NEWS FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL

 

Feb. 22, 2008
Vol. 38, No. 73

 

Media Contact: Nate Davidson, The First State Heritage Park at Dover, (302) 739-9194, or Necia Beck, Delaware State Parks, (302) 739-9175 Necia.Beck@state.de.us

 

Women’s Suffrage Program Highlights First State Heritage Park’s First Saturday Events on March 1

 

Dover, DE - The First State Heritage Park at Dover celebrates Women’s History Month on Saturday, March 1 with “The War of the Roses – Delaware and the Battle for Women’s Suffrage” – a fun, interactive living history program designed to recreate the spirit of the women’s suffrage movement. Presented by the First State Heritage Park as part of its “First Saturdays in the First State” activities, this free program begins at 12:30 p.m. in Legislative Hall in Dover.

In the spring of 1920, Dover was the site of its own historic “war of the roses.” With the 19th Amendment guaranteeing women the right to vote recently approved by Congress and many other states, the debate over women’s rights descended upon Delaware with a vengeance. No one, not men, women, legislators, or average citizens could avoid taking sides on this important issue, proclaiming their opinion with a simple flower worn on their lapel.

Visitors will hear speeches that might have been made by pro-suffragists and anti-suffragists alike and learn about some of the often surprising tactics and arguments used by both sides. Visitors will even get the chance to take part in the debate.

Also on March 1, the following First State Heritage Park partner sites offer tours and exhibits from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.:  Legislative Hall - Delaware’s capitol building, the Delaware Public Archives, the Delaware Visitor Center and Galleries, the Biggs Museum of American Art, the Delaware Archaeology Museum, Museum of Small Town Life, and the Johnson Victrola Museum.

 

Other special “First Saturdays in the First State” happenings on Saturday, March 1 include:

 

• The Legendary Life of Rosa Ponselle (11 a.m. – 2 p.m.)
Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New Street
Hear the legendary music of Rosa Ponselle, famed opera singer and Victor recording artist. A 25-minute documentary on Ponselle will be presented on the hour, along with a pictorial history, and rare recordings, played on authentic talking machines.

 

• Looking for your French Ancestors (10:30 a.m.)
Delaware Public Archives, 121 Duke of York Street
For the first time, the Delaware Public Archives is presenting a program to help researchers find their French ancestors.  Ginou Berkowitch will discuss her experiences conducting genealogical research in France’s archival holdings.  For those genealogists who can’t travel to France for their research, information will be provided about how to search for French ancestors.

 

• Walk Through Time – Guided Walking Tour of The Dover Green (2 p.m.)
With over 300 years of history, the Green has been the central and most vital location for commerce, politics, and civic life in Dover. Take a walk through time as you hear stories of the people and events that left their mark on Dover’s history. Tours begin at the Delaware Visitor Center, 406 Federal Street. No reservations are needed. Admission is free.

 

• Biggs Kids – Silver Hallmarking (2 – 3:30 p.m.)
Biggs Museum, 406 Federal Street
We will learn about the history of silver and the importance of silver hallmarks and engravings. Each child will create a signature hallmark to use on future art projects.

 

• Self-Guided Audio Walking Tours will be available at the Delaware Visitor Center, 406 Federal Street, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. These tours focus on the stories and events of Dover’s historic 18th century Green and include nearly 30 sites in the historic district. $5.

 

Admission to all sites is free. Centrally located free parking is available 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.

 

Established by Governor Ruth Ann Minner in 2004, 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.