Division to sponsor seven special events during May 2017

The five museums of the State of Delaware will be sponsoring seven special events during the month of May 2017. A full schedule is included below. Except where noted, all programs are free and open to the public.

Zwaanendael Museum historical interpreter Andrew Lyter portraying a World-War-I-era British sailor. Lyter will be performing at the “Sailor’s Life for Me” celebration on May 27 and 28, 2017.
Zwaanendael Museum historical interpreter Andrew Lyter portraying a World-War-I-era British sailor. Lyter will be performing at the “Sailor’s Life for Me” celebration on May 27 and 28, 2017.

Administered by the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs, the five museums—the John Dickinson Plantation, the Johnson Victrola Museum, the New Castle Court House Museum, The Old State House and the Zwaanendael Museum—tell the story of the First State’s contributions to the history and culture of the United States. Through tours, exhibits, school programs and hands-on activities, the museums shine a spotlight on Delaware’s unique history and the diverse people who came to live there. The New Castle Court House Museum and the John Dickinson Plantation are partner sites of the First State National Historical Park. The Old State House is located on the Dover Green, another partner site of the park. Go to the following for a comprehensive, long-term calendar of events sponsored by the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs.

Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs special events, May 2017

Friday–Sunday, May 5–7, 2017
Dover Days Festival. Celebration of Delaware history featuring historical re-enactments, parade, maypole dancing, walking tours, pet parade, arts and crafts, music and more. Events are primarily based in downtown Dover locations including the Johnson Victrola Museum and The Old State House. 302-734-4888.

Saturday, May 6, 2017
“Some Like Classical.” Guided tours examine some of Victor Records’ earliest recordings of classical music played on authentic Victor Talking Machines. Part of the Dover Days Festival. Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New St., Dover. 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-739-3262.

Saturday, May 6, 2017
Dover Days at the John Dickinson Plantation. Activities include tours and hearth cooking utilizing 18th-century recipes. Part of the Dover Days Festival. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.

Visitors will enjoy hearth-cooking demonstrations as part of “Dover Days at the John Dickinson Plantation” on May 6, 2017.
Visitors will enjoy hearth-cooking demonstrations as part of “Dover Days at the John Dickinson Plantation” on May 6, 2017.

Saturday, May 6, 2017
“William Penn vs Lord Baltimore: Let’s Get Ready to Rumble.” Historical-theater production explores William Penn’s conflict with Lord Baltimore over ownership of the Delmarva Peninsula. Part of the Dover Days Festival. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Performance at 1 p.m. Museum open for tours 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5054.

Saturday, May 13, 2017
Demonstrations by the Thistledown Fiber Arts Guild. Program explores spinning, weaving, knitting and other fabric arts. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Program 1–3 p.m. Museum open 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.

Saturday, May 20, 2017
A Day in Old New Castle. The oldest house and garden tour in the nation includes programs at the New Castle Court House Museum and the New Castle Green. Downtown New Castle. Admission free at the New Castle Court House Museum. Admission charge at other venues. 302-322-5774.

Saturday, May 27, 2017
A Sailor’s Life for Me”—Zwaanendael Museum’s 6th Annual Maritime Celebration. Maritime-themed activities including living-history re-enactors, encampments, musket drills, displays, demonstrations, tours of Lightship Overfalls and more. Downtown Lewes locations including the Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free admission except for tours of the Lightship Overfalls. 302-645-1148.

Sunday, May 28, 2017
A Sailor’s Life for Me”—Zwaanendael Museum’s 6th Annual Maritime Celebration. Activities in downtown Lewes include tours of the remaining section of HMB DeBraak at 9 and 11 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. beginning at the Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway. Reservations required. Outdoor activities at the Zwaanendael Museum from 1–3 p.m. Wreath-laying ceremonies honoring the crew of DeBraak beginning at 3 p.m. at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, and living-history re-enactors at Canal Front Park from 9 a.m.–2 p.m. 302-645-1148.

Monday, May 29, 2017
Memorial Day. All museums of the State of Delaware will be open: The Johnson Victrola Museum and The Old State House, open 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; the John Dickinson Plantation, New Castle Court House Museum and the Zwaanendael Museum, open 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 302-744-5054.

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