Former president of Ghana visits John Dickinson Plantation

John Kufuor, former president of the Republic of Ghana, visited the John Dickinson Plantation in Dover on Saturday, May 16, 2015 where he received a guided tour by site supervisor Gloria Henry. Kufuor was in Dover to deliver Delaware State University’s commencement address on May 17.

(From left) Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs Deputy Director Suzanne Savery, President John Kufuor and site supervisor Gloria Henry behind the John Dickinson Plantation’s mansion house.
(From left) Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs Deputy Director Suzanne Savery, President John Kufuor and site supervisor Gloria Henry behind the John Dickinson Plantation’s mansion house.
President Kufuor (left) listens to Gloria Henry (right). At center is a museum figure depicting John Dickinson.
President Kufuor (left) listens to Gloria Henry (right). At center is a museum figure depicting John Dickinson.

Henry’s tour provided extensive information on the life of Dickinson, one of the founding fathers of the United States, signer of the Constitution and “Penman of the Revolution.” In a notable moment, Kufuor mentioned that he had studied law at Lincoln’s Inn in London which is located across the street from Middle Temple where Dickinson studied. Other highlights of the tour included an examination of books in Dickinson’s library, weaving on the plantation’s barn loom, and demonstrations of meat curing in the smokehouse and hearth cooking in the log’d dwelling. Kufuor was accompanied on the tour by his nephew Dr. Akwasi Osei, a member of the Delaware State University faculty and former vice chair of the Delaware State Review Board for Historic Preservation.

President Kufuor listens to historic-site interpreter Chris Merrill outside the plantation’s smokehouse.
President Kufuor listens to historic-site interpreter Chris Merrill outside the plantation’s smokehouse.
Exploring the plantation’s barn loom.
Exploring the plantation’s barn loom.

Go to the following to read a press account of President Kufuor’s address at Delaware State University

Former president of Ghana gives DSU commencement
News Journal, Wilmington, Del.—May 17, 2015

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