Contact: Elaine Brenchley, First State Heritage Park at Dover, phone: (302) 739-9178
 

The First State Heritage Park at Dover Celebrates America’s Independence

Tours, exhibits and special events will honor America’s Independence Weekend at The First State Heritage Park at Dover, including the last chance to see Delaware’s copy of the Bill of Rights before it returns to the National Archives, Biggs’ Kids activities on July 2 and “Let Freedom Ring!” at the State House Museum on July 4.

The First State Heritage Park also joins the Dover Fourth of July Committee in sponsoring a parade, concert and fireworks in historic downtown Dover on Monday, July 4. The parade begins at 4:30 p.m. and proceeds down State Street to The Green, where the Milford Community Band performs from 5-6 p.m. Celebrations in front of Legislative Hall begin at 6 p.m., including music, a C-5 flyover and fireworks after dark.

The sites linked by The First State Heritage Park at Dover include Legislative Hall, Delaware Public Archives, the Old State House Museum and other Delaware State Museums sites, and the Biggs Museum of American Art. Tours and exhibits will be offered at all the sites which are open Saturday, July 2 and Monday, July 4 from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. The State House Museum, Visitor Center and Biggs Museum will also be open Sunday, July 3 from 1:30-4:30. Admission is free. Centrally located free parking is available at the Delaware Public Archives, 121 Duke of York Street.

The First State Heritage Park at Dover is an interagency partnership between the Delaware Department of State, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, and the Delaware Economic Development Office. Governor Ruth Ann Minner created the First State Heritage Park Task Force by executive order in April 2004.

For more information about Independence Weekend programs, the public may call 302-739-9194.

If You Go

LEGISLATIVE HALL, Legislative Avenue
Open 9-5 July 2 & 4; Closed July 3
PHOTO ID REQUIRED FOR ENTRY TO LEGISLATIVE HALL.
Guided tours begin hourly, 9 a.m. through 4 p.m. The tour includes the General Assembly
chambers, the governor’s ceremonial office, the portrait gallery of Delaware’s governors and
military heroes, Jack Lewis murals and Delaware State Museums’ exhibit of a selection of items
recovered from the De Braak shipwreck.

DELAWARE PUBLIC ARCHIVES, 121 Duke of York Street
Open 9-5 July 2 & 4; Closed July 3

Last Chance to see the Bill of Rights
The “Jewel Box” at the Archives features a return visit of Delaware’s copy of the Bill of Rights. Permanently housed at the National Archives, it returned to Delaware in 2003 for the first time since 1789. Through a 25-year agreement with the National Archives, the state's copy of the Bill of Rights will reside in Delaware from December 7 (Delaware Day) to July 4 each year, returning to the National Archives for conservation work during the intervening time.

DELAWARE STATE MUSEUMS

Delaware State Visitors Center, 406 Federal Street
Open 9-5 July 2 & 4; 1:30-4:30 July 3

State House Museum on The Green
Open 9-5 July 2 & 4; 1:30-4:30 July 3

2 p.m.: “Let Freedom Ring”
Enjoy the history of America’s freedom with a special “Let Freedom Ring” ceremonial event. The State House Museum will lead area churches in a simultaneous bell ringing ceremony honoring the founding of America. The bells will ring 13 times, recognizing our nation’s 13 colonies. The bell ringing tradition began more than 200 years ago and is symbolized by the unison-tapping bell, honoring those who have made sacrifices for the liberty of our nation.

At the conclusion of the 13th bell, a special reading of The Declaration of Independence will be made from the State House Museum portico. The public is encouraged to join in honoring America during this symbolic celebration. Guided tours of the State House will be available before and after the presentation.

Museums Square, Bank Lane and New Street
Open 9-5 July 2 & 4; Closed July 3
• Johnson Victrola Museum
• Archaeology Museum
• Museum of Small Town Life


THE BIGGS MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART, 406 Federal Street
Open 9-5 July 2 & 4; 1:30-4:30 July 3

Special Exhibition: Craft of the Peninsula
The Biggs Museum has partnered with the Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village to showcase the work of regional craft artisans. The Delmarva Peninsula has a long and rich tradition of craft production since before the earliest years of European colonization and settlement.

BIGGS KID: Saturday July 2, 2 p.m. “Fourth of July Scavenger Hunt!”
On the first Saturday of each month, the Biggs Museum offers special programs designed for children ages 5 to 10. July’s program features a scavenger hunt through the museum. Fun for the whole family!
 

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