Home > Parks > First State Heritage > Programs

Please Choose a Park:

First State Heritage Park

Dover, Delaware

Download park programs in .PDF format

Delaware’s Ratification Document on Display at the Delaware Public Archives

  • DATE:
  • TIME:

December 1, 2011 to January 31, 2012
Don’t miss this limited opportunity to see Delaware’s Ratification of the Constitution. Signed on December 7, 1787 at Battell’s Tavern on The Green in Dover, this unique document is the proof that Delaware is the First State.

[top]

The Civil War: Five Delaware Soldiers' Stories

  • DATE:
  • TIME: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Saturday
    1:30 - 3 p.m. on Sundays

First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries
This new exhibit, created by the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, 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. Visitors can take a glimpse into the daily life of Delaware soldiers and examine the complexities involved in their survival.

[top]

Audio Tours of the Dover National Register Historic District

  • DATE:
  • TIME: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Saturday
    1:30 - 3 p.m. on Sundays

Free self-guided audio walking tours with nearly 30 sites in Dover's Historic District are available at the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and from 1:30 - 3 p.m. on Sundays.

[top]

First Saturdays in the First State

  • DATE:
  • TIME: First Saturday of each month

A variety of special programs and events are developed for the first Saturday of each month. All First State Heritage Park sites are open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except Woodburn and Hall House (open 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.). Admission to all sites and programs is FREE, except where noted.

[top]

Walking Tours: Stories of The Green

  • DATE:
  • TIME: Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Free unreserved walking tours of Historic Dover led by historical interpreters in period dress. Tours last approximately 45 minutes and begin at the John Bell House on The Green, every hour, beginning at 10 a.m. Last tour leaves at 3 p.m.

[top]

Walking Tour: Stories of The Green

  • DATE: February-11-12
  • TIME:

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. Tours last approximately 45 minutes. Tours begin at the John Bell House on The Green and are offered every hour beginning at 10 a.m. Last tour leaves at 3 p.m. Reservations not required. No fee.

[top]

Walking Tour: Women of The Green

  • DATE: February-18-12
  • TIME:

Many women were innkeepers, political leaders and social figures throughout the history of The Green. Learn about the lives and contributions of these often-forgotten figures. Tours last approximately 45 minutes. Tours begin at the John Bell House on The Green and are offered every hour beginning at 10 a.m. Last tour leaves at 3 p.m. Reservations not required. No fee.

[top]

Walking Tour: Dover’s Heroes of the Revolution

  • DATE: February-25-12
  • TIME:

Tories, Whigs, militia and insurrection – Dover was a hotbed of revolutionary and loyalist activity during the struggle for American Independence. While suspicion was cast on some of its residents, others would achieve national acclaim for their actions during this trying time. Visit the final resting places of such valiant figures as John Haslet and John Patton, and see the locations around The Green associated with other early military heroes, including Caesar Rodney and Dr. James Tilton. Tours last approximately 45 minutes. Tours begin at the John Bell House on The Green and are offered every hour beginning at 10 a.m. Last tour leaves at 3 p.m. Reservations not required. No fee.

[top]