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First State Heritage Park

Dover, Delaware

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Special Exhibit - USS Delaware: An American Battleship

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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.

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First Saturdays in the First State

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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.

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Weekday Walking Tours of the Dover Green

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  • TIME: 2 p.m.

Monday – Friday
Tours of the National Register Historic District begin at the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center, 121 Duke of York Street. Free

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Walking Tours of the Dover Green National Register Historic District

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  • TIME: Monday – Friday at 2 p.m.

Tours begin at the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center, 121 Duke of York Street. Tour is free.

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Special Exhibit: The Art Colony: Masterpieces of the Rehoboth Art League

  • DATE:
  • TIME: Nov. 5, 2010 - Feb 22, 2011

Biggs Museum of American Art
The exhibition explores the history of the Rehoboth Art League (RAL) as a center of artistic production in the 20th century within the historic art colony of Rehoboth Beach.

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Special Exhibit – USS Delaware: An American Battleship

  • DATE:
  • TIME: Through December 31, 2010

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. Coming This Fall! New exhibit recognizing the 145th anniversary of the end of the Civil War.

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Special Exhibit – Award Winners X

  • DATE:
  • TIME: Through October 21

Biggs Museum of American Art
Features the talent of current Individual Artist Fellows of the Delaware Division of the Arts (DDOA), including painters, photographers, writers, musicians and craft artisans.

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First Friday: Biggs Museum of American Art

  • DATE: September 3, 2010
  • TIME: 2 – 4:30 p.m.

Self-guided History of Delaware tour through the museum’s permanent galleries. Free.
First State Heritage Park partners offer First Friday activities in collaboration with the “First Friday” events sponsored by the Downtown Dover Partnership.

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First Friday: First State Heritage Park Lantern Tour

  • DATE: September 3, 2010
  • TIME: 8 p.m.

Tour the Dover Green. $5 per person. For reservations, please call (302) 739-9194.
First State Heritage Park partners offer First Friday activities in collaboration with the “First Friday” events sponsored by the Downtown Dover Partnership.

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Lantern Tour of the Dover Green

  • DATE: September 3, 2010
  • TIME: 8 p.m.

Meet at the Biggs Museum – 406 Federal Street
Follow us through historic Dover and her cemeteries by lantern light this fall. 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; call (302) 739-9194 to reserve your lantern! $5 per person

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First Saturday in the First State: Tours of the Governor’s House

  • DATE: September 4, 2010
  • TIME: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

At Woodburn – The Governor’s House
Enjoy guided tours of Woodburn, the official residence of Delaware’s Governor since 1965, and Hall House, the Governor’s guest house, as well as a self-guided tour of the gardens.

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First Saturdays in the First State: Tips and Tools for using the United States and Special Census Records

  • DATE: September 4, 2010
  • TIME: 10:30 a.m.

Delaware Public Archives
Lay the groundwork for successful family research with this workshop presented by Nancy Lyons. Track your family members decade by decade by using the United States Census to uncover their births, marriages, immigration, naturalization, military service and occupations.

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First Saturday in the First State: Segway Tours of First State Heritage Park’s Historic Sites

  • DATE: September 4, 2010
  • TIME: 11:30 a.m.

Tours leave from the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center
Admission charged. For prices and reservations visit: www.SegZoneTours.com.

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First Saturday in the first State: Biggs Kids – Woodland Vases

  • DATE: September 4, 2010
  • TIME: 2 – 3 p.m.

Biggs Museum of American Art
What child can resist picking up sticks during a walk through the woods? Bring 10 sticks (1/4” diameter) collected by your child to decorate a woodland vase. For ages 5 – 10. Reservations required. Please call (302) 674-2111.

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First Saturday in the First State: Dover’s Heroes of the Revolution Walking Tour

  • DATE: September 4, 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.

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Saturday Walking Tour: Dover’s Heroes of the Revolution

  • DATE: September 4, 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. Tour is free.

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First Saturday in the First State: A Stately Transformation

  • DATE: September 4, 2010
  • TIME: 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

The Old State House
Explore the many physical transformations that have been made to The Old State House since its completion in 1791, and learn how Mabel Lloyd Ridgely halted the destruction of this majestic structure.

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First Saturdays in the First State: Labor and Progress

  • DATE: September 4, 2010
  • TIME: 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Johnson Victrola Museum
Explore the demanding trades and proficient skills of early America’s workforce.

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First Saturday in the First State: Guided Tours of Legislative Hall

  • DATE: September 4, 2010
  • TIME: 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Last tour leaves at 4 p.m.)

Tour the House and Senate Chambers as you learn about the legislature and Delaware history. Photo ID is required for all adults. Free.

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Dover Green National Register Historic District Walking Tour

  • DATE: September 6, 2010
  • TIME: 2 p.m.

Meet at the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center
For 300 years, The Green has been the center of commerce, politics and civic life in Dover. Hear stories of the people and events that left their mark on Dover’s history.First State Heritage Park

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Saturday Walking Tour: Dover Green National Register Historic District

  • DATE: September 11, 2010
  • TIME: 2 p.m.

Meet at the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center
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. Tour is free.

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Presbyterian Cemetery Lantern Tour

  • DATE: September 17, 2010
  • TIME: 8 p.m.

Meet at the Johnson Victrola Museum Parking Lot – 375 S. New Street
Follow us through historic Dover and her cemeteries by lantern light this fall. If you’ve taken this tour before, you’ll be surprised by the changes we’ve made! Hear stories of Dover’s most important and interesting figures as you meet these characters from the past. Space is limited; call (302) 739-9194 to reserve your lantern! $5 per person

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Saturday Walking Tour: Tales of Slavery and Freedom

  • DATE: September 25, 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. Tour is free.

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First Friday: Biggs Museum of American Art

  • DATE: October 1, 2010
  • TIME: 2 – 4:30 p.m.

Reception: Artwork by Holy Cross Elementary School students Free.
First State Heritage Park partners offer First Friday activities in collaboration with the “First Friday” events sponsored by the Downtown Dover Partnership.

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First Friday: First State Heritage Park Lantern Tour

  • DATE: October 1, 2010
  • TIME: 8 p.m.

Tour the Christ Episcopal Churchyard. $5 per person. For reservations, please call (302) 739-9194.
First State Heritage Park partners offer First Friday activities in collaboration with the “First Friday” events sponsored by the Downtown Dover Partnership.

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Christ Episcopal Churchyard Lantern Tour

  • DATE: October 1, 2010
  • TIME: 8 p.m.

Meet at Christ Church, at the corner of S. State and Water Streets
Follow us through historic Dover and her cemeteries by lantern light this fall. Encounter characters from the past to hear not only tales of the tombstones, but also tales of joy and sorrow from the dearly departed. Prepare for a surprise or two! Space is limited; call (302) 739-9194 to reserve your lantern! $5 per person

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First Saturday in the First State: Tours of the Governor’s House

  • DATE: October 2, 2010
  • TIME: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

At Woodburn – The Governor’s House
Enjoy guided tours of Woodburn, the official residence of Delaware’s Governor since 1965, and Hall House, the Governor’s guest house, as well as a self-guided tour of the gardens.

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First Saturday in the First State: Meet George Washington

  • DATE: October 2, 2010
  • TIME: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

The Old State House
Interact informally throughout the day with the Magnificent General, as portrayed by storyteller David Emerson, and see Emerson’s living history presentation as Washington at 12 noon and 3:30 p.m.

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First Saturday in the First State: Vital Records - Beyond Births, Marriages and Deaths

  • DATE: October 2, 2010
  • TIME: 10:30 a.m.

Delaware Public Archives
Nancy Lyons shows how to use birth, marriage and death records to document each generation in a family tree. Learn how to locate these primary sources and how this information can help lead you to other valuable records.

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First Saturday in the First State: Segway Tours of First State Heritage Park’s Historic Sites

  • DATE: October 2, 2010
  • TIME: 11:30 a.m.

Tours leave from the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center
Admission charged. For prices and reservations visit: www.SegZoneTours.com.

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First Saturdays in the First State: Biggs Kids – Handprint Wreaths

  • DATE: October 2, 2010
  • TIME: 2 – 3 p.m.

Biggs Museum of American Art
Each child’s handprint is unique, and each wreath created during this program will be, too!

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First Saturday in the First State: Dover Green National Register Historic District

  • DATE: October 2, 2010
  • TIME: 2 p.m.

Meet at the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center
For 300 years, The Green has been the center of commerce, politics and civic life in Dover. Hear stories of the people and events that left their mark on Dover’s history.

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Saturday Walking Tour: Dover Green National Register Historic District

  • DATE: October 2, 2010
  • TIME: 2 p.m.

Meet at the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center
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. Tour is free.

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First Saturday in the first State: I’d Like to Buy That Song

  • DATE: October 2, 2010
  • TIME: 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Johnson Victrola Museum
Explore Victor Talking Machine Company dealerships and record stores, both locally and around the world, and hear music from artists of the early 20th century. Free.

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First Saturday in the First State: The Magnificent General

  • DATE: October 2, 2010
  • TIME: 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

The Old State House
Explore the history of Denis A. Volozan’s imposing portrait of George Washington which hangs in the historic Senate Chamber of The Old State House.

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First Saturday in the First State: Guided Tours of Legislative Hall

  • DATE: October 2, 2010
  • TIME: 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Last tour leaves at 4 p.m.)

Tour the House and Senate Chambers as you learn about the legislature and Delaware history. Photo ID is required for all adults. Free.

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Old Methodist Cemetery Lantern Tour

  • DATE: October 8, 2010
  • TIME: 8 p.m.

Meet at the Johnson Victrola Museum Parking Lot – 375 S. New Street
Follow us through historic Dover and her cemeteries by lantern light this fall. 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; call (302) 739-9194 to reserve your lantern! $5 per person

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Saturday Walking Tour: Women of The Green

  • DATE: October 9, 2010
  • TIME: 2 p.m.

Meet at The Old State House on The Green
This tour highlights the role of the many women who were innkeepers, political leaders and social figures throughout the history of The Green. Learn about these often forgotten figures and their contributions. Tour is free.

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Saturday Walking Tour: Dover’s Heroes of the Revolution

  • DATE: October 16, 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. Tour is free.

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Dark Dover

  • DATE: October 22, 2010
  • TIME: 7 and 8:30 p.m.

Meet in front of the Biggs Museum, 406 Federal Street
This October, darkness has free reign over the Dover Green. Witness first-hand the chilling true stories of gruesome murders, whippings, and spirits that have left their sinister imprint on The Green. Pre-registration is required and spaces are limited. Call (302) 739-9194 to reserve. $10 per person

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Saturday Walking Tour: Dover Green National Register Historic District

  • DATE: October 23, 2010
  • TIME: 2 p.m.

Meet at the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center
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. Tour is free.

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Dark Dover

  • DATE: October 23, 2010
  • TIME: 7 and 8:30 p.m.

Meet in front of the Biggs Museum, 406 Federal Street
This October, darkness has free reign over the Dover Green. Witness first-hand the chilling true stories of gruesome murders, whippings, and spirits that have left their sinister imprint on The Green. Pre-registration is required and spaces are limited. Call (302) 739-9194 to reserve. $10 per person

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First Friday: Biggs Museum of American Art

  • DATE: November 5, 2010
  • TIME: 5 – 7 p.m.

First Look pARTy! The Art Colony: Masterpieces of the Rehoboth Art League Collection. Free.
First State Heritage Park partners offer First Friday activities in collaboration with the “First Friday” events sponsored by the Downtown Dover Partnership.

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First Friday: First State Heritage Park Lantern Tour

  • DATE: November 5, 2010
  • TIME: 8 p.m.

Tour the Dover Green. $5 per person. For reservations, please call (302) 739-9194.
First State Heritage Park partners offer First Friday activities in collaboration with the “First Friday” events sponsored by the Downtown Dover Partnership.

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Lantern Tour of the Dover Green

  • DATE: November 5, 2010
  • TIME: 8 p.m.

Meet at the Biggs Museum – 406 Federal Street
Follow us through historic Dover and her cemeteries by lantern light this fall. 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; call (302) 739-9194 to reserve your lantern! $5 per person

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First Saturday in the First State: Biggs Kids – Pinecone Bird Feeder

  • DATE: November 6, 2010
  • TIME:

Biggs Museum of American Art
Peanut butter, bird seed and pinecones become a natural bird feeder. Things might get “sticky,” so be sure to wear old clothing! For ages 5 – 10. Reservations required. Please call (302) 674-2111.

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First Saturday in the First State: Tours of the Governor’s House

  • DATE: November 6, 2010
  • TIME: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

At Woodburn – The Governor’s House
Enjoy guided tours of Woodburn, the official residence of Delaware’s Governor since 1965, and Hall House, the Governor’s guest house, as well as a self-guided tour of the gardens.

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First Saturday in the First State: Analyzing Wills and Other Probate Records

  • DATE: November 6, 2010
  • TIME: 10:30 a.m.

Delaware Public Archives
Noted genealogist Nancy Lyons focuses on how to find and use wills and other probate records to help establish family relationships and pinpoint dates of death. These records are valuable resources for family history research.

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First Saturday in the First State: Segway Tours of First State Heritage Park’s Historic Sites

  • DATE: November 6, 2010
  • TIME: 11:30 a.m.

Tours leave from the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center
Admission charged. For prices and reservations visit: www.SegZoneTours.com.

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First Saturday in the First State: Dover’s Heroes of the Revolution Walking Tour

  • DATE: November 6, 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.

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Saturday Walking Tour: Dover’s Heroes of the Revolution

  • DATE: November 6, 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. Tour is free.

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First Saturday in the First State: What’s in a Patent?

  • DATE: November 6, 2010
  • TIME: 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Johnson Victrola Museum
Learn about the numerous patents obtained in the early 1900s by Eldridge Reeves Johnson, founder of the Victor Talking Machine Company.

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First Saturday in the First State: 18th Century Market Fair

  • DATE: November 6, 2010
  • TIME: 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

During the 18th century, The Green was the site of market fairs each April and October. Join First State Heritage Park in revisiting the sights and sounds of these annual events.

A Majestic Market Place
The Old State House
Historical interpreters in The Old State House explore the goods, wares and political attitudes of the 18th and 19th centuries.

Market Fair Diversions & Entertainments
The Green
Celebrate the Fall Fair with authentic 18th century activities such as dancing demonstrations, fencing lessons and period theatrical performances throughout the day.

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First Saturday in the First State: Guided Tours of Legislative Hall

  • DATE: November 6, 2010
  • TIME: 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Last tour leaves at 4 p.m.)

Tour the House and Senate Chambers as you learn about the legislature and Delaware history. Photo ID is required for all adults. Free.

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Military Heroes of Delaware

  • DATE: November 11, 2010
  • TIME:

Legislative Hall
Throughout the day, tours of Legislative Hall will focus on the Portrait Gallery of Military Heroes. Learn who these men were and remember their sacrifices.

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Dover’s Heroes of the Revolution

  • DATE: November 11, 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. Tour is free.

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Saturday Walking Tour: Tales of Slavery and Freedom

  • DATE: November 13, 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. Tour is free.

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Saturday Walking Tour: Dover Green National Register Historic District

  • DATE: November 20, 2010
  • TIME: 2 p.m.

Meet at the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center
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. Tour is free.

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Dover Green National Register Historic District Walking Tour

  • DATE: November 26, 2010
  • TIME: 2 p.m.

Meet at the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center
For 300 years, The Green has been the center of commerce, politics and civic life in Dover. Hear stories of the people and events that left their mark on Dover’s history.

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Saturday Walking Tour: Dover Green National Register Historic District

  • DATE: November 27, 2010
  • TIME: 2 p.m.

Meet at the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center
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. Tour is free.

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