Contact: Elaine Brenchley, First State Heritage Park at Dover Project Director, phone: (302) 739-9194 , e-mail: elaine.brenchley@state.de.us
or Joanna Wilson, Public Affairs, phone: (302) 739-9902

Beat the Heat this Labor Day Weekend by Visiting the First State Heritage Park at Dover

Is the beach too crowded? Is the end of summer bringing you down? Why not come to The First State Heritage Park at Dover for some close-to-home fun this weekend?

On Saturday, Sept. 2, this month’s First Saturday in the First State, and Monday, Sept. 4, Labor Day, all sites within the park will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Park sites include Legislative Hall, Delaware Public Archives, the Biggs Museum of American Art, the Delaware Archaeology Museum, Museum of Small Town Life, and the Johnson Victrola Museum. Admission to all sites is free. Centrally located free parking is available at the Delaware Public Archives, 121 Duke of York Street.

In addition, visitors can also enjoy a variety of special programs:

• Meet the Spirits of The Green - 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 2 and Monday, Sept. 4
A step into Dover’s Historic District is a step back in time: each building that lines The Green has its own unique story to tell and museums close by showcase Delaware’s heritage. Dover’s history comes alive with our costumed Spirits of The Green, who are glad to talk about themselves, gossip, and tell the stories that make The Dover Green such a special and unique place. Whether joining them in conversation or on a tour, they are sure to make your visit to Historic Dover a memorable one. These characters will be on The Green from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Revolutionary War Tours of The Dover Green - 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 2)
With Tories, Whigs, militia, and insurrection, Dover was a hotbed of revolutionary and loyalist activity during the struggle for American Independence. While suspicion was cast on some of its residents, others would achieve national acclaim for their actions during this trying time. Tours begin at the Delaware Visitors Center on Federal Street and last an hour. No reservations are required and admission is free.

• A Walk Through Time - 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday, Sept. 4
With more than 300 years of history, The Green has been the central and most vital location of commerce, politics, and civic life in Dover. The site of markets and fairs. Suffragists and abolitionists. Soldiers and slaves. Lawmakers and law breakers. Take a walk through time as you hear stories of the people and events that left their mark on Dover’s history. Tours begin at the Delaware Visitors Center on Federal Street and last an hour. No reservations are required and admission is free.

• Self-Guided Audio Tours – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 2 and Monday, Sept. 4
Throughout the day, self-guided audio walking tours will be available at the Delaware Visitor Center. These tours focus on the stories and events of Dover’s historic 18th century Green and include nearly 30 sites in the historic district. The standard rental fee for these wands is $5, but $2 discount coupons are available at the Delaware Visitor Center, at stores in downtown Dover and at www.destateparks.com/heritagepark.

• Biggs Kids - 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 2
Drop the children off at the Biggs Museum for their monthly Biggs Kids program. These programs, held every First Saturday from 2 to 3:30 p.m. are designed for children ages 5 to 10 to enrich their understanding of art in the world around them. This month children will be making a back to school craft. Each participant will create refrigerator magnets to display school works at home. The program is free, but space is limited so please pre-register by calling 674-2111.

• Museum Square - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 2 and Monday, Sept. 4
Visit Museum Square this Labor Day weekend to learn about early trades and crafts. At the Johnson Victrola Museum, learn how a Victrola is put together and at the Museum of Small Town Life, learn how pills were made and how a printing press was operated at the turn of the century.

For more information about The First State Heritage Park at Dover, please call 302-739-9194 or visit www.destateparks.com/heritagepark.

Established by Governor Ruth Ann Minner in 2004, The First State Heritage Park at Dover 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 to create 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.
 

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