Elaine Brenchley, The First State Heritage Park at Dover, 302-739-9194 elaine.brenchley@state.de.us,
Necia Beck, Delaware State Parks, 302-739-9175, Necia.Beck@state.de.us

Kick off the New Year at First State Heritage Park

DOVER (Jan. 4) - Since Jan. 1 was a holiday, the First State Heritage Park will hold its monthly “First Saturdays in the First State” activities on Saturday, Jan. 8. Admission to all sites and activities is free. Centrally-located free parking is available at the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries, located at 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 

“First Saturdays in the First State” activities on Saturday, Jan. 8:

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.  Tours of the House and Senate Chambers feature the legislature and Delaware history. Photo ID is required for all adults entering the building.

A Day with Bedford and McLane
The Old State House on The Green
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
(Special living history programs begin at 10 and 11:30 a.m., and 1 p.m.)
Historical interpreters take on the personas of noted Delawareans Gunning Bedford, Jr., a delegate to the U.S. Constitutional Convention of 1787, and Revolutionary War hero Colonel Allen McLane. Visitors are encouraged to ask questions and talk with these characters from Delaware history.  “Personal Time with Allen McLane” will be presented at 10 a.m., “Bedford and McLane” at 11:30 a.m., and “Personal Time with Gunning Bedford, Jr.” at 1 p.m. 

Name that State!
Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New Street
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
A surprising number of song lyrics from the past contain the names of the 50 states.  Visitors will hear some of these original recordings on authentic Victor Talking Machines and guess the states represented. Will visitors hear their home state?

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. 

All Aboard! Celebrate the History of the Railroad
Delaware Public Archives, 121 Duke of York Street
10:30 – 4 p.m.
This special exhibit celebrates the history of the railroad and the posting of the entire Jackson and Sharp Photograph and Drawings Collection, with more than 4,000 images, to the Delaware Public Archives website (archives.delaware.gov). Jackson and Sharp was a company in Wilmington that built railroad cars and ships from 1863 to 1950. This exhibit will feature original railroad materials from the Delaware Public Archives plus a model train layout for children. 

Dover Green National Register Historic District
Meet at the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center
2 p.m.
For 300 years, The Green has been the center of commerce, politics, and civic life in Dover.  Visitors will hear stories of the people and events that left their mark on Dover’s history. 

Biggs Kids – Collectors Wanted
Biggs Museum of American Art, 406 Federal Street
2 – 3:30 p.m.
Children with a collection of stamps, trading cards, buttons, etc. will learn a simple and unique way to store and display the collection.  Children should bring at least six items from their collection (items must be four inches or smaller). This program is for children ages 5 to 10, and reservations are required.  More information is available at 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. 

Vol. 41, No.1