The First State Heritage Park commemorates Memorial Day with special tours

DOVER (May 23, 2011) – On Memorial Day, Monday, May 30, the following First State Heritage Park sites are open 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.: First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries, Delaware Public Archives, Legislative Hall, Biggs Museum, The Old State House, and the Johnson Victrola Museum. Admission to all sites is free. Centrally located, all-day free parking is available at the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center & Galleries, 121 Duke of York Street, Dover.

Delaware veterans from the 18^th century to the modern day receive special commemoration in the following: 

The Civil War: Five Delaware Soldiers’ Stories
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries, 121 Duke of York Street.
This new exhibit explores the experiences of five of the more than 13,000 Delawareans who fought in the American Civil War. Free.

Military Heroes of Delaware
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Legislative Hall. 411 Legislative Avenue
Throughout the day, tours of Legislative Hall will emphasize the portraits of Delaware’s military heroes. Visitors will learn who these men were and remember their sacrifices.  Photo ID required for all adults entering Legislative Hall. Free.

Dover’s Heroes of the Revolution Tour
2 p.m.
Tour begins at Christ Church, at the corner of South State and Water Streets.
Beginning at historic Christ Church cemetery, this walking tour has stops at The Green and the Old Presbyterian Cemetery.  These stops represent the three public squares originally designated at the time of Dover being formally laid out in 1717.  The tour will visit the final resting places of such illustrious figures as Col. John Haslet and Dr. James Tilton, as well as those of lesser-known figures such as John Banning and John Patten.  Visitors will see the many locations around The Green associated with Delaware’s earliest military heroes. Free 

More information about First State Heritage Park programs is available by calling 302-739-9194 or visiting www.destateparks.com/heritagepark

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. 205