/24-7PressRelease/ - DOVER, DE, May 03, 2007 - When the Declaration of Independence was read aloud from the site of Delaware's Old State House, there were seventeen enslaved African-Americans living in homes around The Dover Green. However, their struggle for independence would last almost another 100 years. The new tour launches The First State Heritage Park at Dover's new programs focusing on African-American history in Dover, DE. Passage to Freedom delivers fascinating, forgotten stories of Dover's African-Americans' journey for liberty from colonial beginnings to the Civil War. Visitors walk through time and hear the tales of the promise and struggle of the African-Americans' quest for freedom. Just a few steps and a few stories, and people can understand better what it might have been like, living as either a freed or enslaved African-American - both existing in the same region at the same time centuries ago.
"I am very excited that the First State Heritage Park's tour offerings will be expanded this summer to include the "Passage to Freedom" tour. Nearly a year in the making, the tour highlights a little known aspect of Dover's rich three-hundred year history. Since the late 17th century, free and enslaved African Americans have contributed to the history of Delaware's capital city, and we are pleased to bring their stories to light. The special program about revolutionary war hero Ned Hector which we will bring to Dover on July 7 adds a distinctive touch to our newest offerings." Park Director, Elaine Brenchley
Passage to Freedom
Wednesdays beginning in June
Saturday, June 2, 30, July 28, August 18 - Highlights:
• Life of a slave living on the Green contrasting with the life of the gentry
• Introduction to the Negro Courts, how the justice system for blacks and whites differed in 18th century Delaware
• The slaveholding Chew family of Philadelphia and Dover owned Richard Allen, who drove wagons loaded with salt for French Battell (owner of the Golden Fleece Tavern) during the Revolution and later, along with Absalom Jones, founded the AME Church in Philadelphia.
• Delaware's General Assembly instituted the Slave Codes of 1831 in response to Virginia's Nat Turner revolt - the worst slave revolts in US history
• Opposition to slavery was mounted by well-known local heroes like Caesar Rodney and by the Quaker and Methodist abolitionist movements championed by Warner Mifflin and Richard Bassett
An Audience with Ned Hector - Free Black Revolutionary Hero
Saturday, July 7 - 12:30 p.m. - Legislative Hall
• Battle of the Brandywine
• Ned Hector - Teamster/Artilleryman, 33 years-old
• Passionate and courageous
• Refused to let his team, wagon, and dropped armaments fall into enemy hands during the American retreat.
• "The enemy shall not have my team. I will save the horses or perish myself." Ned Hector
Noah Lewis brings the story of Ned Hector and others like him to life in his first-person presentation. Following the program, both adults and children alike are welcome to join him on the Dover Green as he instructs them in the art of infantry drills, dancing, and other activities.
The First State Heritage Park at Dover is for Everyone: 300 years of American Heritage in one-square mile, Family fun, Variety of things to do and see, adventure for many -- lantern walks, cemetery tours, First Saturday events year-long.
For more information on this destination, high resolution images, press kits or interview schedules, please contact Jessi LaCosta, 443.569.0736/858.952.1489 or email lacosta@bluerio.net
Established by Governor Ruth Ann Minner in 2004, The First State Heritage Park at Dover is a partnership of state agencies, under the leadership of Delaware State Parks, working in collaboration with city and country government nonprofit organizations and the private sector to create Delaware's first urban "park without boundaries" linking historic and cultural sites in the city that has been the seat of state government since 1777. http://www.destateparks.com/heritagepark/
---
Press release service and press release distribution provided by http://www.24-7pressrelease.com# # #
- abolitionists, african-american, black, budget, delaware, dover, first, hector, heritage, heroes, historical, history, mid-atlantic, ned, park, sites, slavery, state, travel, vacations, war
Read more Press Releases from Jessi LaCosta:
