genealogical research.
· 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.: April Showers & Garden Flowers
Museum Square, Governors Avenue
Springtime music is offered at the Johnson Victrola Museum; the technique of forcing a bulb is featured at the Delaware Archaeology Museum, and visitors make paper spring flowers to take home at the Museum of Small Town Life.
- 12:30 p.m.: Red Hannah – The Story of Delaware’s Whipping Post, Legislative Hall
- 2 p.m.: New This Season! Victorian Architecture Guided Walking Tour
Meet at Rose Cottage – 102 S. State Street
- 2 – 3:30 p.m.: Biggs Kids – Spring Bunnies
Biggs Museum, 406 Federal Street
Children will create fluffy spring bunnies to celebrate the changing of the seasons.
- 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 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.
