First State Heritage Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids First State Heritage Park |
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The Delaware State Capitol (or Legislative Hall) in Dover
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 First State Heritage Park
Location in Delaware
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| Location | Kent, Delaware, United States |
| Elevation | 36 ft (11 m) |
| Established | 2004 |
| Governing body | Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control |
| Website | First State Heritage Park |
The First State Heritage Park is a special kind of park in Dover, Delaware. It's called a "park without boundaries" because it connects many important historic places and cultural spots all around the city. Dover has been the capital city of Delaware since 1777. This park is a team effort between different state and city groups, led by Delaware State Parks.
Delaware was the very first state to approve, or ratify, the U.S. Constitution. That's why it's known as the "First State"! The park's sites show off Delaware's important history. You can visit the First State Heritage Park all year long. Special tours of the sites are offered on the first Saturday of each month.
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Discovering Delaware's History
The First State Heritage Park was created in 2004 by Governor Ruth Ann Minner. It brings together many important historical and cultural places in Dover. This park is a partnership between several Delaware state departments.
The park includes several key sites. These are the Welcome Center, The Old State House, Legislative Hall (the State Capitol), The John Bell House, The Delaware Public Archives, The Johnson Victrola Museum, Woodburn and Hall House (the Governor's House), and the Biggs Museum of American Art.
Welcome Center and Galleries
The First State Heritage Park Welcome Center & Galleries is a great starting point for your visit. It's located inside the Delaware Public Archives building, right next to Legislative Hall. This center helps visitors learn about Dover and other attractions in Delaware. You can find exhibits and lots of information here.
The Old State House
The Old State House was Delaware's main government building from 1791 until 1932. It sits on Dover's historic green. This building once housed both Delaware's state government and Kent County's government. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971.
The Old State House has been changed and updated many times. It was first built in the Georgian style. Later, in 1873, it was updated to a Victorian style. In 1976, it was restored to look like its original design. More big updates happened in 2007. You can take guided tours of the building most days.
Delaware Legislative Hall
Legislative Hall is the current capitol building for Delaware. This is where the Delaware State Legislature meets and works. Legislative Hall has been the main place for lawmaking since 1933. You can take tours of this building on weekdays.
John Bell House
The John Bell House is a small, one-room wooden building. Historians think it was built as a workshop. During restoration work in 2010, the date 1743 was found inside. However, the building might be even older. Before it became part of the park, it was used as law offices and even a post office.
Today, you can visit this newly restored house. It's the oldest wooden building still standing in Dover. Historical interpreters are often there to tell you more about its past.
Delaware Public Archives
The Delaware Public Archives building holds a huge collection of historical items. These materials go all the way back to the 1600s! You can visit the research room to look at these records. It is open on weekdays and on the first Saturday of each month.
Johnson Victrola Museum
The Johnson Victrola Museum honors Eldridge R. Johnson. He was the person who started the Victor Talking Machine Company. The museum shows how the sound recording industry grew. You can see paintings, objects, and other items related to early sound machines. The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday. It is part of the Delaware State Museum Buildings complex, which is also a historic site.
Biggs Museum of American Art
The Biggs Museum of American Art has a large collection of American art. It includes both fine art and decorative art. The museum also has special exhibits that change throughout the year. You can visit the museum Tuesday through Saturday.
Woodburn and Hall House - The Governor's House
Woodburn is the official home of Delaware's Governor. Hall House is a guest house for the Governor. Both houses and their gardens offer regular tours.
