March 26, 2010
Vol. 40, No. 86

Media 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

Visit to Woodburn, Tribute to Ellington and Heroes of Revolution Walking Tour among First Saturday highlights April 3 

DOVER  – The First State Heritage Park celebrates the arrival of spring with a variety of First Saturday activities on April 3. The day includes a tour of the Governor’s residence at Woodburn and Hall House, an explanation of Delaware’s strange shape at the Old State House, and a tribute to the music of Duke Ellington at the Johnson Victrola Museum. Exhibits in the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries and at the Biggs Museum, a tour of Legislative Hall, and a Revolutionary War Heroes walking tour through the historic district round out the First Saturday events. 

Admission to all sites and activities is free. Centrally-located free parking is available at the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries, located at the Delaware Public Archives, 121 Duke of York Street. For more information about The First State Heritage Park programs, the public may call 302-739-9194 or visit: www.destateparks.com/heritagepark 

First Saturdays in the First State activities on Saturday, April 3:

The First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries - 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
The Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs presents a new exhibit: “U.S.S. Delaware: An American Battleship.” The story of the U.S.S. Delaware (1909-1924) is told through objects, photographs, and ceremonial silver.

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.  Tours of the House and Senate Chambers will reveal facts about the legislature and Delaware history. Photo ID is required for all adults entering the building.

What an Odd Shape you Have! - The Old State House on The Green, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Why does Delaware have an exact arc as its northern boundary? Is the state north or south of the Mason-Dixon Line? What exactly is a Hundred? Visitors will learn about the origins of Delaware’s various boundaries, and may also view reproductions of old maps of the First State.

A Tribute to Duke Ellington - 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 South New Street
The music that inspired Duke Ellington is part of the 110th anniversary celebration of his birth. Visitors will learn how Ellington’s unique contributions as an arranger and composer influenced the face of music. Children can participate in a fun musical activity from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Blue Water/Still Water: American Society of Marine Artists - 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Biggs Museum of American Art, 406 Federal Street
This exhibition brings together more than 100 of the most talented contemporary artists in the marine art field. Quiet shorelines, harbor views, and seascapes are presented in a wide array of media – oils, water colors, pastels, scratchboard, pencil, sculpture and scrimshaw.

Tours of the Governor’s House at Woodburn, 151 Kings Highway - 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Visitors will enjoy guided tours of Woodburn, the official residence of Delaware’s Governor since 1965, as well as Hall House, the Governor’s guest house. 

Dover’s Heroes of the Revolution Walking Tour – 2 p.m.
Meet at Christ Church, at the corner of South State and Water Streets.
The tour moves from the monuments of Christ Church to those of the Old Presbyterian Churchyard, with visits to the graves of Dover’s Revolutionary War heroes and the sites where they once lived on The Green. Some of these characters may appear along the way and share their stories.

Biggs Kids: Sailors Knots - Biggs Museum, 406 Federal Street, 2 – 3:30 p.m.
Kids can make their own rope bracelet and learn why these woven rope bracelets have been made and worn by mariners for ages. Reservations are required and may be made by calling 302-674-2111. 

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.