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 on Saturday, July 4, 2009.
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. – 4:30 p.m. OLD STATE HOUSE
Guided tours through the newly restored Old State House on The Green. 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.
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. HISTORIC DOVER SCAVENGER HUNT
Begin your hunt at the Delaware Visitor Center and find the clues hidden throughout Dover’s historic sites and museums. Small prizes will be given for those who uncover all the secrets of Delaware History. 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.
11 a.m. – 3 p.m. COME SCREAM FOR YOUR TEAM!
This is an exhibit at the Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New St. The popular 1920s song “I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream For Ice Cream” got its start as an early American fight song. Hear songs by the Waring’s Pennsylvanians and rare collegiate songs. Kids will make colorful, musical pendants. Free.
11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. & 4 p.m. VOICES FROM DOVER'S PAST: STORYTELLING ON THE GREEN
Join historical interpreters under the shade of a tree on The Green as they portray real people that lived in Dover during the American Revolution. Hear tales of local troublemakers, of loyalist rebellions, and of the earliest 4th of July celebrations in Dover. Free.
Noon & 4:30 p.m. DOVER'S HEROES OF THE REVOLUTION WALKING TOUR 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. No reservations needed. Free.
2 p.m. BIGGS KIDS: STARS AND STRIPES
At the Biggs Museum of American Art on Federal Street, children can celebrate America’s birthday by creating flags to wave on the 4th of July.
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.
For more information about the park and its sites, go to www.destateparks.com/heritagepark/
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