Month: November 2012

Learning about Delaware history at Old Court House Museum

My Wilmington University Delaware History class visited the New Castle Court House Museum for a practical learning opportunity offered by the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs Tuesday evening.  For over an hour and a half our knowledgeable docent, Brian, guided us through centuries of Delaware’s colonial and pre-Civil War history.  We heard about the contact period, initial settlement patterns, the evolution of law and government, the Underground Railroad and some major trials in the old courthouse during those quickly passing minutes

This was a great, engaging way to present applied lessons for a group examining Delaware’s history this semester.  Flawlessly Brian linked the history and culture of the place that was once the capital of the State to our studies of the past.   He was an excellent facilitator and explained some complicated matters in an engaging ways that related to the audience.

The Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs always provides excellent programming.  Each time I attend one of their events I leave impressed and my class departs with more understanding of First State heritage.  They know how to present relevant and engaging history lessons and these instructive programs are lively.

We have such valuable and supportive resources nearby for those of studying the past in the First State.  Thank you Brian and Old Court House Museum.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest in History of the Mason Dixon Line Grows as 250th Anniversary Nears

On the eve of the 250 anniversary of the Mason Dixon Line I have been doing a number of talks about the history of this famous boundary.  To end a boundary dispute between the Penns and Calvert (the proprietors of the British colonies of Maryland and Pennsylvania) it was surveyed in the 1760s.  Delaware was part of Pennsylvania at that time.

While speaking to a group at the Wicomico County Public Library yesterday and sketching out the details about the work commissioned by the Penns and Calverts, one gentleman had some stories of his own to share.  His family, some of the earliest European settlers in the region, own property on both sides of the line.  In an old trunk in the attic he located detailed surveys from the era showing the property boundaries and topographical features along the transpeninsular boundary.  It was a fascinating historical document and we had a long enjoyable talk about some of the manuscripts he possessed, as well as some the markers and points along the 325-miler border.

Here are a few modern photos of the famous line that got its start in 1763.  Next year, I am scheduled to do a number of additional talks about the line that grew to have representations far beyond that associated with a boundary dispute.

Post Road crosses Mason Dixon Line
The Mason Dixon Line on the Old Baltimore Pike between Newark and Elkton.
Mason Dixon Line near Unions Mills MD
Route 97 between Littlestown, PA and Union Mills, MD

.Mason Dixon Line near Littlestown PA