NEWS FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL
June 23, 2008
Vol. 38, No. 295
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 at Dover Celebrates the Fourth of July in the State Capital
DOVER, Del. - In conjunction with Dover Fourth of July, the First State Heritage Park and its partner sites will offer a variety of special programs and activities throughout the day. Admission to all sites and programs is free. Park maps may be downloaded at www.destateparks.com/heritagepark. For more information, call (302) 739-9194.
9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. LEGISLATIVE HALL TOURS
Guided tours of Delaware’s State Capitol building, the seat of Delaware’s General Assembly since 1933.
9 a.m. - 6 p.m. OLD STATE HOUSE TOURS
Guided tours through the newly restored Old State House on The Green.
9 a.m. - 6 p.m. DELAWARE VISITOR CENTER AND GALLERIES
Delaware Women Leaders: Past, Present, and Future
First State women are featured for their contributions in the fields of education, science, technology and more.
11 a.m. – 6 p.m. COLONIAL KIDS’ GAMES AND ACTIVITIES ON THE GREEN
The First State Heritage Park’s “Spirits of the Green” bring Dover’s history alive. These historical interpreters portray 18th century tavern servants and will tell tales of the people and events that make the Dover Green such a special place. Special games and activities for children are planned.
WALKING TOURS LED BY HISTORIC INTERPRETERS
(No reservations are needed. No fee.)
11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Revolutionary Dover
Tories, Whigs, militia, and insurrection! Dover was a hotbed of revolutionary and loyalist activity during the struggle for American Independence. Staff will revisit the Revolution on the Dover Green. Tours begin at the Delaware Visitor Center, 406 Federal Street.
12:30 and 4 p.m. Dover’s Military Heroes of the Revolution
Visitors will take a stroll from the monuments of Christ Church to those of the Old Presbyterian Churchyard, visiting the graves and former residences of Dover’s Revolutionary heroes, while guides tell the stories of the patriots’ sacrifices. Tours begin at Christ Episcopal Church, corner of South State and Water Streets.
2 p.m. LET FREEDOM RING – THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
Old State House on The Green
Beginning with the Old State House, bells throughout Dover will ring. Then, the Declaration of Independence will be read by costumed interpreters at the location where it was first read to the citizens of Dover in 1776.
2:30 p.m. CAESAR RODNEY RIDES AGAIN!
Delaware Public Archives, 121 Duke of York Street
This program is for individuals whose only knowledge of Caesar Rodney is his ride for independence. Actor and historian Dick Pack portrays Caesar Rodney in this living history tribute to Delaware’s hero of the American Revolution. No reservations required.
9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. DELAWARE PUBLIC ARCHIVES
View Delaware’s Copy of the Bill of Rights
July 4 is the last chance to view Delaware’s copy of the Bill of Rights on display at the Delaware Public Archives. On loan from the National Archives, Delaware’s copy of the Bill of Rights is unique in that the Constitutional amendments approved by the Delaware General Assembly in 1790 were noted on the bottom portion of the document.
The American Revolution: Delaware Leads the Way
During the American Revolution, the troops from Delaware played a critical role in numerous battles in both the north and the south. In recognition of the 225th anniversary of the end of the American Revolution, this exhibit will focus on America’s War of Independence and the sacrifices and contributions of Delaware’s citizens, both at home and on the battlefield.
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. - BIGGS MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART
Often referred to as “Neighborhood Museum, National Treasure,” the Biggs Museum collection presents an overview of three centuries of fine and decorative arts made or used in the Delmarva region.
9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. MUSEUM SQUARE
Johnson Victrola Museum
Museum of Small Town Life
Delaware Archaeology Museum
