Delaware museums continue celebration of Women's History Month

The Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs continues its full slate of special events during March at the state of Delaware's six museums: The New Castle Court House Museum, the John Dickinson Plantation, the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries, The Old State House, the Johnson Victrola Museum and the Zwaanendael Museum.

Many of the offerings commemorate of National Women's History Month, an annual observance honoring and celebrating women's lives and historic achievements. All programs are free and open to the public. For additional information about all programs in March, call 302-744-5055.

Some highlights of upcoming programs include the following:

“A Tribute to African American Women in World War II” will be presented by researcher, writer and producer Don Blakey at 6 p.m., Friday, March 8.

Blakey will discuss the research that influenced the theatrical performance, “It Happened In Des Moines.” Part of Ten for the 10th series, 10 days of commemorative activities leading up to the 100th anniversary of the death (March 10, 1913) of noted Underground Railroad conductor Harriet Tubman. The event occurs at The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Museum open 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; 302-744-5055.

Delaware Styles: The 18th Century will be presented from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Saturday, March 9.  Its three parts include Dyeing to Dress, a program exploring how to dye fabrics; From Pockets to Petticoats, a program on 18th-century women’s clothing; and Who’s Wearing the Pants: Breeches to Trousers, an exploration of men’s fashion between 1770 and 1810.  This event will take place at the John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Museum open 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; 302-739-3277.

National Harriet Tubman Day will be celebrated from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., Sunday, March 10. Special tours and programs will honor the famed conductor of the Underground Railroad. This celebration, part of Ten for the 10th commemorative activities, happens at The Old State House.

At 2 p.m., Saturday, March 16, Savory Sussex, a series of programs on the unique and delectable local flavors of Sussex County, will offer a presentation by Honeybee Lake Apiary, a Frankfort farm producing honey and other bee-related products. The event occurs at the Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes.  Museum is open 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Free admission to program, but, due to space restrictions, reservations are required; call 302-645-1148.

Also at the Zwaanendael, Remembering Rosedale Beach will be presented by Tamara Jubilee-Shaw at 2 p.m., Saturday, March 23.  The program explores the history of Rosedale Beach near Millsboro, a popular waterfront resort run by, and for, people of color; it featured noted performers Louis Armstrong, Lionel Hampton, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, James Brown and Aretha Franklin, among many others. Museum open 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

The Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs is an agency of the state of Delaware.  Primary funding for division programs and services is provided by annual appropriations from the Delaware General Assembly and grants from the National Park Service, a federal agency.