First State National Historical Park

Explore occupations from Revolutionary War times during this day-long living history event. Experience when powder ignites during a musket firing and find out what professional soldiers experienced during wartime. Learn to dance like people at fancy parties. Experience the sights and sounds of a blacksmith at work. Watch fiber arts pursuits, including sewing, spinning, and weaving. Learn about pigments and paints while you paint your own watercolor. See how baskets were woven and wooden spoons were created, then shop handmade wares!

If you’ve ever wanted to experience your own Mr. Darcy or Miss Bennett moment, or have simply wondered how all those dances you’ve seen in “Jane Austen” films work, or just want to have a fun evening, then you are definitely going to want to join the English country dance classes at John Dickinson Plantation.

Michelle Sebastian Aldrich will be teaching you English country dance (ECD) formations and figures, as well as some social history and the historical importance of ECD. Michelle has taught ECD since 2010, beginning at Dumbarton House in Washington DC, and is the Founder and Director of Sebastian ECD (formerly ECD in DC), an English country dance performance group that has performed at various venues, such as The Folger Theatre in Washington DC.

ECD requires no prior experience - there is no fancy footwork needed, and the figures are simple and easy to learn. Every dance is taught and prompted by Michelle throughout the dance. Come get your steps in!

If you’ve ever wanted to try dancing, this is a great opportunity! Classes are FREE!

Participants must be 18 or older or 13 and older if accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program. Call to pre-register at 302-739-3277.

Important notes:
• It is not necessary to come to class with a partner. ECD is “social”: partners can change throughout the class and are encouraged to do so. This way everyone dances with everyone else, and all contribute to the fun.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothes. Whilst the steps are simple, you will be moving!
• Wear flat shoes that won't skid or stick on a wood or cork floor. The most important thing is that everyone can dance safely!

Celebrate Halloween at the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation Shipyard with a maritime twist on spooky fun for the whole family! Come dressed in your favorite costume and enjoy tours of the Kalmar Nyckel, Delaware’s Tall Ship, along with pumpkin painting and plenty of other family-friendly activities.

Then, make your way to Fort Christina and stop by to say hello to some of your favorite Park Rangers as you trick-or-treat through the park. But beware—you never know whether the rangers will have a trick or a treat waiting for you!

Come celebrate the season, explore local history, and enjoy a Halloween adventure the whole family will remember.

Do you or someone you know have a special story or connection to the Sheriff’s House in New Castle, Delaware? If so, First State National Historical Park invites you to take part in the Sheriff’s House oral history project.  

Participants will take part in a 30–45-minute recorded interview conducted by park staff that will be transcribed and may be used to enhance the park’s interpretive programming and signage at the Sheriff’s House Welcome Center.

Interviews are by appointment only. To schedule an interview, please call 302-317-3854 or firststate@nps.gov. 

Participation is free, although participants will be asked to sign an Interview Agreement Form before being interviewed. 

Your stories help to shape the history of the Sheriff’s House, and by participating in this event, you will help park staff better understand its rich history and bring the past to life. 

Do you or someone you know have a special story or connection to the Sheriff’s House in New Castle, Delaware? If so, First State National Historical Park invites you to take part in the Sheriff’s House oral history project.  

Participants will take part in a 30–45-minute recorded interview conducted by park staff that will be transcribed and may be used to enhance the park’s interpretive programming and signage at the Sheriff’s House Welcome Center.

Interviews are by appointment only. To schedule an interview, please call 302-317-3854 or firststate@nps.gov. 

Participation is free, although participants will be asked to sign an Interview Agreement Form before being interviewed. 

Your stories help to shape the history of the Sheriff’s House, and by participating in this event, you will help park staff better understand its rich history and bring the past to life. 

Do you or someone you know have a special story or connection to the Sheriff’s House in New Castle, Delaware? If so, First State National Historical Park invites you to take part in the Sheriff’s House oral history project.  

Participants will take part in a 30–45-minute recorded interview conducted by park staff that will be transcribed and may be used to enhance the park’s interpretive programming and signage at the Sheriff’s House Welcome Center.

Interviews are by appointment only. To schedule an interview, please call 302-317-3854 or firststate@nps.gov .

Participation is free, although participants will be asked to sign an Interview Agreement Form before being interviewed. 

Your stories help to shape the history of the Sheriff’s House, and by participating in this event, you will help park staff better understand its rich history and bring the past to life.