NEWS FROM THE DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL
Vol. 40, No. 328
For more information contact Elaine Brenchley, First State Heritage Park, 302-739-9194 elaine.brenchley@state.de.us, or Necia Beck, Delaware State Parks, 302-739-9175, Necia.Beck@state.de.us
Archaeology at the John Bell House and a visit from
George Washington highlight October's First Saturday activities
DOVER (Sept. 22, 2010) - October begins with a flurry of activity at First State Heritage Park. The weekend starts with a lantern tour of The Green on Friday, Oct.1 and is followed with First Saturday activities throughout the park on Oct. 2.
Visitors to First State Heritage Park on Saturday, Oct. 2 will have an opportunity to watch archaeology excavations in progress at the John Bell House on The Green. The building, which is the oldest wooden structure in Dover, is being restored to serve as an interpretive center for the park. It dates back to at least the mid-1700s and was owned by three generations of the Bell family. The Bells owned and operated a series of 18th -century taverns around The Green, and it is believed that this structure originally served as a workshop.
Another First Saturday highlight is a visit from George Washington, complementing a program at The Old State House about an imposing portrait of the General that graces the Senate chamber. Living history expert David Emerson, in character as George Washington, will present a free half-hour program at noon and 3:30 p.m., and will interact informally with visitors to The Old State House from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more than 25 years, Emerson has worked at living history museums and as an independent storyteller, teaching history through the eyes of a "person of the past." He is a veteran of Colonial Williamsburg, Plimoth Plantation, Morristown National Historical Park, and the Old Barracks Museum. Emerson likes to say that he “makes a living by being a character!”
Admission to all sites and activities is free, except for the Segway tours. Centrally-located free parking is available at the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries, located at 121 Duke of York Street. Additional information about The First State Heritage Park programs is available at 302-739-9194 or www.destateparks.com/heritagepark.
Friday, Oct. 1:
Lantern Tour of the Dover Green
7:30 p.m.
Meet at the Biggs Museum – 406 Federal Street
Visitors will hear tales of the most infamous resident of Dover’s jail, devastating fires that threatened the town, poisonings, tragic love and the auctioning of slaves on the steps of the Old State House. Admission $5. Visitors may call (302) 739-9194 to reserve a lantern.
“First Saturdays in the First State” activities on Saturday, Oct. 2:
The First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries
121 Duke of York Street
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
The Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs presents a new exhibit: “USS Delaware: An American Battleship.” The story of the USS Delaware (1909-1924) is told through objects, photographs, and ceremonial silver.
Guided Tours of Legislative Hall-Delaware’s Capitol
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Legislative Hall has been the seat of Delaware’s General Assembly, the supreme lawmaking body in the state, since 1933. The tour includes the House and Senate Chambers, with lessons about the legislature and Delaware history. Photo ID is required for all adults entering the building.
Archaeological Excavation at the John Bell House on The Green
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
As the restoration of the John Bell House nears completion, an archaeological excavation will look for intact deposits that may reveal the activities of occupants who have worked at this site since about 1750. The public is invited to observe the dig in progress, and have an opportunity to meet with archaeologists and historians to find out more about this original 18th-century frame house and the role its occupants played in the history of The Green in Dover.
The Magnificent General
The Old State House on The Green
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Visitors will explore the history of Denis A.Volozan’s imposing portrait of George Washington that hangs in the historic Senate chamber of The Old State House.
Meet George Washington
The Old State House. On The Green
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The Magnificent General, as portrayed by storyteller David Emerson, will interact informally throughout the day with the public. Emerson will present a living history demonstration as Washington at noon and 3:30 p.m.
I’d Like to Buy That Song
Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New Street
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Exhibits explore Victor Talking Machine Company dealerships and record stores, both locally and around the world, and feature music from artists of the early 20th century.
Tours of the Governor’s House at Woodburn
151 Kings Highway
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Visitors will enjoy guided tours of Woodburn, the official residence of Delaware’s Governor since 1965, as well as Hall House, the Governor’s guest house.
Vital Records - Beyond Births, Marriages and Deaths
Delaware Public Archives, 121 Duke of York Street
10:30 a.m.
Genealogist Nancy Lyons shows how to use birth, marriage and death records to document each generation in a family tree. Lyons will show how to locate these primary sources and how this information can help lead to other valuable records.
Segway Tours of First State Heritage Park’s Historic Sites
11:30 a.m.
Tours leave from the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center, 121 Duke of York Street
Information about admission prices and reservations is available at www.SegZoneTours.com.
Dover’s Heroes of the Revolution Walking Tour
Begins at Christ Church, at the corner of South State and Water Streets
2 p.m.
From the monuments of Christ Church to those of the Old Presbyterian Churchyard, the tour visits the graves and former residences of Dover’s Revolutionary War heroes, and relates their stories and sacrifices.
Biggs Kids – Handprint Wreaths
Biggs Museum of American Art, 406 Federal Street
2 – 3:30 p.m.
Each child’s handprint is unique, and each wreath created during this program will be too! Ages 5-10. Reservations required and may be made by calling (302) 674-2111.
Self-Guided Audio Walking Tours
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Free audio wands are available at the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center, located at the Delaware Public Archives, 121 Duke of York Street.
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.
