June 16 , 2010
Vol. 40, No. 210

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

The First State Heritage Park Celebrates Independence Day

In collaboration with Dover’s Fourth of July Celebration, the First State Heritage Park will offer a variety of programs and activities from 1 to 6 p.m.  Admission to all sites is free. All programs are free, except the Segway Tours.  More information is available at www.destateparks.com/heritagepark or by calling (302) 739-9194.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

1 – 6 p.m.
First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries
Current Exhibition: USS Delaware: An American Battleship.

Historic Dover Scavenger Hunt!
The hunt begins at the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center.  Clues are hidden throughout Dover’s historic sites and museums.  Small prizes will be given to those who uncover all the secrets of Delaware History!

Guided Tours of Legislative Hall (Photo ID is required for all adults)
Guided Tours of The Old State House
Self-Guided Tours of the Biggs Museum of American Art
Children’s Colonial Games and Activities on The Green

1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Dover’s Heroes of the Revolution Walking Tour
Meets at Christ Church, at the corner of South State and Water Streets.
Tories, Whigs, militia, and insurrection!  Dover was a hotbed of revolutionary and loyalist activity during the struggle for American Independence.  The Revolution is revisited on The Dover Green and in two historic cemeteries. Free.

1:30 p.m.
New this year! Segways ride into the past!
Segways offer a chance for adventure and some history.  The First State Heritage Park has collaborated with SegZoneTours to offer this new experience. Admission charged.
Tours begin at the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center, 121 Duke of York Street.
Reservations are strongly recommended.  Information regarding admission fees and reservations can be found at SegZoneTours.com

 2 p.m.
Let Freedom Ring
The Old State House
Visitors return to July 1776 when the Declaration of Independence was first read to the people of Dover. This dramatic reading by historical interpreters relives the excitement of that historic year as bells throughout Dover ring to honor the nation’s founders. Free.

 2:30 p.m.
Caesar Rodney Rides Again!
Delaware Public Archives
Dick Pack portrays Caesar Rodney in this tribute to Delaware’s hero of the American Revolution. Free.

3:30 p.m.
Tales of Slavery and Freedom Walking Tour
Meets at the Old State House
The Dover Green was a place where free and enslaved men and women lived out their lives, where national decisions regarding slavery were debated, and where a brave group of runaways known as the Dover Eight made a daring escape from the Dover Jail. Visitors will learn about Dover’s complicated positions regarding freedom and slavery, and its role as a border state during the Civil War. Free.

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.