Celebrate Independence Day!

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9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries,

121 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard North (formerly called Duke of York Street)

           Historic Dover Scavenger Hunt!

Begin your hunt at the First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and find the clues hidden throughout Dover’s historic sites and museums.  Win a prize for uncovering the secrets of Delaware History within the First State Heritage Park!

                        Biggs Museum of American Art, 406 Federal Street

             Self-guided tours of the permanent collection and current exhibition featuring the early works of acclaimed American photographer Ansel Adams.

 The Old State House on The Green

            Guided tours throughout the day. Enjoy “Thunder and Rain” – a feature film presentation about Caesar Rodney’s historic ride for independence playing throughout the day.

John Bell House on The Green

            Simple Pleasures: 18^th-century Games and Amusements

           Colonial games and activities – for children of all ages!

 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Legislative Hall – Delaware’s State Capitol Building, 411 Legislative Avenue

Guided tours throughout the day. (Photo ID is required for all adults.)

 Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New Street

Stars and Stripes

Enjoy patriotic music played on original Victrola Talking Machines!

 The Old State House

“Thunder and Rain”

Enjoy our feature film presentation about Caesar Rodney’s historic ride for independence.

  12:30 p.m.  

Dover’s Heroes of the Revolution Walking Tour

Meet at the John Bell House on The Green

Dover was a hotbed of revolutionary and loyalist activity during the struggle for American Independence.  Hear of such valiant figures as John Haslet, John Patton, and Dr. James Tilton.

 2 p.m.

National Bell-Ringing Ceremony

The Old State House on TheGreen

Every Independence Day, bells ring across America’s thirteen original colonies at 2 p.m. to jointly celebrate the birth of our nation. Join us as we read the Declaration of Independence and ring the Old State House bell.

  2:30 p.m.

Tales of Slavery and Freedom Walking Tour

Meet at the John Bell House on The Green

Find out how a brave group of runaway slaves known as the Dover Eight made a daring escape from the Dover Jail. Hear about famous African-American Richard Allen and his connections to the Golden Fleece Tavern.

 4 p.m.

National Bell-Ringing Ceremony

The Old State House on TheGreen

Join us as we read the Declaration of Independence and ring the Old State House bell.

 4:30 p.m.

Dover’s Heroes of the Revolution Walking Tour

Meet at the John Bell House on The Green

Dover was a hotbed of revolutionary and loyalist activity during the struggle for American Independence.  Hear of such valiant figures as John Haslet, John Patton, and Dr. James Tilton.

 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Food and Craft Vendors

Peruse and purchase from a variety of food and craft vendors on Martin Luther King Blvd. North (formerly Duke of York St., next to Legislative Mall)

  5 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Free Children’s Activities

Moonbounces, pony rides and petting zoo on the west end of Legislative Mall, near the Liberty Bell replica and in front of the Biggs Museum.

  6 p.m.

Old Fashioned Fourth of July Parade

Sponsored by the American Legion Fox Post #2, enjoy a patriotic parade with music, marchers, antique cars and more through downtown Dover. The parade route is along State Street, starting at Hazel Road and ending just past The Green.

  6:45 p.m.

Smooth Sounds Dance Band

Enjoy the sounds of jazz and big band standards by this offshoot of the Milford Community Band. Performing in front of Legislative Hall.

  7:45 p.m.

Opening Ceremony

Ceremony featuring C-17 flyover, Pledge of Allegiance, and National Anthem, led by Dover Mayor Robin Christiansen in front of Legislative Hall.

  8 p.m.

287th Army Band of the Delaware National Guard

Dover’s Fourth of July tradition, a concert of patriotic, pop and band classics in front of Legislative Hall, leading up to the fireworks show.

  Dusk – About 9:20

Fireworks!

The 2017 Dover Fourth of July fireworks show by Serpico Fireworks, set to music from the Broadway hip-hop phenomenon “Hamilton.”

 

 

In case of rain, fireworks will be rescheduled for Saturday, July 8.

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