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

Visit the First State Heritage Park at Dover this September

There’s something for everyone at the First State Heritage Park at Dover this September. In addition to visiting Dover’s museums and Legislative Hall, why not participate in one of the many programs that will be offered this month.

• Meet the Spirits of The Green - 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., every Saturday
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 the museums close by showcase Delaware’s heritage. Dover’s history comes alive with our “Spirits of the Green,” historic interpreters costumed as fictional characters from Dover’s past, who talk about themselves, gossip and tell the stories that make The Green such a special and unique place. They are available for free tours as well as conversation.

• Walking Tours of Historic Dover - 1 p.m. Tuesdays - Saturdays
General history tours: Wednesdays and Fridays
Revolutionary history: Tuesdays and Thursdays, Saturdays, Sept. 16 and 30
Civil War History: Saturday, Sept. 23
With over 300 years of history, the Green has been the central and most vital location of commerce, politics, and civic life in Dover. 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 Visitor Center and last an hour. No reservations are needed and admission is free.

• Colonial Kids Games - 11 a.m. Saturdays, Sept. 16 and 30
Children are invited to gather with the Spirits of The Green as these living history characters teach them some songs and games that were popular during the colonial period. Geared to ages 6 to 10, the program is open to all children, with free admission and no reservations needed.

• Christ Church Cemetery Lantern Tours - 7 p.m. Thursdays, Sept. 14 and 21
Due to popular demand, lantern tours of the cemetery at Christ Church will be extended for two nights only this September. Hear the “tales that tombstones tell” and the stories of those laid to rest within this beautifully preserved cemetery. Tours are free, but reservations are needed. Call 302-739-9194 to reserve your spot.

• Self-Guided Audio Tours – Daily, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday to Saturday, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sunday
Self-guided audio walking tours of nearly 30 sites located in Dover’s Historic District are available. The standard rental fee for audio wands is $5, wiht $2 discount coupons available at the Delaware Visitor Center, at stores in downtown Dover and on the Heritage Park website, www.destateparks.com/heritagepark. The wands are available at the Delaware Visitor Center.

In addition to these programs, all First State Heritage Park sites offer tours, exhibits, and activities throughout the month. 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.

For more information about The First State Heritage Park programs, 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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