DELAWARE EVENTS

Many house museums are closed for the Winter, so we are ranging a bit far afield this month.

In 2017 the Delaware Department of Transportation celebrated 100 years of service to the residents of Delaware and all who travel through the First State. On Saturday, Jan. 6, at 10:30 A.M., Jennifer Cohan, secretary of Delaware Department of Transportation, will present a program at the Delaware Public Archives focusing on the first 100 years of this state agency. The Delaware General Assembly passed the Highway Act of 1917 which formed a centralized highway department with the authority to build and maintain a permanent highway system extending throughout the state. Cohan will present the history of the department and how Delaware's transportation system has evolved and expanded over the past century.  The program is free to the public and will last approximately one hour. No reservations are required. For more information, contact Tom Summers, 302-744-5047 or email thomas.summers@state.de.us. The Delaware Public Archives is located at 121 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard North in Dover.

As long as we are talking roads, thought you might enjoy this picture of a muddy Rt. 9 between Georgetown and Lewes in the 1920s. Thanks to DELDOT for the pictures.

  On Saturday, January 6 from 9-4:30 P.M., you can also visit the Johnson Victrola Museum at 375 S. New St. in Dover to hear about Eldridge Reeves Johnson's beloved yacht The Caroline and hear the song about it played on a Victor Talking Machine. Part of the First Saturday in the First State free programs. State museums do not close in February and March, as you can see.

Also, on January 6, if you ever wanted to become a pirate (just kidding, mostly) or volunteer as a crew member on the Kalmar Nyckel, show up at the Copeland Maritime Center, 1124 East 7th St. in Wilmington at 10 A.M. and learn about volunteer opportunities. Get a tour of the ship and they can put you to work that afternoon.The original Kalmar Nyckel served as Gov. Peter Minuit's flagship for the 1638 expedition that founded the colony of New Sweden, establishing the first permanent European settlement of Delaware. 

The John Dickinson Plantation, located at 340 Kitts Hummock Road in Dover, Del., is currently featuring “Five Stories,” a series of descriptive panels that explore the lives of a variety of people who lived and worked on the farm of John Dickinson, one of the founding fathers of the United States, signer of the U.S. Constitution and “Penman of the Revolution.”  Open  Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  Tours begin at the plantation’s visitor center followed by exploration of the mansion house, log dwelling, smokehouse and other outbuildings. Admission is free and open to the public. For additional information, call 302-739-3277.

In case you missed hearing this presentation in Chester County, the Archaeological Society of Delaware will host “Battle of Brandywine: New Insights from Archaeology,” a talk by Wade P. Catts, archaeologist at South River Heritage Consulting. The talk will be held at 7 p.m. Jan. 10 at Bear Public Library, 101 Governor’s Place, Bear DE

Martin Luther King, Jr., Day of Service, January 15 from 11-3 P.M. will be a free program celebrating the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the Delaware Art Museum in partnership with One Village Alliance and Raising Kings.  You will be able to contribute to the collaborative mural of Dr. King, led by Terrance Vann; donate a tie for young boys and men, stop into the Mentor Cafe for career guidance; take tours of African American artists at 11 and 1 P.M. Event is free of charge, donations accepted. Register here.

The Delaware Historical Society presents their New Directions in African American History series on Thursday, January 18 at 6 P.M. Professor N. Jeremi Duru will speak on "Advancing the Ball: Race and the NFL." The program is free but reservations are requested at (302) 655-7161 or deinfo@dehistory.org.  Free parking courtesy of Colonial Parking, 6th & Shipley; the program will be located at the Delaware History Museum, 504 N. Market St. in Wilmington.   A family program about marbles will be held at the same location on Family Saturday January 20 from 12-3 P.M.  Create your own marbles and marble maze and practice your playing skills. Included with museum admission. On street parking is free on Saturdays.

PENNSYLVANIA EVENTS

The Friends of Independence Hall National Park are asking "Are you a fan of Alexander Hamilton? Then show us on social media and win a chance to celebrate his birthday in the First Bank of the United States! 10 lucky individuals plus guests will be invited to come to the First Bank of the United States to celebrate Hamilton’s Birthday with a tour and celebratory toast! It is simple!"

1. Go to your favorite Hamilton related/inspired spot and take an image. You can take pictures (where pictures are allowed. Check with the owners/caretakers first!) of any place, location, artifact that is related to Hamilton or Hamilton inspired in his life.
2. Post the image to either of the following Social Media platforms and use the hashtag #FanofHamilton and tag the First Bank page: (deadline Jan. 3). If you miss the deadline, you can always go to the page and get your own Flat Alexander Hamilton.Instagram: @restorethefirstbank; Facebook: @restorethefirstbank 

And sure as the sun comes up, it's time for January 4,  and "Meet Rebecca Lukens" because her birthday is being celebrated at the National Iron and Steel Heritage Museum, 50 S. First Avenue in Coatesville, PA from 6-8 P.M. Rebecca is portrayed by Susannah Brody, who will tell you a little about her life as a female ironmaster. $5, members free.

Another program at the Iron and Steel will be on February 1, "Thaddeus Stevens: Becoming an Abolitionist".  Meet Thaddeus Stevens, as portrayed by Steve Anderson... attorney, abolitionist, and politician. He will tell you how a small-town lawyer became a powerful man in America and share his passion about freedom, equality, and education. You will also learn about Stevens' connection to the iron industry. The program will be from 6-8 P.M. $5, members free.

The Chadds Ford Historical Society Volunteer Fair will be held on Saturday, January 13, from 9 to 11 A.M.Get started on those New Years resolutions by learning about volunteer opportunities, meet with other CFHS volunteers and staff members to explore upcoming projects and areas of greatest need.  There will be two short presentations on ways you can get involved with the CFHS at 9:15am and 10:15am.  Light refreshments will be served. The Barn Visitor Center is located at 1736 Creek Road in Chadds Ford PA.  Watch their website for date of a benefit breakfast at Hank's.