In conjunction with Dover Fourth of July, the First State Heritage Park and its partner sites will be offering a variety of special programs and activities throughout the day.

9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. LEGISLATIVE HALL
Guided tours of Delaware’s state capitol building, Legislative Hall, the seat of Delaware’s General Assembly since 1933. Free.

9 a.m. – 6 p.m. OLD STATE HOUSE
Guided tours through the newly restored Old State House on The Green. Free.

9 a.m. – 6 p.m. DELAWARE VISITOR CENTER AND GALLERIES
Delaware Women Leaders:  Past, Present, and Future
Women throughout Delaware are featured for their roles in the fields of education, science, technology and more. Free.

11 a.m. – 6 p.m. COLONIAL KIDS GAMES & ACTIVITIES ON THE GREEN
The First State Heritage Park “Spirits of the Green” bring Dover’s history alive. These
historical interpreters portray 18th century tavern servants and will tell tales of the people and stories that make the Dover Green such a special and unique place. Special games and activities for children. Free.

WALKING TOURS LED BY HISTORIC INTERPRETERS
No reservations are needed. Free.

11 a.m., 1 p.m., & 5 p.m.  Revolutionary Dover
Tories, Whigs, militia, and insurrection!  Dover was a hotbed of revolutionary and loyalist activity during the struggle for American Independence.  Join us to revisit the Revolution on the Dover Green. Walking tours begin at the Delaware Visitor Center, 406 Federal Street. Free.

12:30 p.m. & 4 p.m. Dover’s Military Heroes of the Revolution
Stroll from the monuments of Christ Church to those of the Old Presbyterian Churchyard, visiting the graves and former residences of Dover’s Revolutionary heroes.  Hear their stories and remember their sacrifices. Walking tours begin at Christ Episcopal Church, S. State and Water Streets. Free.

9 a.m. – 3 p.m. SELF-GUIDED AUDIO WALKING TOURS
Self-guided audio walking tours of nearly 30 sites located in Dover’s Historic District are available.  The audio wands can be rented at the Delaware Visitor Center. $5.

1:30 p.m. DEDICATION OF DOVER LIGHT INFANTRY MONUMENT
Made of granite and standing 5 feet tall, the monument will contain plaques detailing the Company's distinguished service during the dark days of the winter of 1776/1777, and the names of the 32 members of the unit who volunteered to join Washington's troops during the successful Trenton/Princeton campaign which prevented defeat and the end of the war. Members of local Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution organizations will participate in the unveiling. East Side of Legislative Hall. Free.

2 p.m. "LET FREEDOM RING": THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
Beginning with the Old State House, bells throughout Dover will ring.  Then, the Declaration of Independence will be read by costumed interpreters at the location where it was first read to the citizens of Dover in 1776. Free.

2:30 p.m. CAESAR RODNEY RIDES AGAIN! AT DELAWARE PUBLIC ARCHIVES
If Caesar Rodney’s ride for independence is the only knowledge you have of this Delaware patriot, this is the program for you!  Dick Pack portrays Caesar Rodney in this living history tribute to Delaware’s hero of the American Revolution. No reservations required. Free.

9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. DELAWARE PUBLIC ARCHIVES

View Delaware’s Copy of the Bill of Rights
July 4 is the last chance to view Delaware’s copy of the Bill of Rights on display at the Delaware Public Archives. On loan from the National Archives, Delaware’s copy of the Bill of Rights is unique in that the Constitutional amendments approved by the Delaware General Assembly in 1790 were noted on the bottom portion of the document. Free.

The American Revolution:  Delaware Leads the Way
During the American Revolution, the troops from Delaware played a critical role in numerous battles in both the northern and southern theaters.  In recognition of the 225th anniversary of the end of the American Revolution, this exhibit will focus on America’s War of Independence and the sacrifices and contributions of Delaware’s citizens, both at home and on the battlefield. Free.

9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. BIGGS MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART
Often referred to as a “Neighborhood Museum, National Treasure,” the Biggs Museum collection presents an overview of three centuries of fine and decorative arts made or used in the Delmarva region. Free.
 
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. MUSEUM SQUARE (Johnson Victrola Museum, Museum of Small Town Life & Delaware Archaeology Museum)

11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Spirit of Patriotism
Craft patriotic pinwheels and enjoy learning about the history of parades, bond drives, victory gardens, and more at the Museum of Small Town Life. Create colorful fireworks art pictures at the Delaware Archaeology Museum. Also, listen or march to inspirational and patriotic music of the ages, from John Philip Sousa to James Reese Europe, at the Johnson Victrola Museum. Children can make their own musical instrument to take home. Free.

For more information about the park and its sites, go to www.destateparks.com/heritagepark/