Delaware
Delaware celebrates birth of nation with America 250 events
Historic Odessa Foundation official shares all about hearth-cooked dinner
Hear from Historic Odessa Foundation’s official on intimate 18th century hearth-cooked dinner at historic house, using authentic tools and recipes.
The countdown to America’s 250th year of independence has begun – but how can you even begin to celebrate such a milestone moment in just one day?
Short answer: It’s impossible. That’s why Delaware has a series of events and celebrations leading up to the big day.
With only a weeks left to go until that fateful Fourth, here are some of the biggest happenings planned this summer.
Attention all blues and Motown enthusiasts: American Legion Post 17 in Lewes will host a night full of the history, appreciation and spirit of blues music. This event was inspired by the historical Happy Day Club, a Lewes-based social club and gathering place for Black community members.
But this isn’t just about music ‒ it’s also about remembering the people, stories and lives that shaped the town’s cultural landscape.
Cost of entry is $75 per person. There is an additional service charge if purchased online. Attendees are encouraged to come decked out in their favorite shade of blue.
American Legion Post 17 (115 American Legion Road), Lewes, 6 to 10 p.m. May 30.
250 Ride, from Dover to Philadelphia
This year not only marks 250 years of independence for the United States, but also 250 years of Caesar Rodney’s famous, 80-mile journey from the state capital to Philadelphia.
Rodney ‒ who, like many of America’s founding fathers, has a complicated legacy, as previously reported by Delaware Online/The News Journal ‒ trekked through stormy weather to cast the deciding vote that declared the country’s independence from Great Britain in 1776.
Beginning noon June 12, a historical reenactor will make their way from Legislative Hall in Dover to Independence Hall in Philadelphia in a period-appropriate carriage, alongside fellow reenactors and other guests. The ride also will include welcome stops and moments for public engagement.
Legislative Hall (411 Legislative Ave.) June 12 at 7 a.m. to June 13 at 8 p.m.
Another one of Delaware’s oldest traditions marks a similar milestone this year: the state’s independence from both England and neighbor state Pennsylvania. Held every year in historic New Castle, this two-day celebration kicks off with food, drinks and music at the town center, and features a colonial-styled parade, a beer garden, an artisan and vintage market and children’s rides the next day. It then leads to a grand finale of fireworks over the Delaware River.
New Castle Battery Park (West Third Street) June 12 at 6 p.m. to June 13 at 11 p.m.
This community festival aims to bring together visitors and residents alike for a day filled with family-friendly activities, live music and good old-fashioned craftsmanship. The festival also will feature a variety of arts and crafts, food vendors and even a scavenger hunt.
Intersection of South Race Street & East Pine Street, Georgetown, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 13. Rain date is June 20.
Tracing Black Family Histories at the Delaware Public Archives, Wilmington
Presented by the Delaware Public Archives, this event provides available resources for researching the history of Black families in Delaware, up to the present day. Participants also can learn ways to unearth details about formerly enslaved predecessors and the history of free Black communities in the First State.
Woodlawn Library (2020 W. Ninth St., Wilmington) 6 to 7 p.m. June 15.
Colonial Punches: Flavors of History, Prices Corner
This one’s for the history lovers and the punch aficionados in Delaware. This Greenbank Mills and Philips Farm-sponsored event takes you on a whirlwind history and tastebud tour of drinks, accompanied by trivia and stories about punch and drinking habits from way back when. Participants can even sample five different punches, featuring the likes of rum, brandy and whiskey.
Greenback Mills and Philips Farm (500 Greenbank Road, Prices Corner), 7 to 8 p.m. June 18.
Newark Revolutionary History Stroll, Newark
Considering Newark is located right on the nation’s East Coast, it shouldn’t be surprising the town has witnessed some action during the American Revolution, from the Battle of Cooch’s Bridge to the Battle of the Brandywine at Chadds Ford. But what is lesser known is the British Army’s march through the town from one battle to the other. This tour takes residents back to that very day and what went down between the soldiers and the townspeople.
Newark Revolutionary History Stroll 10 to 11:30 a.m. June 27. Event is free, but preregistration is required at newarkde.gov/play.
Tall Ship Tours, Wilmington
For all big boat enthusiasts out there, this one’s for you. Come aboard and explore the deck of the Tall Ship of Delaware for free on Independence Day. The event also will feature food vendors, live music and activities on the riverfront for the whole family to enjoy ‒ plus, of course, fireworks. Organized by the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation.
Dravo Plaza (920 Justison St., Wilmington), 2 to 7 p.m. on July 4.
‘Revolutionary Tavern Night,’ Prices Corner
Thought the festivities were over July 4? Better think again: Greenbank Mills and Philips Farm is also sponsoring a Revolutionary Tavern Night. Participants will dive into a five-course meal, with recipes harkening backing to the flavors and taverns of the past.
Greenbank Mills and Philips Farm (500 Greenbank Road, Prices Corner), 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on July 11.
For more events and information, you can visit delaware250.org.
Olivia Montes covers state government and community impact for Delaware Online/The News Journal. If you have a tip or a story idea, reach out to her at omontes@delawareonline.com.