Please Choose a Park:
First State Heritage Park
Dover, Delaware
Download park programs in .PDF format
Special Exhibit - USS Delaware: An American Battleship
- DATE:
- TIME:
First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries
The Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs presents a new exhibit that tells the story of the USS Delaware (1909-1924) through objects, photographs, and ceremonial silver. Through December 31, 2010.
Special Exhibit - Blue Water/Still Water: American Society of Marine Artists
- DATE:
- TIME:
Biggs Museum of American Art
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. March 5 – June 20, 2010
First Saturdays in the First State: Old Dover Days Celebration
- DATE:
- TIME:
Held annually since 1933, Old Dover Days celebrates the Capital of the First State. For more information, please visit www.visitdover.com. In conjunction with Old Dover Days, the First State Heritage Park offers special programs and activities on Saturday, May 1.
[top]Weekday Walking Tours of the Dover Green
- DATE:
- TIME: 2 p.m.
Monday – Friday, beginning Monday, March 6
Tours of the National Register Historic District begin at the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center at the Delaware Public Archives, 121 Duke of York Street. Free
Saturday Walking Tour - Dover’s Heroes of the Revolution Tour
- DATE: March 20, 2010
- TIME: 2 p.m.
Meet at Christ Church, at the corner of South State and Water Streets
From the monuments of Christ Church to those of the Old Presbyterian Churchyard, visit the graves and former residences of Dover’s Revolutionary War heroes. Hear their stories and remember their sacrifices. Free
Saturday Walking Tour – Dover Green National Register Historic District
- DATE: March 27, 2010
- TIME: 2 p.m.
Meet at the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center at the Delaware Public Archives
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. Free
FIRST FRIDAYS: Art and Poetry
- DATE: April 2, 2010
- TIME: 5 – 7 p.m.
Biggs Museum of American Art
Delaware poets recite original poems inspired by museum objects. First Fridays are sponsored by the Downtown Dover Partnership. Free
FIRST FRIDAYS: Peter Fletcher (Classical Guitarist)
- DATE: April 2, 2010
- TIME: 7 p.m.
Public Archives
Delaware Public Archives Hosts the Dover Public Library In Harmony Series. Free
Holiday Hours
- DATE: April 2, 2010
- TIME: 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 are open on Good Friday.
[top]First Saturdays in the First State: Tours of the Governor’s House
- DATE: April 3, 2010
- TIME: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
At Woodburn – The Governor’s House
A variety of special programs and events are developed for the first Saturday of each month. Enjoy guided tours of Woodburn, the official residence of Delaware’s Governor since 1965, and Hall House, the Governor’s guest house. Free admission.
First Saturdays in the First State: A Tribute to Duke Ellington
- DATE: April 3, 2010
- TIME: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Johnson Victrola Museum
A variety of special programs and events are developed for the first Saturday of each month. Hear the music that inspired Duke Ellington as part of the 110th anniversary celebration of his birth. Learn how Ellington’s unique contributions as an arranger and composer influenced the face of music. A children’s musical activity will be available from 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Free admission.
First Saturdays in the First State: Dover’s Heroes of the Revolution Walking Tour
- DATE: April 3, 2010
- TIME: 2 p.m.
Meet at Christ Church, at the corner of South State and Water Streets
A variety of special programs and events are developed for the first Saturday of each month. From the monuments of Christ Church to those of the Old Presbyterian Churchyard, visit the graves of Dover’s Revolutionary War heroes, and see the sites where they once lived on The Green. Encounter some of these characters along the way and listen to their stories. Free admission.
Saturday Walking Tour - Dover’s Heroes of the Revolution Tour
- DATE: April 3, 2010
- TIME: 2 p.m.
Meet at Christ Church, at the corner of South State and Water Streets
From the monuments of Christ Church to those of the Old Presbyterian Churchyard, visit the graves and former residences of Dover’s Revolutionary War heroes. Hear their stories and remember their sacrifices. Free
First Saturdays in the First State: What an Odd Shape You Have!
- DATE: April 3, 2010
- TIME: 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Old State House
A variety of special programs and events are developed for the first Saturday of each month. 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? Learn about the origins of Delaware’s various boundaries. Visitors may also view reproductions of old maps of the First State. Free admission.
First Saturdays in the First State: Guided Tours of Legislative Hall
- DATE: April 3, 2010
- TIME: 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
A variety of special programs and events are developed for the first Saturday of each month. Tour the House and Senate Chambers as you learn about the legislature and Delaware history. Photo ID is required for all adults. Last tour leaves at 4 p.m. Free admission.
[top]Saturday Walking Tour – Dover Green National Register Historic District
- DATE: April 10, 2010
- TIME: 2 p.m.
Meet at the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center at the Delaware Public Archives
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. Free
Lantern Tour of the Dover Green
- DATE: April 16, 2010
- TIME: 8 p.m.
Meet at the Biggs Museum – 406 Federal Street
When the sun dips below the horizon and night descends, feel the suspense build as our guides lead you through historic Dover and her cemeteries by lantern light this spring. Hear tales of the most infamous resident of Dover’s jail, devastating fires that threatened the town, poisonings, tragic love, and the auctioning of slaves on the steps of the Old State House. Space is limited, so please call (302) 739-9194 for reservations. $5 per person
Saturday Walking Tour - Tales of Slavery and Freedom
- DATE: April 17, 2010
- TIME: 2 p.m.
Meet at the Old State House on The Green
The Dover Green was a place where free and enslaved men and women lived out their lives, where national decisions regarding slavery were debated and where a brave group of runaways known as the Dover Eight made a daring escape from the Dover Jail. Learn about Dover’s complicated positions regarding freedom and slavery, and its role as a border state during the Civil War. Free
Lantern Tour of the Presbyterian Churchyard Cemetery
- DATE: April 23, 2010
- TIME: 8 p.m.
Meet at the Museum Square Parking Lot – 375 S. New Street
When the sun dips below the horizon and night descends, feel the suspense build as our guides lead you through historic Dover and her cemeteries by lantern light this spring. By lantern light, uncover the symbolism of funerary art while hearing stories of statesmen, military heroes and even the victims of a most heinous murder. Space is limited, so please call (302) 739-9194 for reservations. $5 per person
Saturday Walking Tour – Dover Green National Register Historic District
- DATE: April 24, 2010
- TIME: 2 p.m.
Meet at the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center at the Delaware Public Archives
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. Free
First Saturdays in the First State: A Tour of the Delaware Public Archives
- DATE: May 1, 2010
- TIME: 1:30 a.m.
Delaware Public Archives
A variety of special programs and events are developed for the first Saturday of each month. This “behind the scenes” tour of the Delaware Public Archives offers the public the opportunity to learn more about the role of the Archives, and see how the Archives preserves and protects the records that are important to every Delawarean. Free admission.
First Saturdays in the First State: Tours of the Governor’s House
- DATE: May 1, 2010
- TIME: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
At Woodburn – The Governor’s House
A variety of special programs and events are developed for the first Saturday of each month. Enjoy guided tours of Woodburn, the official residence of Delaware’s Governor since 1965, and Hall House, the Governor’s guest house. Free admission.
First Saturdays in the First State: Pathways to Freedom
- DATE: May 1, 2010
- TIME: 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 3 p.m.
Old State House
A variety of special programs and events are developed for the first Saturday of each month. Hear three living history performances: “A Black Man’s Journey.” “I Was a Friend at Thomas Garrett” and “Tales of Samuel Burris.” Presented in partnership with the Underground Railroad Coalition of Delaware. Free admission.
First Saturdays in the First State: Tales of Slavery and Freedom Walking Tour
- DATE: May 1, 2010
- TIME: 2 p.m.
Meet at the Old State House
A variety of special programs and events are developed for the first Saturday of each month. The Dover Green was a place where free and enslaved men and women lived out their lives, where national decisions regarding slavery were debated, and where a brave group of runaways known as the Dover Eight made a daring escape from the Dover Jail. Learn about Dover’s complicated positions regarding freedom and slavery, and its role as a border state during the Civil War. Free admission.
First Saturdays in the First State: Biggs Kids – Handprint Flowers
- DATE: May 1, 2010
- TIME: 2 p.m.
Biggs Museum of American Art
A variety of special programs and events are developed for the first Saturday of each month. April showers have helped to bring us beautiful May flowers. Use your handprint to create your own special flowers. Reservations required. Please call (302) 674-2111. Free admission.
Saturday Walking Tour - Tales of Slavery and Freedom
- DATE: May 1, 2010
- TIME: 2 p.m.
Meet at the Old State House on The Green
The Dover Green was a place where free and enslaved men and women lived out their lives, where national decisions regarding slavery were debated and where a brave group of runaways known as the Dover Eight made a daring escape from the Dover Jail. Learn about Dover’s complicated positions regarding freedom and slavery, and its role as a border state during the Civil War. Free
First Saturdays in the First State: Guided Tours of Legislative Hall
- DATE: May 1, 2010
- TIME: 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
A variety of special programs and events are developed for the first Saturday of each month. Tour the House and Senate Chambers as you learn about the legislature and Delaware history. Photo ID is required for all adults. Last tour leaves at 4 p.m. Free admission.
[top]First Saturdays in the First State: Johnson’s Radio Age
- DATE: May 1, 2010
- TIME: 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Johnson Victrola Museum
A variety of special programs and events are developed for the first Saturday of each month. Hear about the Victor Talking Machine Company’s important contribution to the early days of radio. Listen to early radio performers and hear how a local man became a major player in a new technology. Free admission.
FIRST FRIDAYS: Sunken Treasures
- DATE: May 7, 2010
- TIME: 5 – 6 p.m.
Biggs Museum of American Art
Discussion of pewter toys and other objects found on the Roosevelt Inlet Shipwreck with archaeologist Craig Lukezic. First Fridays are sponsored by the Downtown Dover Partnership. Free
Lantern Tour of Christ Church Cemetery
- DATE: May 7, 2010
- TIME: 8 p.m.
Meet at Christ Church – At the corner of S. State & Water Streets
When the sun dips below the horizon and night descends, feel the suspense build as our guides lead you through historic Dover and her cemeteries by lantern light this spring. Encounter characters from the past to hear tales of tombstones and joy and sorrow from those who are dearly departed. Prepare for a surprise or two! Space is limited, so please call (302) 739-9194 for reservations. $5 per person
FIRST FRIDAYS: First State Heritage Park Lantern Tours of The Dover Green
- DATE: May 7, 2010
- TIME: 8 p.m.
Meet in front of the Biggs Museum, 406 Federal Street
For advance reservations, please call (302) 739-9194. $5
Saturday Walking Tour – Dover Green National Register Historic District
- DATE: May 8, 2010
- TIME: 2 p.m.
Meet at the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center at the Delaware Public Archives.
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. Free
Lantern Tour of the Dover Green
- DATE: May 14, 2010
- TIME: 8 p.m.
Meet at the Biggs Museum – 406 Federal Street
When the sun dips below the horizon and night descends, feel the suspense build as our guides lead you through historic Dover and her cemeteries by lantern light this spring. Hear tales of the most infamous resident of Dover’s jail, devastating fires that threatened the town, poisonings, tragic love, and the auctioning of slaves on the steps of the Old State House. Space is limited, so please call (302) 739-9194 for reservations. $5 per person
Saturday Walking Tour - Dover’s Heroes of the Revolution Tour
- DATE: May 15, 2010
- TIME: 2 p.m.
Meet at Christ Church, at the corner of South State and Water Streets
From the monuments of Christ Church to those of the Old Presbyterian Churchyard, visit the graves and former residences of Dover’s Revolutionary War heroes. Hear their stories and remember their sacrifices. Free
Lantern Tour of the Old Methodist Cemetery
- DATE: May 21, 2010
- TIME: 8 p.m.
Meet at the Johnson Victrola Museum Parking Lot – 375 S. New Street
When the sun dips below the horizon and night descends, feel the suspense build as our guides lead you through historic Dover and her cemeteries by lantern light this spring. Varied, interesting, and even bizarre funerary customs of the Victorian Period will be revealed as you are guided among ornately decorated tombstones by lantern light. Space is limited, so please call (302) 739-9194 for reservations. $5 per person
Saturday Walking Tour – Dover Green National Register Historic District
- DATE: May 22, 2010
- TIME: 2 p.m.
Meet at the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center at the Delaware Public Archives.
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. Free
Saturday Walking Tour – Dover Green National Register Historic District
- DATE: May 29, 2010
- TIME: 2 p.m.
Meet at the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center at the Delaware Public Archives.
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. Free
Memorial Day Program: Military Heroes of Delaware
- DATE: May 31, 2010
- TIME: 12:30 p.m.
Legislative Hall
This 30-minute program focuses on the Gallery of Military Heroes. Learn who these men were and remember their sacrifices. Free admission.
Memorial Day Program: Dover’s Heroes of the Revolution Tour
- DATE: May 31, 2010
- TIME: 2 p.m.
Meet at Christ Church at the corner of South State and Water Streets
From the monuments of Christ Church to those of the Old Presbyterian Churchyard, visit the graves of Dover’s Revolutionary War heroes, and see the sites where they once lived on The Green. Encounter some of these characters along the way and listen to their stories.
Holiday Hours
- DATE: May 31, 2010
- TIME: 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 are open on Memorial Day.
[top]