The Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs will be offering 19 programs during May.

For more information, call 302-744-5055.

Highlights of the month include a host of activities held in conjunction with the 81st Annual Dover Days Festival on May 2 to 4, including programs on fashion in the “Downton Abbey” era; women’s history; Nipper, the dog of “His Master’s Voice” fame; the Underground Railroad; Prohibition; and 18th-century life.

Activities held in celebration of Delaware Archaeology Month include the seventh annual symposium on the early colonial archaeology of the Delaware Valley at the New Castle Court House Museum on May 10, and maritime-archaeology programs at the Zwaanendael Museum in Lewes on May 24.

May 1–Ongoing

“Dress for Success: The Edwardian Gentlemen’s Wardrobe and Accessories.” Display of objects of adornment, fashion and accessories for male grooming from the time period depicted in the “Downton Abbey” television series. From the collections of the state of Delaware. Legislative Hall, 411 Legislative Ave., Dover. May 2 and 3, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Limited visitation hours on other dates; call 302-739-9194 before planning a visit.

May 1–Ongoing

“Simple Pleasures: Picnic, Play and Dance.” Display of original Edwardian and roaring '20s fashions that reflect the spirit of the liberated “modern” woman as depicted in the “Downton Abbey” television series. From the collections of the state of Delaware. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. May 2, 9 a.m. tp 9 p.m.; May 3, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; May 4, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Other times, Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sunday from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. 302-744-5055.

Friday, May 2

“A Taste of Jazz: From the Beginning.” Guided tours explore the sounds of the Jazz Age and the role played by Delaware’s native son, E.R. Johnson, in the history of recorded jazz, accompanied by early jazz recordings played on authentic Victor Talking Machines. Dover Days event. Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New St., Dover. 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Free admission. 302-744-5055.

Friday, May 2

“Madam C.J. Walker, Millionairess.” Dr. Daisy Century of the American Historical Theatre portrays the 19th-century entrepreneur, philanthropist and founder of the Walker Company which specialized in hair care products for African-Americans. Dover Days event. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Programs at 6 and 8 p.m. Museum open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. 302-744-5055.

Saturday, May 3

“The War of the Roses: Delaware’s Suffragist Movement.” Guided tours explore Delaware’s role in the movement that resulted in women gaining the right to vote, and how the movement affected people’s daily lives and influenced women’s attire. Tours will also examine the famous speech on suffrage by Gov. John G. Townsend Jr. Dover Days event. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 302-744-5055.

Saturday, May 3

“Nipper and Other Famous Dogs.” Learn about the inquisitive little dog who adorns the Victor trademark, “His Masters Voice,” and hear how this popular pooch paved the way for other famous canines of the 20th century. Dover Days event. Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New St., Dover. 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 302-744-5055.

Saturday, May 3

“An Illegal Activity.” Utilizing the exhibit “An Illegal Activity: The Underground Railroad in Delaware” as a backdrop, guided tours will explore Delaware’s crucial role in the Underground Railroad and on two Delaware leaders who aided in this “freedom enterprise.” Dover Days event. First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries, Delaware Public Archives building, 121 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Dover. Tours at 10 a.m. and noon. Museum open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 302-744-5055.

Saturday, May 3

Dover Days at the John Dickinson Plantation. Activities include tours, colonial games and hearth cooking utilizing 18th-century recipes. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.

Saturday, May 3

“Dry as a Martini: Prohibition in Delaware, Neither Shaken nor Stirred.” Interactive performance and presentation, complete with historical interpreters in 1920s-style dress, exploring the state’s ratification of the 18th Amendment, its attempts to enforce the law, and its ratification of the 21st Amendment repealing Prohibition. Dover Days event. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Programs at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Museum open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 302-744-5055.

Saturday, May 3, 2014

“No Ordinary Speakeasy: The Johnson Club.” Musical presentation by DonDel productions in which the museum will be transformed into a speakeasy (minus the alcohol) featuring 1920s smooth blues. Guests are invited to come in 1920s dress. Dover Days event. Johnson Victrola Museum, 375 S. New St., Dover. Performances at 1 and 3 p.m. Museum open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 302-744-5055.

Saturday, May 3

"The Wooden World Revealed: The Archaeology and History of the DeBraak." Chuck Fithian, Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ curator of archaeology, will discuss the British warship that sank off the coast of Delaware in 1798. Dover Days event. Delaware Public Archives, 121 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Dover. 1:30 p.m. 302-744-5055.

Sunday, May 4

“Alice Roosevelt’s Maid.” Kim Hanley of the American Historical Theatre portrays Peggy, maid of Theodore Roosevelt’s daughter Alice. Program provides audiences with an up-close look at the clothing and personal items of wealthy women during the Gilded Age. Dover Days event. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Programs at 1 and 3 p.m. Museum open 11 a.m. tp 4:30 p.m. 302-744-5055.

Sunday, May 4, 2014

“Simple Pleasures: Picnic, Play and Dance.” Ann Baker Horsey, Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs’ curator of collections, will discuss spring and summer recreational activities and their original Edwardian and Roaring ´20s fashions. Dover Days event. The Old State House, 25 The Green, Dover. Program at 2 p.m. Museum open 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 302-744-5055.

Saturday, May 10

Demonstrations by the Thistledown Fiber Arts Guild. Program explores spinning, weaving, knitting and other fabric arts. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Program 1 to 3 p.m. Museum open 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.

Saturday, May 10

Seventh annual symposium on the early colonial archaeology of the Delaware Valley region. Featuring informal presentations, the program is designed to build a regional-level dialog that can identify the uniqueness of the early colonial cultures of the Delaware Valley. New Castle Court House Museum, 211 Delaware St., New Castle. 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 302-323-4453. To reserve a place, send an e-mail to [email protected].

Saturday, May 17

A Day in Old New Castle. The oldest house and garden tour in the nation includes programs at the New Castle Court House Museum and the New Castle Green. Sponsored by Immanuel Episcopal Church. Downtown New Castle. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission charge. 1-877-496-9498.

Saturday, May 17

Herb Day at the John Dickinson Plantation. Visitors will learn about 18th-century uses for herbs and create a sachet to take home. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Program 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Museum open 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.

Saturday, May 24

Battledore and Shuttlecock Day at the John Dickinson Plantation. Experience the fun, exercise and competition of battledore and shuttlecock, an early game similar to modern badminton. John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover. Activities 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Museum open 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 302-739-3277.

Saturday, May 24, 2014

3rd Annual Zwaanendael Maritime Festival. Maritime-themed activities, games, displays by local organizations and more. Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 302-645-1148.