Mentioned as a “park without boundaries,” First State Heritage Park allows audiences to experience the incredible history that is spread across the city of Dover, Delaware. By linking together what would otherwise be disparate pieces of history, First State Heritage Park cultivates a sense of connection with this history that audiences can experience in a variety of ways.
Highlighting the History Associated with the “First State”
Organized as a state park in 2004, First State Heritage Park is oriented around the historic Dover Green. This focus and orientation directly highlighting Delaware’s role as the “First State” since it was the first to ratify the United States Constitution. The park connects various buildings and locations that were essential to the early history of the state and nation, allowing audiences to experience them as they see fit.
The John Bell House, the Old State House, Legislative Hall, the Golden Fleece Tavern Site, the Delaware Public Archives, Reith Hall and the Old Brick Church are just a few of the historic locations that define First State Park. The direct connection between all of these places is limited but maps and guides highlight the essential elements of their history to help audiences move from one to the next.
Daily walking tours take place across First State Heritage Park on a regular basis, while special tours of the sites are given on the first Saturday of each month. These activities are in addition to an ongoing series of thematic programs and events. These events are designed to showcase the stories of the sites and people that have defined the First State experience.
Admission to nearly all of the sites at First State Heritage Park is free. This access has further enabled it to have a collective impact on the way that audiences in the present and future can experience the history that it contains and will continue to be cultivated by residents and visitors alike.
Connecting History and Legacy
The history that is spread across a cityscape is often notable but efforts to connect what are typically a variety of disparate pieces can be quite limited. First State Heritage Park showcases how experiences with literal and figurative history can be enabled for audiences when these elements are connected in such a direct but subtle manner.
