HCA has a strong presence at the Delaware Heritage Festival in Dover
The First State Heritage Park presents the annual Delaware Heritage Festival (formerly Market Fair) on November 7, 2026, on the Dover Green. Multiple Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs (HCA) museums regularly participate, but scheduled programs or group tours often prevent one or two from being there any given year. For the Semiquincentennial, all HCA’s state museums will be represented at the Heritage Festival offering a variety of crafts and information to the public.
The Zwaanendael Museum staff will be presenting the Loyalist Officer Impression. Attendees can learn about the equipment Americans who remained loyal to King George III had. They’ll also be able to chat about Delaware loyalists who served in British Provincial units during the American Revolution. Maybe you’ll get to protest the loyalist by throwing a (crocheted) tomato at him!
The New Castle Court House Museum will be exploring how a bill becomes a law through their Civics and Cryptids program. Would you vote for the Zwaanendael Merman to become Delaware’s state cryptid?
Cooch’s Bridge Historic Site has a hands-on activity related to American Independence. Soldiers in the American Revolution wore cockades made of ribbon or fabric to show their rank and allegiance. Cooch’s Bridge staff will be sharing the history of cockades and their meaning while letting attendees make their own version out of paper.
The John Dickinson Plantation staff will be on The Green to entertain and educate through 3rd-person interpretive historic, hands-on demonstrations. They will present the free take-away activity of sachet-making, wherein guests will select herbs from a line of options, using wooden spoons to take their herb mixture from the bowls to their mortar and from there to their sachet bag. You can be reminded of your good memories of the event by the good scent from your unique sachet.
While the Johnson Victrola Museum is nearly finished with its renovations, it will not be open in time for the Heritage Festival. A portable version of the museum will be at the event to learn more about the Victor Talking Machine Company and its founder, Delaware’s native son Eldridge Reeves Johnson. Don’t miss the opportunity to listen to original records on a variety of Victrolas.
Since the Old State House is on one end of The Green, they will not be out at a table. Event attendees will be welcomed into the building to learn about the Forgotten War, the War of 1812, and the role Delaware and its people played in our last conflict against England. Visitors can also experience Delaware’s historic capitol building with self-guided tours and interpreters on hand to answer questions.
The event will have many other presenters, performers, and vendors throughout and around the Dover Green. Returning acts include Peter Gardiner, a conjuror who delights with magic and sleight of hand, Benjamin Franklin wandering the Green, as well as World War II reenactors and Pirates! There will be live music from Token Entertainment, known for their jaunty sailor tunes at the Maryland Renaissance Festival, Irish folk music from Devilish Merry, and slower tunes from Music of the American Colonies. Several food vendors, including the Dover Century Club. Their proceeds help support their scholarships and mission to support young women and protecting them from Domestic Violence and abuse.
Be sure to come prepared for the Founding Fathers Costume Contest. Awards will be given for the best dressed pet, best DIY, and Best overall! For all the latest updates, be sure to visit the Delaware Heritage Festival website at Delaware Heritage Festival – Delaware State Parks. Be sure not to miss this free event for the whole family!
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