20^th-century women the focus during First Saturday
at First State Heritage Park in March 

DOVER (Feb. 22) – On Saturday, March 5, the First State Heritage Park presents its monthly “First Saturdays in the First State” event in Dover. Women’s history is among the highlights of this month’s activities. From suffragists to WW II glamour girls and musical divas, the First State Heritage Park explores the roles played by 20^th-century women in America.

Dr. Marguerite Hoyt, featured speaker at the Delaware Public Archives at 10:30 a.m., reveals how women’s identity during WWII was influenced by the movies and other media. Throughout the day, visitors can hear the early recordings of celebrated female opera stars at the Johnson Victrola Museum.

This focus on women is highlighted at noon in The Old State House with an historical theater event, “The War of the Roses – Delaware and the Battle for Women’s Suffrage.” The program is designed to recreate the spirit of the public rallies held in the 1920s during the battle for women’s suffrage.

The nineteenth amendment guaranteeing women the right to vote had just been approved by Congress and ratified by a number of states. The debate over women’s rights descended upon Delaware with a vengeance. In the spring of 1920, Dover was the site of its own historic “war of the roses,” so called because no man, woman, legislator or average citizen could avoid taking sides on this important issue.  They each proclaimed their opinions with a simple flower worn on their lapels. This theatrical event transports the audience back to 1920 to hear the energetic arguments and speeches that might have been made by pro-suffragists and anti-suffragists. Prior to the performance, the John Bell House on The Green will serve as “Suffrage Headquarters,” where visitors can help the historical characters prepare for the rally. 

First Saturday activities also feature the two capitol buildings in Delaware’s capital city – The Old State House, which served as the seat of Delaware’s General Assembly from 1791 to 1933, and Legislative Hall, which has served this function since 1933. Visitors can enjoy guided tours of both capitol buildings from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., visit the Governor’s residence at Woodburn and Hall House from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and take a free guided tour of The Green at 2 p.m.  Tours and exhibits are also available from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Biggs Museum of American Art and the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries.

Admission to all sites and activities is free. Centrally located free parking is available at the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries, 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 Saturday activities on Saturday, March 5:

The First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries
121 Duke of York Street
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
The Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs presents two exhibits:
USS Delaware: An American Battleship is the story of the USS Delaware (1909-1924), told through objects, photographs, and ceremonial silver.
The Civil War: Five Delaware Soldiers’ Stories recognizes the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the American Civil War. Through the state’s collection of objects, portraits, and documents, personal experiences of the brutal journey through the War of the Rebellion are revealed.

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 provide lessons about the legislature and Delaware history. Photo ID is required for all adults entering the building.

Guided Tours of The Old State House
On The Green
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. 

The Real Divas of the Early 20th Century
Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New Street
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Some of the Victor Talking Company’s earliest and most successful recording artists were female opera singers. Visitors will listen to these recordings and learn how Eldridge Reeves Johnson convinced these artists to record their music.

Biggs Picture: Landscapes by Regional Artists—the 2011 Competition and Exhibition
Biggs Museum of American Art, 406 Federal Street
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
This exhibition features paintings, drawings, sculpture, photography, craft, video and other artistic media by regional landscape artists. Artists in this juried competition were asked to interpret the theme of “Landscape,” embracing both traditional and experimental notions of “space” and “landscape.” The Biggs Museum’s permanent collection of American fine and decorative arts is also on view.

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.   

Glamour Girls:  Glamorous Crossovers Between World War II Propaganda Posters, Film and Vogue Magazine
Delaware Public Archives, 121 Duke of York Street
10:30 a.m.
Dr. Marguerite Hoyt explores the different ways that British and American graphic artists depicted women in wartime propaganda posters, film and magazines. Dr. Hoyt will reveal how standards of beauty in each country, as well as women’s identity and support of the war effort, were influenced by cinema and other media. 

Get Ready for the Rally!
On The Green
9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
The public is invited to Suffrage Headquarters! Kids and grownups alike can help the suffragists prepare for the noon rally by making campaign buttons, signs and flowers. Everyone will have the opportunity to interact with leading suffragist Mabel Vernon, as portrayed by an historical interpreter, and hear her stories of the struggle for women’s right to vote! 

The War of the Roses – Delaware and the Battle for Women’s Suffrage
The Old State House on The Green
Noon
The public is invited to join the First State Heritage Park for this exciting living history debate that will transport visitors back to the dramatic days of the women’s suffrage movement. Participants are encouraged to show their support and let their voices be heard on this important issue, and then stay for post-rally refreshments in the John Bell House – Suffrage Headquarters.

Walking Tour of the Dover Green National Register Historic District
Meet at the John Bell House on The Green
2 p.m.
For 300 years, The Green has been the center of commerce, politics and civic life in Dover.  Guided walks through the historic district reveal the people and events that left their mark on Dover’s history.   

Biggs Kids – Imaginary Landscapes
Biggs Museum of American Art, 406 Federal Street
2 – 3:30 p.m.
Each child will create a one-of-a-kind landscape after being guided through the Biggs Picture: Juried Landscape Competition and Exhibition to learn about different types of landscapes. Materials will be provided. This program, for children ages 5 to 10, is free, but reservations are required. Information and reservations are available by calling (302) 674-2111.

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. 56