April 4, 2008
Vol. 38, No. 126

Media Contact: Nate Davidson, The First State Heritage Park at Dover, 302-739-9194, or Necia Beck, Delaware State Parks, 302-739-9175, Necia.Beck@state.de.us

First State Heritage Park at Dover
Offers Free Walking Tours on Saturdays in April

DOVER, Del. - The First State Heritage Park at Dover offers opportunities to enjoy walking tours of Dover while learning about the city’s role in shaping the history of Delaware.

Saturday, April 12: Revolutionary Dover
Tories, Whigs, militia, and insurrection. Dover was a hotbed of revolutionary and loyalist activity during the struggle for American Independence. While suspicion was cast on some of its residents, others would achieve national acclaim for their actions during this trying time. Visitors will hear tales from Dover’s history and revisit the Revolution.

Saturday, April 19: Victorian Dover
Visitors may stroll past the beautiful homes and hear the stories of the men and women who would forever alter the course of Dover during this age of prosperity, expansion, and transformation. Because this walking tour of the Victorian Dover National Register Historic District covers a lot of ground, participants are encouraged to wear walking shoes. 

Saturday, April 26: A Walk Through Time
With more than 300 years of history, The Green has been the central and most vital location of commerce, politics, and civic life in Dover. It was the site of markets and fairs, suffragists and abolitionists, soldiers and slaves, lawmakers and law breakers.  Visitors are invited to take a walk through time and hear stories of the people and events that left their mark on Dover’s history.

All walking tours are free and begin at 2 p.m. at the Delaware Visitor Center located at 406 Federal Street, Dover. A Walk Through Time is also offered throughout the year at 2 p.m., Sunday through Friday.   

More information about these and other programs can be found by calling 302-739-9194, or visiting www.destateparks.com/heritagepark. 

Established by Governor Ruth Ann Minner in 2004, 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.