PUBLIC PROGRAMS
Specific event details will be listed as they become available.
These programs are free to the public and no reservations are required unless otherwise noted. The Delaware Public Archives is located at 121 Duke of York Street in Dover, Delaware. For more information contact Tom Summers (302) 744-5047 or e-mail thomas.summers@state.de.us.
March 15, 2:00 p.M. - March Meeting of the Downstate Delaware Genealogical Society
March meeting of the Downstate Delaware Genealogical Society will take place on Saturday, March 15, 2:00 p.m. A non-profit organization for people that have an interest in genealogy, this group meets every other month at the Delaware Public Archives beginning in September and ending in May. The public is welcome to all meetings and guests are encouraged. Each meeting generally includes a guest speaker and time for sharing genealogical information.
March 21 - The Research Room will be closed. Exhibits open regular hours.
April 5, 10:30 a.M. – How Do I Start My Family Research?
Interested in searching for your family history and not sure where to start? This is an essential, beginning genealogy program for people who want to find their family roots. Nancy Lyons, an experienced researcher and genealogist, will conduct this workshop on how to find the sources and materials that will provide information about one’s family tree. Among the numerous types of resources to be presented are vital statistics, census reports, and probate records.
May 3 - Old Dover Days Opening of the new American Revolutionary War Exhibit –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.
May 17, 2:00 p.M. - May Meeting of the Downstate Delaware Genealogical Society
The May meeting of the Downstate Delaware Genealogical Society will take place on Saturday, May 17, 2:00 p.m. A non-profit organization for people that have an interest in genealogy, this group meets every other month at the Delaware Public Archives beginning in September and ending in May. The public is welcome to all meetings and guests are encouraged. Each meeting generally includes a guest speaker and time for sharing genealogical information.
June 7, 10:30 a.M. – Native American Traditions
This special hands-on program for children features Quiet Thunder (Dick Gilbert) showing students how Native Americans lived during the time before European contact. Among the traditions and customs to be shown is how Native Americans educated their young, including the laws of the land and the history and laws of the tribe. In addition, the program will include information about the Native American methods of measuring time and travel, making stone tools, setting traps, and hunting deer and other animals through disguising themselves as coyotes. The students attending the program will also learn how to beat the drums and shake the rattles in the Native American tradition.
July 4, 2:30 p.m. – Caesar Rodney Rides Again!
If Caesar Rodney’s ride for independence is the only knowledge you have of this Delaware patriot then this is the program for you! Dick Pack, as Caesar Rodney, will present a living history tribute to Delaware’s hero of the American Revolution. Throughout the war, Rodney served in a number of different official positions in Delaware, including President (Governor), which contributed to the patriot cause.
August 2, 10:30 a.m. – This Old House
Looking for the history of an old home? This program received such a popular response last year that the Archives is holding an encore presentation. Newly revised and expanded by Archives staff member Margaret Dunham, this program will reveal how such archival records as deeds, surveys, plots, warrants, tax assessments, and other types of documents can be used to trace the history of an older house.
