Zwaanendael Museum Offers Exciting Fall Family Programs
September 28, 2005
"Learning in Lewes Days"
Zwaanendael Museum Programs for Families
When: Tuesdays from October 11 through December 6, 3:15-4:00 p.m. (unless otherwise noted) and every other Saturday from October 8 through December 3, 11:00-11:45 a.m.
Where: The Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE 19958
Cost: Free, but donations are appreciated
The history of Lewes, Delaware, will come alive for young people and their families this fall at the Zwaanendael Museum. Families are invited to explore the general and maritime history of the town and learn more about the rich heritage of the "First Town in the First State." For more information, call (302) 645-1148. Reservations are recommended, as space is limited. Programs recommended for ages 6 to adult. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
"Learning in Lewes Days" Schedule of Events
Saturday, October 8, Tuesday, October 11 & Tuesday, November 22: "The Merchants of Lewes and Their Stores" Aided by artifacts recovered from the Lewes Maritime Archaeology Project, participants will be introduced to a unique institution that gave flavor and personality to towns such as Lewes during the colonial period. Participants will learn about the merchant's multifaceted role in the community and how his store contributed to the general prosperity of the town. (Limit 30 persons)
Tuesday, October 18 & Tuesday, October 25: "The Navigator" Using actual instruments, our own captain will teach participants the basics of traditional navigation on the ocean and on the Delaware Bay! (Limit 15 persons)
Saturday, October 22: "Portraits of A Town and Cemetery Scavenger Hunt" From 1631 to the peak years of Lewes's 18th- and 19th-century economy, Lewes changed from a subsistence whaling and agricultural community to a prosperous town with a proud maritime heritage. Hear stories of settlers, Native Americans, sailors, entrepreneurs, former slaves, and numerous others who contributed to the history of Lewes. See if you can find the headstones of some of these prominent past citizens of Lewes on the grounds of one of the town's local cemeteries. (Limit 25 persons)
Tuesdays, November 1, 8, & 15: "The Spice Box" The quest for spices shaped the world during the 17th and 18th centuries. The story of their trade is an effective way for people of all ages to learn more about geography, economics, and history. Our museum educators will display samples of spices and tell stories of their origins and uses-including an obscure ketchup recipe! This program provides excellent topics for discussion and further research for children and adults. (Limit 25 persons)
Saturdays, November 5 & 19: "Life At Sea" This exciting program reveals the world of a sailor and allows participants to investigate items that would have been carried or used by an 18th- or 19th-century sailor. Participants will examine the clothing, food, utensils, tools, and pastimes of sailors. Students will learn a craft through interpretation and a hands-on experience with an interactive outdoor block and tackle station, which illustrates what everyday life was like for sailors. (Limit 25 persons)
Tuesdays, November 29 & December 6: "18th-century Games" Children and adults will enjoy playing with toys and games of the 18th century, including draughts, cup-and-ball, table top nine pin, crown and anchor, whimmy-diddle, quoits, the game of Graces, hoops, and the game of Kings, with pewter soldiers. Participants will be challenged to identify the strategies and physical science principles involved in each game or toy. Learn about the purposes of play and how people's lives were split between school, work, and recreation. (Limit 20 persons)
Saturday, December 3: "Pirates of the East Coast and Davy Jones Bingo!" This program introduces participants to the lives and adventures of the pirates, both men and women, who raided the East Coast, including the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Students will examine reasons for piracy, the myths and lore of pirates, and the history of piracy. Overhead slides of the pirates, their signature flags, and ships will be presented as participants try to match individual pirates with items relevant to their careers in a bingo game entitled "Davy Jones." (Limit 25 persons)
For information or reservations for these events, contact Brent Rudmann at the Zwaanendael Museum, (302)645-1148.
