NEWS FROM THE DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL
Nov. 23, 2009
Vol. 39, No. 456
For more information 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
The First State Heritage Park presents historical theater event at Old State House in Dover
On December 7, 1787, Delaware became the first state to ratify and adopt the new U.S. Constitution. It is this act that has allowed Delaware to proclaim itself the “First State.” This momentous event took place in Elizabeth Battell’s tavern on The Green in Dover.
On Friday and Saturday, Dec. 4 and 5, the First State Heritage Park revisits December 1787 with a candlelit historical theater event, “Fully, Freely, and Entirely – Becoming the First State.”
In the historic atmosphere of the Old State House, the audience will step back in time to encounter Mrs. Battell, as well as Gunning Bedford and other delegates to the ratification convention, protestors, tavern keepers and slaves. In addition to listening in on conversations from the past, audience members can participate in the debate, and join in the celebration with 18th-century toasts and “huzzahs!” Refreshments and an opportunity to meet the cast follow the program.
Each night, the two performances begin at 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Ticket-holders will meet at the Biggs Museum, 406 Federal Street. Admission is $10. Pre-registration is required by calling 302-739-9194. Spaces are limited.
For more information, visit The First State Heritage Park online at www.destateparks.com/heritagepark
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.
