NEWS FROM THE DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL
Oct. 27, 2009
Vol. 39, No. 431
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
November’s First Saturday events at First State Heritage Park
On Saturday Nov. 7, the First State Heritage Park presents its monthly “First Saturdays in the First State” event in Dover. Delaware’s capital city has two capitol buildings—the Old State House, which served as the seat of Delaware’s General Assembly from 1791 to 1933, and Legislative Hall, which has served this function since 1933.
Visitors can enjoy guided tours of both capitol buildings from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and also visit the Governor’s House at Woodburn from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tours and exhibits are available from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Biggs Museum of American Art and the Johnson Victrola Museum. A special presentation at 10:30 a.m. at the Delaware Public Archives features a portrayal of a Delaware soldier’s life during the Civil War.
Admission to all sites and activities is free. Centrally-located free parking is available at the First State Heritage Park Visitor Center, located at the Delaware Public Archives, 121 Duke of York Street. For more information about The First State Heritage Park programs, call 302-739-9194 or visit: www.destateparks.com/heritagepark
“First Saturdays in the First State” activities on Saturday, Nov. 7:
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. Visitors who tour the House and Senate Chambers will learn about the legislature and Delaware history. Photo ID is required for all adults entering the building.
Old State House
On The Green
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Guided tours and through the recently restored old capitol building.
Shipbuilding in the First State
Delaware Visitor Center and Galleries, 406 Federal Street
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Exhibit highlights the types of ships built, method of construction, individuals who made a livelihood from building ships, and towns affiliated with ship production.
International Musical Celebration
Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New Street
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Visitors will learn about Victor Talking Machine Company’s manufacturing plants from Australia to the United States and throughout the world. Recordings will highlight the many countries involved and their contributions to the recording industry.
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, as well as Hall House, the Governor’s guest house are offered.
A Delaware Soldier’s Life During the Civil War
Delaware Public Archives, 121 Duke of York Street
10:30 a.m.
Sean Protas will portray a Union Army Sergeant in the 2nd Delaware Regiment. The presentation will discuss camp life, battle experiences, and weaponry.
Dover Green National Register Historic District
Meet at the First State Heritage Park Visitor Center at the Delaware Public Archives, 121 Duke of York Street
2 p.m.
For 300 years The Green has been the center of commerce, politics, and civic life in Dover. Guided walks through the historic district reveal the people and events that left their mark on Dover’s history.
Biggs Kids – Gobble, Gobble!
Biggs Museum, 406 Federal Street
2 – 3:30 p.m.
Children are invited to celebrate Thanksgiving and create a turkey for the upcoming feast.
Self-Guided Audio Walking Tours
9 a.m. – 3 p. m.
Free audio wands are available at the First State Heritage Park Visitor 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.
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