NEWS FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL
Nov. 18, 2008
Vol. 38, No. 521
Media Contact: Elaine Brenchley or Nate Davidson, 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
The First State Heritage Park at Dover Celebrates Delaware Day with Historical Theater Event at Old State House
Dover, Del. - For 75 years, “Delaware Day” has marked the anniversary of Delaware’s ratification of the U.S. Constitution on Dec. 7, 1787 – an act that made Delaware the “First State.” Delaware’s ratification, which took place on The Green in Dover, may have been unanimous, but it was not without controversy and concern.
The First State Heritage Park at Dover revisits this momentous event on Saturday, Dec. 6 with “Fully, Freely, and Entirely” – Delaware Adopts the Federal Constitution, a special historical theater event in the Old State House on The Green.
By candlelight, the audience will step back in time to the evening of Dec. 6, 1787, just before the ratification. In the historic atmosphere of the Old State House, participants will encounter delegates to the ratification convention, as well as 18th-century businesswomen, protestors, and slaves. In addition to listening in on these conversations from the past, audience members can participate in the debate, and join in the celebration with toasts and “huzzahs!” Refreshments follow the program.
Performances are at 6 and 7:30 p.m., and participants will meet at the Delaware Visitor Center, 406 Federal Street. Admission is $10. Pre-registration is required as space is limited to 25 participants per performance. Reservations may be made by calling 302-739-9194.
Information about this and other First State Heritage Park programs can be found online at www.destateparks.com/heritagepark, or by calling 302-739-9194.
The First State Heritage Park at Dover 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 to create 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.
This program has been made possible in part by a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities: great ideas brought to life.
