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First State Heritage Park
Dover, Delaware
Download park programs in .PDF format
Walking Tour of the Dover Green National Register Historic District
- DATE: November 21, 2009
- TIME: 2 p.m.
Meet at First State Heritage Park Visitor Center at the Delaware Public Archives
For 300 years, The Green has been the center of life in Dover. Guided walks through the historic district reveal the people and events that left their mark on Dover’s history. Free.
Walking Tour of the Dover Green National Register Historic District
- DATE: November 28, 2009
- TIME: 2 p.m.
Meet at First State Heritage Park Visitor Center at the Delaware Public Archives
For 300 years, The Green has been the center of life in Dover. Guided walks through the historic district reveal the people and events that left their mark on Dover’s history. Free.
First Look pARTy!: Arts ConnectED
- DATE: December 4, 2009
- TIME: 3 – 6 p.m.
Biggs Museum Featuring William Henry Middle School. Free.
[top]Fully, Freely and Entirely” – Becoming the First State
- DATE: December 4, 2009
- TIME: 6:30 and 8 p.m.
This theatrical event takes place in the Old State House, but ticket-holders will meet at the Biggs Museum, 406 Federal Street to begin the program. Delaware’s ratification of the Federal Constitution may have been unanimous, but it was not without controversy and concern. Under the glow of candlelight in the Old State House, step back in time to December 1787 and encounter delegates, protestors, tavern keepers and slaves. Hear their stories, participate in the debate and join in the celebration as Delaware becomes the “First State.” Pre-registration is required for this event and spaces are limited. Please call (302) 739-9194 for reservations. $10 per person
[top]Dover Public Library’s In Harmony Series
- DATE: December 4, 2009
- TIME: 7 p.m.:
Delaware Public ArchivesMark Mitchell, Jazz Saxophonist. Free.
[top]Delaware Day Contest Award Ceremonies
- DATE: December 5, 2009
- TIME: 10 – 11 a.m.
Delaware Public Archives Join Secretary of State Jeffrey Bullock as he presents awards for the best projects from the annual fourth grade Delaware Day Competition. Delaware’s delegates were the first to ratify the United States Constitution, giving Delaware the honor of being the “First State.” This act took place on the Dover Green on December 7, 1787 at Elizabeth Battell’s tavern at the sign of the Golden Fleece.
[top]First Saturdays - Tours of the Governor’s House
- DATE: December 5, 2009
- 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.
[top]First Saturdays - A Musical Holiday
- DATE: December 5, 2009
- TIME: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Johnson Victrola Museum Travel back to the early 1900s and hear musical favorites inspired by winter and the holiday season.
[top]First Saturdays - Walking Tour of the Dover Green National Register Historic District
- DATE: December 5, 2009
- TIME: 2 p.m.
Meet at the First State Heritage Park Visitor 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.
[top]First Saturday - Biggs Kids: Snowflakes
- DATE: December 5, 2009
- TIME: 2 p.m.
Biggs Museum of American Art The forecast calls for a wintry mix! Make your home a winter white landscape by creating snowflakes for your windows.
[top]Biggs Kids
- DATE: December 5, 2009
- TIME: 2 p.m.
Biggs MuseumFree program for children ages 5 – 10. Please visit ww.biggsmuseum.org or call (302) 674-2111 for program details and reservations.
[top]Fully, Freely and Entirely” – Becoming the First State
- DATE: December 5, 2009
- TIME: 6:30 and 8 p.m.
This theatrical event takes place in the Old State House, but ticket-holders will meet at the Biggs Museum, 406 Federal Street to begin the program. Delaware’s ratification of the Federal Constitution may have been unanimous, but it was not without controversy and concern. Under the glow of candlelight in the Old State House, step back in time to December 1787 and encounter delegates, protestors, tavern keepers and slaves. Hear their stories, participate in the debate and join in the celebration as Delaware becomes the “First State.” Pre-registration is required for this event and spaces are limited. Please call (302) 739-9194 for reservations. $10 per person
[top]First Saturdays - Guided Tours of Legislative Hall
- DATE: December 5, 2009
- 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.
[top]Holiday Cookie Decorating Workshop
- DATE: December 8, 2009
- TIME: 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
At the Biggs Museum $18 Members/ $20 Not-Yet Members
[top]Shipbuilding in The First State
- DATE: December 31, 2009
- TIME:
Delaware Visitor Center and Galleries through December 31
Highlights the types of ships built in Delaware, methods of construction, individuals who made a livelihood from shipbuilding and towns affiliated with ship production.
First Night Dover - Lantern Tours of the Dover Green
- DATE: December 31, 2009
- TIME: 3, 4, 5, 7, 7:30 and 8 p.m.
Tours begin at 21 The Green. A First Night Dover button is required for admission.
[top]First Night Dover - Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides around The Green
- DATE: December 31, 2009
- TIME: 4 – 8 p.m.
A First Night Dover button is required for admission. Rides will break at 6 p.m. for fireworks.
[top]First State Heritage Park Visitor Center at the Delaware Public Archives
- DATE: December 31, 2009
- TIME: 8 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.
First Night buttons available for sale and pickup. Historical interpreters provide games and activities in the lobby.
[top]First Night Dover - Old State House
- DATE: December 31, 2009
- TIME: 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Beginning at 3 p.m., enjoy performances by Crabmeat Thompson and Mary Kay Mann. A First Night Dover button is required for admission.
[top]First Night Dover - Biggs Museum
- DATE: December 31, 2009
- TIME: 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Tours are available from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Crown Decorating – a First Night favorite returns from 3 to 6 p.m. A First Night Dover button is required for admission.
[top]First Saturday - Tours of the Governor’s House
- DATE: January 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.
[top]First Saturday - A Day with Bedford and McLane
- DATE: January 2, 2010
- TIME: 10 and 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Old State House Meet Constitutional Convention delegate Gunning Bedford, Jr., and Revolutionary War hero Colonel Allen McLane in a 15 to 20 minute presentation followed by a question and answer session with these historical characters. Throughout the day, visitors may talk with Bedford and McLane and learn more about their lives.
[top]First Saturday - Dover’s Heroes of the Revolution Walking Tour
- DATE: January 2, 2010
- TIME: 2 p.m.
Meet at Christ Church, at the corner of South State and Water StreetsFrom 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.
[top]First Saturday - Biggs Kids: Melty the Snowman
- DATE: January 2, 2010
- TIME: 2 p.m.
Biggs Museum of American Art Our snowmen have spent a little too much time in the sun and have started to melt. Let’s hope we can save them!
[top]First Saturday - Guided Tours of Legislative Hall
- DATE: January 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.
[top]First Saturday - No Bones About It…
- DATE: January 2, 2010
- TIME: 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Johnson Victrola Museum Celebrate the Johnson Victrola Museum’s newest acquisition of Nipper collectibles. Hear the story of how this once stray dog became one of America’s oldest trademarks. A make-and-take craft activity will be available for children from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
[top]First Look pARTy!: Arts ConnectED
- DATE: January 8, 2010
- TIME: 3 – 6 p.m.
Biggs Museum Featuring Campus Community School. Free.
[top]Knitting Workshop with Ann Gravatt
- DATE: January 16, 2010
- TIME: 10 a.m. - Noon
At the biggs Museum $25 Members/$30 Not-yet Members
[top]Walking Tour of the Dover Green National Register Historic District
- DATE: January 18, 2010
- TIME: 2 p.m.
Meet at the First State Heritage Park Visitor Center at the Delaware Public Archives. For 300 years The Green has been the center of commerce, politics, and civic life in Dover. This guided walk through the historic district reveals the people and events that left their mark on Dover’s history.
[top]Knitting Workshop with Ann Gravatt
- DATE: January 23, 2010
- TIME: 10 a.m. - Noon
At the Biggs Museum $25 Members/$30 Not-yet Members
[top]Battleship U.S.S. Delaware Silver
- DATE: January 30, 2010
- TIME:
First State Heritage Park Visitor Center and Exhibit Galleries The Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs presents a new exhibit showcasing the silver service presented to the commissioned Battleship U.S.S. Delaware in 1910. The beautiful pieces of this impressive collection highlight commemorative epochs in Delaware history and denote the source of Delaware’s wealth as a State as seen in the artist’s choice of motif “The Colonial.” This style is exceptionally fitting because of its simplicity and strength of line. This service is among the highest achievements in the art of the American Silversmith.
[top]First Look pARTy!: Arts ConnectED
- DATE: February 5, 2010
- TIME: 5 – 8 p.m.
Dover Public Library’s In Harmony Series
- DATE: February 5, 2010
- TIME: 7 p.m.:
Delaware Public ArchivesDavid Pasbrig, Classical Pianist. Free.
[top]First Saturday - Tours of the Governor’s House
- DATE: February 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.
[top]First Saturday - End Slavery! Stop the War!
- DATE: February 6, 2010
- TIME: 10 and 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m.
Old State House In 1861, President Abraham Lincoln initiated a strategy to end both slavery and the Civil War. Delaware played a key role in the proposal. Hear two members of the Delaware General Assembly, one a Lincoln Republican and the other a “Copperhead” Democrat, debate Lincoln’s proposed legislation in the Old State House, scene of the original debate.
[top]First Saturday - The Life and Times of William Julius “Judy” Johnson
- DATE: February 6, 2010
- TIME: 10:30 a.m.
Delaware Public Archives Ellen Rendle, author of Judy Johnson: Delaware’s Invisible Hero, speaks about the life and times of Judy Johnson, the first Delawarean elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1975. Considered the best third baseman in the Negro Leagues, Johnson was the first athlete ever inducted into the Delaware Sports Museum and Hall of Fame.
[top]First Saturday - Passage to Freedom
- DATE: February 6, 2010
- TIME: 2 p.m.
Meet at the Old State House Hear the forgotten stories of the journey to freedom of Dover’s African-Americans from colonial beginnings to the Civil War. The complicated position of Delaware as a border state during the Civil War is also explored.
[top]First Saturday - Biggs Kids: HEARTfelt Valentines
- DATE: February 6, 2010
- TIME: 2 p.m.
Biggs Museum of American Art Create a HEARTfelt valentine to share with a loved one.
[top]First Saturday - Guided Tours of Legislative Hall
- DATE: February 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.
[top]First Saturday - A Vintage Valentine
- DATE: February 6, 2010
- TIME: 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Johnson Victrola Museum Listen to romantic music, hear stories of the heart and learn about the history of Valentine’s Day. Kids will enjoy making fanciful valentine cards from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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