July 25, 2008
Vol. 38, No. 338

Media Contact: Elaine Brenchley or Nate Davidson, The First State Heritage Park at Dover, 302-739-9194, or Necia Beck, Delaware State Parks, 302-739-9191, Necia.Beck@state.de.us

First State Heritage Park Offers Lantern Tour of the Old Methodist Cemetery on Aug. 1

DOVER, Del. - The First State Heritage Park invites the public to join staff on Friday, Aug. 1 to explore the Old Methodist Church’s historic cemetery guided only by lantern light to unlock the secrets of those buried within its gates.

On the newest of the park’s popular cemetery tours, participants will not only learn about the lives of Delaware’s leaders, but about the deaths of the common folk buried beside them. A trip back in time will uncover the sacrifices made by average residents of Dover during the Civil War and the elaborate rituals associated with death and mourning in the 19th century.

Visitors will be introduced to the carefully chosen and crafted funeral art that decorates the tombs of members of high society and common people alike. Guides will discuss the meanings hidden behind these symbols, and what the symbols might reveal about the people buried beneath them.

The tour departs from Museum Square, located at the corner of Governor’s Avenue and West North Street at 8:30 p.m. The fee is $5. Tour space is limited, so reservations should be made by calling 302-739-9194. The First State Heritage Park is online at www.destateparks.com/heritagepark.