This Labor Day Weekend, the First State Heritage Park offers activities for visitors of all ages on both Saturday, Sept. 4, and Labor Day, Sept. 6.
On Saturday Sept. 4, First Saturday events run from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and include tours, programs and exhibitions, all of which are free. A genealogy workshop also will be offered at 10:30 a.m. at the Delaware Public Archives.
Admission to all sites and activities is free, except for Segway tours.
Centrally located free parking is available at the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries, located at the Delaware Public Archives, 121 Duke of York St.
For more information about The First State Heritage Park programs, call 739-9194 or visit www.destateparks.com/heritagepark
SATURDAY, SEPT. 4
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Self-guided audio walking tours, free audio wands available at the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center, Delaware Public Archives, 121 Duke of York St.
9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- The First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries — The Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs presents a new exhibit “USS Delaware: An American Battleship.” The story of the USS Delaware (1909-1924) is told through objects, photographs and ceremonial silver.
- Guided Tours of Legislative Hall —Legislative Hall has been the seat of Delaware’s General Assembly, the supreme lawmaking body in the state, since 1933. Tour the House and Senate Chambers and learn about the legislature and Delaware history. Photo ID is required for all adults.
- “A Stately Transformation” at the Old State House, The Green — Hear about the many physical transformations that have been made to The Old State House since it’s completion in 1791, and learn how Mabel Lloyd Ridgely halted the destruction on this majestic structure.
- “Labor and Progress” at the Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New St. —Explore the demanding trades and proficient skills of early America’s workforce.
10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Tours of the Governor’s House at Woodburn, 151 Kings Highway — Enjoy guided tours of Woodburn, the official residence of Delaware’s Governor since 1965, as well as Hall House, the Governor’s guest house.
10:30 a.m.
- Tips and Tools for using the United States and Special Census Records, Delaware Public Archives, 121 Duke of York St. —Lay the groundwork for successful family research with this workshop presented by Nancy Lyons. Track family members decade by decade by using the United States Census to uncover their births, marriages, immigration, naturalization, military service and occupations.
