DOVER (Jan. 25) - On Saturday Feb. 5, the First State Heritage Park presents its monthly First “Saturdays in the First State” in Dover. Special highlights include stories of African Americans during three centuries of Delaware history.
Throughout the day at The Old State House, living history performances reveal aspects of Delaware’s African-American history. Syl Woolford, featured speaker at the Delaware Public Archives at 10:30 a.m., speaks about African-American troops during the Civil War and a walking tour at 2 p.m. features stories of the free and enslaved African Americans who lived and worked on The Green in Dover in the 1700s and 1800s. On this tour, visitors will hear about Richard Allen’s journey from slavery to freedom, of Henry Predeaux and the “Dover Eight,” who staged a dramatic escape from the Dover jail in 1857, and of Delaware’s position as a border state during the Civil War.
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., and also visit the Governor’s House at Woodburn from 10 a.m. to 1 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 Johnson Victrola Museum.
 | Admission to all sites and activities is free. Centrally located free parking is available at the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries, located at 121 Duke of York Street. For more information about The First State Heritage Park programs, call 302-739-9194 or visit: www.destateparks.com/heritagepark. |
The First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
121 Duke of York Street
The Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs presents a new exhibit: USS Delaware: An American Battleship. The story of the USS Delaware (1909 – 1924) is told through objects, photographs and ceremonial silver.
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. Tour the House and Senate Chambers as you learn about the legislature and Delaware history. Photo ID is required for all adults entering the building.
Trilogy: A Celebration of African American History
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
The Old State House, on The Green
(Special living history programs begin at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.)
Experience three living history performances: A Black Man's Journey, A Judge’s Ruling and End Slavery, Stop the War. These short performances bring to life the attitudes of Delaware citizens during the 18th and 19th centuries.
“… And the Grammy Goes To…”
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New Street
Want to see a Grammy Award? The Grammy Awards are presented annually by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences of the United States for outstanding achievements in the music industry. Find out how a person from Dover determined the award’s shape.
Tours of the Governor’s House at Woodburn
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
151 Kings Highway
Enjoy guided tours of Woodburn, the official residence of Delaware’s Governor since 1965, as well as Hall House, the Governor’s guest house.
Civil War Series: The United States Colored Troops
10:30 a.m.
Delaware Public Archives, 121 Duke of York Street
When the Civil War began, African Americans were not allowed to enlist. After Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation, thousands of African Americans joined the fight. This program, presented by Syl Woolford, explores the role of the United States Colored Troops. Hear the story of 1st South Carolina Regiment, as well as the famed 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, which included several Delawareans.
Tales of Slavery and Freedom
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.
Biggs Kids – Seeds of Friendship
2 – 3:30 p.m.
Biggs Museum of American Art, 406 Federal Street
Valentine’s Day is all about sharing our feelings with the ones we care about the most. Create a card that promises to plant the seeds of friendship. Ages 5 to 10. Reservations are required. Please call (302) 674-2111
Self-Guided Audio Walking Tours
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Free audio wands are available at the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center, located at the Delaware Public Archives, 121 Duke of York Street.
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. 26
Abbie Wilson, The First State Heritage Park at Dover, 302- 739-9194. abigail.wilson@state.de.us; Necia Beck, Delaware State Parks, 302-739-9175, necia.beck@state.de.us
IMAGE CREDIT: The Old State House
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