July 21, 2010
Vol. 40, No. 252

For more information contact 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

New walking tour focusing on three centuries of Delaware
Women are among First Saturday highlights Aug. 7

Visitors to First State Heritage Park for the August First Saturday will hear stories of Delaware women whose lives were linked to Dover’s Green on a new walking tour that debuts Saturday, Aug. 7. Learning to research one’s family history and visiting the Governor’s House at Woodburn are among the other First Saturday offerings. The Old State House and the Johnson Victrola Museum will focus on art in the state’s Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs collection. Exhibits are on view at the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries and at the Biggs Museum. Legislative Hall is also open for tours.

Admission to all sites and activities is free, except for Segway tours. Centrally-located free parking is available at the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries, located at the Delaware Public Archives, 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, August 7:

The First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries
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 lessons about the legislature and Delaware history. *Photo ID is required for all adults entering the building.

Delaware Art Works
The Old State House on The Green
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
English-born American painter Thomas Sully’s brush strokes led to the notable images of Commodores Jacob Jones and Thomas Macdonough, Delaware heroes who served in the War of 1812. These portraits and more hang inside the majestic House Chamber at the Old State House.

Delaware Art Works
Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New Street
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Visitors will learn about the famous Francis Barraud painting, “His Master’s Voice” and what led to this iconic image, now a part of our state’s collection. Children can participate in an artistic craft project from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Tours of the Governor’s House at Woodburn
151 Kings Highway
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Guided tours of Woodburn, the official residence of Delaware’s Governor since 1965, and Hall House, the Governor’s guest house are offered from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

How Do I Start My Family Research?
Delaware Public Archives, 121 Duke of York Street
10:30 a.m.
Noted genealogist Nancy Lyons presents her popular program on researching family genealogy. Among the many resources explored are vital statistics, census reports and probate records. This program is for both beginners and advanced genealogists.

Segway Tours of First State Heritage Park’s Historic Sites
Tours leave from the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center
11:30 a.m.
Admission charged. Prices and reservations are available at www.SegZoneTours.com.

Women of The Green – New Walking Tour!
Meet at the Old State House
2 p.m.
This tour highlights the roles and contributions of the many, often forgotten women who were innkeepers, political leaders and social figures throughout the history of The Green.

Biggs Kids – Sandwich Box Monsters
Biggs Museum of American Art, 406 Federal Street
2 – 3:30 p.m.
Using a cardboard box that once held sandwich bags, children ages 5 to 10 will create their own monster to hold their treasures.  Reservations are required and can 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.