First State Heritage Park Hosts First Saturdays in the First State June 4
May 31, 2005
A genealogy workshop, a Delmarva crafts exhibit, and "School is out!"-fun and old-fashioned games at Museum Square-will highlight the June 4 "First Saturdays in the First State" program at The First State Heritage Park at Dover.
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, as well as the Biggs Museum of American Art. Tours and exhibits will be offered at all the sites, which are open Saturday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. 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 June First Saturday programs, call 302-739-9194.
IF YOU GO:
All sites open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
LEGISLATIVE HALL, Legislative Avenue
PHOTO ID IS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY TO LEGISLATIVE HALL.
Guided tours begin hourly, 9 a.m. - 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 the Delaware State Museums' exhibit of items recovered from the de Braak shipwreck.
DELAWARE PUBLIC ARCHIVES, 121 Duke of York Street
10:30 - 11:30 a.m.: Beginning Italian Genealogy
Presenter: Eric Imile
This program will present an overview of Italian genealogical records. Civil, church, military, and tax records will be discussed. Samples of actual Italian documents (with English translations) will be provided and reviewed. The program will be most useful to persons who know their immigrant ancestors' town of origin but are unfamiliar with the types of records available and where to find them.
Last Month 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 resides 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
Open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Delaware State Visitors Center, 406 Federal Street
State House Museum on The Green:
Ongoing tours. Special focus African-American history
"School is Out!"-fun and old-fashioned games at all Museum Square sites!
- Johnson Victrola Museum: Special focus tours celebrate African American Music Month, highlighting recording artists who performed at the Cotton Club
- Archaeology Museum
- Museum of Small Town Life
THE BIGGS MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART, 406 Federal Street
Open 9-5
Special Exhibition: Craft of the Peninsula
The Biggs Museum has partnered with the Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village to present a showcase for 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 Kids, 2:00 p.m. On the first Saturday of each month, the Biggs Museum offers special programs designed for children ages 5 to 10! Hands-on activities and fun for the whole family.
