Elaine Brenchley, The First State Heritage Park at Dover, 302-739-9194,elaine.brenchley@state.de.us, or Necia Beck, Delaware State Parks, 302- 739-9175, Necia.Beck@state.de.us
Labor Day Weekend at the First State Heritage Park
DOVER (Aug. 30, 2011) – This Labor Day Weekend, the First State Heritage Park offers activities for visitors of all ages, beginning with a lantern tour of The Green on Friday, September 2 at 8 p.m. The tour meets at the John Bell House on The Green and admission is $5. Reservations may be made by calling 302-739-9194.
On Saturday, September 3, the park’s monthly First Saturdays in the First State events include a celebration of “Nipper” at the Johnson Victrola Museum and a lecture on Delaware’s role in the War of 1812, presented by Charles Fithian. Regular First Saturday activities include tours of the two capitol buildings in Delaware’s capital city –The Old State House and Legislative Hall, free guided walking tours of The Green, and a visit to the John Bell House. Exhibits are also on display at the Johnson Victrola Museum, the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and the Biggs Museum of American Art, which also features its monthly “Biggs Kids” program.
On Labor Day, Monday, September 5, the following First State Heritage Park sites are open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for tours and exhibits: Legislative Hall, Biggs Museum, The Old State House, John Bell House, Johnson Victrola Museum and First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries. Free walking tours are offered between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. from the John Bell House.
Admission to all park sites is free. Centrally located free parking is available at the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries, 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 SATURDAY” ACTIVITIES SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3:
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
The First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries
121 Duke of York Street
The Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs presents two exhibits:
USS Delaware: An American Battleship
The story of the USS Delaware (1909-1924), told through objects, photographs and ceremonial silver.
The Civil War: Five Delaware Soldiers’ Stories
This exhibit recognizes the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the American Civil War. Through the state’s collection of objects, portraits, and documents, personal experiences of the brutal journey through the War of the Rebellion are revealed.
Guided Tours of Legislative Hall-Delaware’s Capitol
Legislative Hall has been the seat of Delaware’s General Assembly, the supreme lawmaking body in the state, since 1933. Tours the House and Senate Chambers feature information about the legislature and Delaware history. Photo ID is required for all adults entering the building.
“Signed, Sealed, Embroidered – It’s Yours!” – The Delaware State Flag
The Old State House on The Green
On September 3, 1777, the official flag of the United States was adopted, but it was more than 100 years before many states adopted their own official banners. Participants will explore Delaware’s state flag in the very building where it was adopted and first flown. Flag etiquette, Delaware’s “Flag Law” and Delaware’s State Seal, which pre-dates America’s Stars and Stripes, will be discussed.
Before Logos and Advertising
John Bell House on The Green
Visitors will learn how early merchants and tradesmen identified their shops and trades using trade signs as an 18th-century form of advertising. Children will have the opportunity to make and take their own trade signs.
Nipper Leading the Pack
Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New Street
Visitors will hear how a terrier gazing into a phonograph became one of the most recognizable trademarks in the world, “His Master’s Voice,” and explore the extensive collection of Nipper paraphernalia.
Biggs Picture: Award Winners XI Exhibition
Biggs Museum of American Art, 406 Federal Street
The annual Award Winners exhibition features the talent of the current Individual Artist Fellows of the Delaware Division of the Arts (DDOA). These Delaware artists represent visual, musical, sculptural, folk art and literary arts. The Biggs Museum permanent collection of American fine and decorative arts is also on view.
Walking Tour: Tales of Slavery and Freedom
At the John Bell House on The Green
10 a.m. - 3 p.m. (Last tour leaves at 3 p.m.)
Delaware’s complicated positions regarding freedom and slavery, and its role as a border state during the Civil War are featured in this walking tour. Participants will find out how a brave group of runaway slaves known as the Dover Eight made a daring escape from the Dover Jail. Hear about famous African-American Richard Allen and his connections to the Golden Fleece Tavern.
We Poor Devils
First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries
10 a.m., Noon and 2:30 p.m.
Guides will interpret the current exhibition, The Civil War: Five Delaware Soldiers’ Stories.
"The Honour of the State has not been Tarnished" – Delaware in the War of 1812
Delaware Public Archives
10:30 a.m.
With the March 1813 arrival of a Royal Navy blockading squadron in the Delaware Capes, the War of 1812 arrived in Delaware. Charles Fithian explores Delaware’s little-known role in this conflict. Highlighting military dimensions, the talk will also touch on political, economic and social aspects of the war.
Biggs Kids – Foliage Friends
Biggs Museum of American Art
2 - 3 p.m.
Children should bring five leaves of various shapes, sizes and colors to create a whimsical menagerie of animals. This program is appropriate for ages 5 to 10. Reservations are required, and may be made by calling (302) 674-2111.
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. 334
